The Wrexham (Gas Fired Power Station) Order
6.2.10 Volume 2: Environmental Statement Chapter 10: Landscape and visual impact assessment
Planning Act 2008 The Infrastructure Planning (Applications: Prescribed Forms and Procedure) Regulations 2009
PINS Reference Number: EN010055 Document Reference Number: 6.2.10 Regulation Number: 5(2) (a) Lead Author: Atkins
Revision: Date: Description: 0 March 2016 Submission version
SEC6-ES Vol1_A4 chapterTabs.indd 11 15/03/2016 10:49
WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Chapter 10 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
INTRODUCTION
10.1 This chapter presents the findings of a landscape and visual assessment (LVIA) of the proposed Scheme as described Chapter 4. Such an assessment was confirmed to be necessary in the EIA scoping opinion published by the Secretary of State in March 2014 (Appendix 5.1), in view of the potential for the project to exert significant effects on the existing landscape resource and visual receptors within a defined study area. The potential for significant effects relates to the change in land use associated with the Scheme, the visibility of a new Power Station Complex, and the scale and mass of the new built form within existing views.
10.2 The LVIA has helped to inform the design development process of the Scheme including: the design and layout; the retention of existing boundary vegetation; and the new landscape features and planting of the Power Station Complex.
10.3 This chapter should be read with Appendix 10, which contains additional assessment information, drawings, photographs and photomontages of the Scheme.
10.4 The layout of the Scheme is shown on the indicative landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan (Document ref: 2.9.1 to 2.9.7). Design principles and alternative building finishes, including the choice of colour and materials are considered in the Design and Access Statement to inform detail design requirements included in the DCO.
Legislative and policy context
European Landscape Convention
10.5 The UK signed and ratified the European Landscape Convention (ELC) in 2007 that recognises landscape not just in terms of appearance and visual amenity but as providing a spatial framework for understanding the interaction between the natural, cultural and perceptual elements, embedding landscape or ‘place’ into policy whilst managing and protecting the landscape as a resource in its own right. ‘ELC implementation in England aims to encourage a move towards multifunctional landscapes that provide a variety of benefits while protecting and managing those aspects of the landscape that are valued by society, and managing change positively in the planning and creation of new landscapes’.
10.6 The ELC definition of ‘landscape’, being ‘an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’ supports the need to deal with the landscape as a resource and to consider the
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landscape character. The applicant has sought to apply the principles of the ELC in the consideration of the landscape resource in the LVIA as required by the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment – 3rd Edition (GLVIA3).
10.7 Landscape features that contribute to the landscape character such as existing planting, including individual and groups of trees and hedgerows, are considered in the LVIA.
10.8 In addition to the landscape resource the LVIA identifies sensitive visual receptors including, but not limited to, users of Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and open land with right of access83 under the provision of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000).
National Policy Statements
10.9 Section 5.9 of the Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1) 84 sets out the general requirements for an LVIA, and identifies the assessment principles that are reflected in the assessment methodology section below.
10.10 These include consideration of:
relevant policies based on landscape character assessment studies included in planning documents and plans (EN-1 para 5.9.5);
existing landscape quality, how much it is valued and the capacity to accommodate change;
nationally designated landscapes (EN-1 para 5.9.9) and local landscapes that may be highly valued locally and protected by local designation (EN-1 para 5.9.14);
effect on landscape character and components during construction and operation (EN-1 para 5.9.6); and
visual effects on sensitive receptors, including visibility and conspicuousness of the project during construction and operation on views and visual amenity, including the effects of light pollution on local amenity and nature conservation (EN-1 para 5.9.7).
10.11 Para. 1.7.11 of EN-1 acknowledges that ‘the principal area in which consenting new energy infrastructure in accordance with the energy NPSs is likely to lead to adverse effects which cannot always be satisfactorily mitigated is in respect of landscape and visual effects’. Nonetheless, within the functional constraints of what a CCGT power station is, the applicant has sought to carefully site and design the proposed Power
83 http://www.ccgc.gov.uk/enjoying-the-country/open-access-land/open-access-maps.aspx 84 Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1), https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/47854/1938-overarching-nps- for-energy-en1.pdf, accessed on-line 2014.
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Station Complex in a way that responds to the landscape context and takes into account environmental effects to minimise harm.
10.12 The National Policy Statement for Gas Supply Infrastructure and Gas and Oil Pipelines (EN-4) 85 states an LVIA should be undertaken due to negative effects as a result of above ground infrastructure (EN-4 para. 1.7.2) and the constraints of planting above buried pipelines (EN-4 para. 2.21.2).
10.13 Other national planning policy and guidance relevant to this assessment include:
Chapter 5 of Planning Policy Wales (Edition 8, 2016);
Technical Advice Note (TAN) 5: Nature Conservation and Planning (2009);
TAN 10: Tree Preservation Orders (1997);
TAN 12: Design (2014)86;
Planning Practice Guidance on the Natural Environment – Landscape (England, April 2014) and Light Pollution (England, April 2014);
Welsh Office Circular 5/93: Public Rights of Way; and
Welsh Office Circular 64/78: Trees and Forestry.
Wrexham Unitary Development Plan (UDP) 1996 – 2011
10.14 The Wrexham Unitary Development Plan (UDP) 1996 – 2011 (adopted 2005) contains relevant policies: Policy PS2, PS3, Policy EC5 Special Landscape Area and Policy EC7 Conservation Areas that remain in place while Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) is preparing the Local Development Plan (LDP) which will replace the UDP when completed.
10.15 Policy PS2 states that development must not materially detrimentally affect countryside, landscape/townscape character, open space or the quality of the natural environment. This applies to the mitigation measures proposed which seek to mitigate the physical loss of environmental features within the Site.
10.16 Policy PS3 states that development should use brownfield land in preference to the use of greenfield land.
10.17 Policy EC5 requires development within Special Landscape Areas to minimise its visual impact. This applies to an underground section of the proposed Gas Connection Route which passes through a Special Landscape Area.
85 National Planning Policy Statement for Gas Supply Infrastructure and Gas and Oil Pipelines, 86 http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/policy/tans/?lang=en
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10.18 Policy EC7 states the priority will be to preserve views which contribute to the unique character of the area.
Additional Guidance
10.19 The following additional policies and guidance have also been considered:
10.20 The boundary of the Cheshire West & Chester Council administrative area lies approximately 2km from the Order Land at its closest point. Consideration has been given to the Cheshire West & Chester Council Local Plan (Part One) Strategic Policies (adopted 2015). This contains relevant policies: Strategic Objectives SO9 and SO11, and environmental policies ENV2 Landscape and ENV3 Green Infrastructure.
10.21 The guidance for this LVIA and in accordance with EN-1 is:
Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA)87;
Landscape Character Assessment (LCA)88; and
LANDMAP89.
10.22 References to published landscape character information and associated studies are included within the data sources in the following assessment methodology section.
Assessment of realistic worst case
10.23 The LVIA has been undertaken based on the realistic worst case of a 2 + 1 layout with two stacks, built to the largest building dimensions set out in Chapter 4. The 2 + 1 layout with two stacks at the largest dimensions represents:
the largest extents of the Scheme layout based on the height, built mass and footprint, of the stacks and Power Station Complex buildings; and
the maximum likely significant effects that the Scheme could have on the landscape resource, views and visual amenity taking into account the change in land use at the Site and significance of change in landscape character, the visibility of a new Power Station Complex and the scale and mass of the new built form within existing views.
87 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition, Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management Assessment, 2013. 88 An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment Natural England October 2014 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landscape-character-assessments-identify-and-describe-landscape- types 89 Natural Resource Wales (formerly Countryside Council for Wales) http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landmap89
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10.24 The LVIA also assumes that, as a worst case assessment:
the built form facades of the Power Station Complex will have a standard and generic grey finish - a more sympathetic finish will be considered as secondary mitigation during the detailed design process;
the finished floor level of the Power Station Complex design is 30m AOD;
construction activity will be undertaken up to Order Land boundary, although in reality, most of the works will be restricted to the main working areas of the Gas Connection and Power Station Complex and will exclude those areas of vegetation to be retained and enhanced (see Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) at Appendix 10.8, and landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan Document Ref 2.9.1); and
Site clearance of on-site vegetation will be greater than actually proposed to be undertaken during construction as set out in Table 10.14.
Table 10.1: Parameters defining the key “realistic worst case scenario” for LVIA Parameter Definition Number of stacks 2 Number of Gas Turbines 2 Number of HRSGs 2 Height of stacks 50 m Diameter of stacks (external) 6. 5 m Buildings Maximum dimensions as defined in Chapter 4 Building finishes Generic grey Construction activities Anywhere within the Order Land (excluding areas of vegetation to be retained) Site clearance Assumes maximum clearance of existing vegetation (as set out in Table 10.14)
ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
10.25 In accordance with EN-1 para. 5.9.5, the LVIA has been undertaken with regard to the GLVIA and LCA. The LVIA is a staged process, inputting into the design development of the Scheme in relation to the existing landscape resource and visual receptors and then informing separate landscape and visual assessments within a defined study area.
10.26 Landscape is defined as ‘an area as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’90. The LVIA is concerned
90 European Landscape Convention, Council of Europe, 2000
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with the potential effects of a development on the existing landscape resource, which includes the physical features such as landform and vegetation and the perceptual aspects that make a place distinctive.
10.27 ‘Visual receptors’ are the people within the study area that may have specific or general views of the Site, which the Scheme may affect. These include residents, workers, recreational and transport users.
10.28 This LVIA has been undertaken by chartered landscape architects during 2014 and until March 2015, through a combination of desk study review and field work. The field work was undertaken predominantly before the vegetation was in leaf, during January, February and March 2014 and 2015, to enable a greater extent of inter-visibility between the site and the study area and a full understanding of the potential worst- case scenario.
10.29 As described below in paragraph 10.45, the LVIA has considered the potential effects of the Scheme on the visual receptors during construction and operation, both during the day and at night. Following construction, the LVIA considers the effect of the Scheme on a winter’s day and at night in the year that it becomes fully operational before any planted mitigation has begun to take effect so that it reflects the operationally non- fully mitigated/maximum visibility scenario (see Appendix 10.2 for night time assessment methodology). The LVIA then considers the effect of the Scheme on a summer’s day in the fifteenth year after opening, when the planted mitigation measures can be assumed to be substantially effective so that it reflects a near fully mitigated scenario under normal conditions.
10.30 Photomontage verified views have been produced as part of the assessment. A photomontage involves the superimposition of an image onto a photograph for the purpose of creating a representation of the potential changes to the view. The photomontage views are required to be technically accurate using verified photography. The method to undertake these is based on industry accepted guidance91 and is outlined in Appendix 10.1. This methodology and the photomontage viewpoints employed in this assessment were identified with reference to the Guidelines to Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment third edition.
10.31 The number and location of photomontage viewpoints (Photomontage 1-6) was agreed in consultation with WCBC in February 2014 (Refer to Appendix 10.3). These photomontage views show the Scheme Year 1 and Year 15 with and without the Scheme:
Figure 10.6a and 10.6b Photomontage 1: View north from Parkey Lodge (Receptor 4);
91 Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment, Landscape Institute, Advice Note 01/11.
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Figure 10.6c and 10.6d Photomontage 2: View west from PRoW FP 13 and residences at Shocklach Green / Lane End Farm (Receptor 8);
Figure 10.6e and 10.6f Photomontage 3: View south from PRoW 25, Cornish Hall and Holt Lodge (Receptor 13);
Figure 10.6g and 10.6h Photomontage 4: View south from residences and vehicular users on Ridley Wood Road and B5130 (Receptor 19);
Figure 10.6i and 10.6j Photomontage 5: View west from residences at Marshley Farm and along the B5130 (Receptor 20); and
Figure 10.6k and 10.6l Photomontage 6: View north from vehicle users on Bryn Lane (Receptor 23).
10.32 These photomontage viewpoint locations are shown on Figure 10.4a and 10.4b.
Study area
10.33 The extent of the LVIA study area has continued to be reviewed throughout the design development of the Scheme and in response to consultation with Wrexham County Borough Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council. The study area extends up to 7km from the Order Limits.
10.34 The study area is presented in Figure 10.2 and extends: north to Borras Head and Holt; east to Crewe-by-Farndon and Shocklach (Cheshire, England), with specific viewpoints included further afield at Carden, Maiden Castle and Chorlton Lane; southwards across the low lying floodplain of the River Dee to Cross Lanes; and west to the eastern urban edge of Wrexham and Rhosllanerchrugog.
Power Station Complex Site
10.35 There are two distinct components of the Power Station Complex’s built form. The first are those components up to 35 metres in height, as defined in Chapter 4 (the Power Station Complex buildings), for which there is the potential to mitigate visual impacts through siting and new planting. The second built form components of the Power Station Complex are the two stacks (up to 50m in height / 80 m AOD), for which mitigation is based on siting and architectural finishes.
10.36 A Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) has been established, illustrated in Figure 10.1. This ZTV defines the areas of land within which the Scheme is theoretically visible. The ZTV has been generated via GIS with digital terrain modelling of topographic height data, including existing buildings and trees.
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10.37 The GIS modelling assumed that the Scheme would be built at a finished floor level of 30m AOD with the height of the stacks being worst case, maximum height of 80m AOD. The ZTV is modelled on the visibility of the maximum height and position of both of the stacks and shows how the presence of trees and buildings cast a shadow where they would not be visible.
10.38 Due to flat terrain of the existing landform and resulting screening provided by intervening vegetation surrounding the Power Station Complex Site, the potential for significant visual effects for the Power Station Complex buildings is considered to extend up to 2.5km. The GIS modelling assumes that the Scheme would be built at a finished floor level of 30 m AOD with the ridge height of the highest Scheme building being 65 m AOD.
10.39 Field work was undertaken to verify the ZTV. The Power Station Complex buildings and stacks were considered in relation to the existing Kellogg’s factory and two associated stacks (approximately 38m in height, 68m AOD) that were used as a visual reference for the inter-visibility studies; i.e. whether the factory or stacks could be seen from a visual receptor location would enable a judgement as to whether the Power Station Complex buildings and stacks would or would not be visible.
10.40 The Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI), shown as an orange hatch on Figure 10.1, illustrates the area in which, if visible, significant visual effects are most likely within the study area. It does not represent those areas from which the proposed Scheme might be visible, this is shown by the blue shaded areas of the ZTV within 2.5km of the Power Station Complex and also represents areas where significant visual effects are more likely. The Power Station Complex could be viewed from locations further afield than the ZVI shown by the orange hatch; however, the effects beyond the ZVI are not likely to be significant.
10.41 The study area shown on Figure 10.2 includes all receptors as representative viewpoints as identified in consultation with the Landscape Officers of Wrexham County Borough Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council as described in paragraph 10.33 above.
Gas Connection Route and Above Ground Installation (AGI)
10.42 The study area for the Gas Connection Route and AGI was defined as 500m on either side of the Order Land. This reflected the nature of the below ground development, the presence of mature hedgerows and the position of potential receptors.
10.43 The Gas Connection Route is approximately 3.5km in length in total. The pipeline will be underground for the entire length.
10.44 The AGI is located adjacent to the Maelor Gas Distribution Works approximately 2.2km to the south west of the Power Station Complex Site. The AGI will comprise a
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compound, secured by fencing with a maximum height of 2.5m. The compound would contain an instrument kiosk, a series of pipes and valves.
Data sources
10.45 The ZTV shown in Figure 10.1 has been generated using a digital surface model containing topographic height data for existing buildings and trees.
10.46 The desk study review has been undertaken with reference to the following sources of information:
OS Explorer Map No. 256 (Wrexham/ Wrecsam & Llangollen) and 257 (Crewe and Nantwich);
National Character Area 61 (NCA 61): Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire Plain, Key Facts & Data92;
LANDMAP Natural Resource Wales (formerly Countryside Council for Wales) http://www.ccw.gov.uk/landmap
Wrexham LANDMAP Supplementary Planning Guidance (2007);
Cheshire Landscape Character Assessment (2008);
Chester District Landscape Assessment and Guidelines;
Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) guidance on trees and tree preservation orders;
WCBC Wrexham Tree and Woodland Strategy;
PRoW Wrexham https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/leisure_tourism/prow/definitive_map.htm
PRoW Cheshire http://maps.cheshire.gov.uk/cheshirecc.interactivemapping.web.internet/Default. aspx
Aerial photography.
92 National Character Area 61, Natural England, http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/61_Shopshire_Staffordshire_Plain_tcm6-32336.pdf, accessed on-line 2014.
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Significance criteria
10.47 The assessment of the significance of effects of the Scheme is determined using the criteria below and the methodical consideration of a Chartered Landscape Architect based on their professional judgement. This process assesses the relationship between the sensitivity of the identified landscape resource and visual receptors in terms of their susceptibility to changes and the nature of visual effects arising from the Scheme. The latter is referred to as the magnitude of impact for the purposes of this assessment.
10.48 The landscape sensitivity is expressed as a scale ranging between high, medium and low as per the following table:
Table 10.2: Landscape Sensitivity Criteria Landscape Sensitivity Criteria High Susceptibility to changes arising from the Scheme is likely due to the landscape being characterised by components which are rare or not easy to replace and maintained in a good condition. High level of tranquillity. Value at a national or international scale. Medium Fairly susceptible to changes arising from the Scheme as the landscape is characterised by components which are replaceable and maintained in a fair condition. Medium level of tranquillity. Value as a designated conservation area, registered park and garden or valued at a regional or borough scale. Low The landscape is not susceptible to changes arising from the Scheme as components are easily replaceable, of limited value or in poor condition. Low level of tranquillity. No landscape designations.
10.49 The visual receptor sensitivity to the proposed development is a scale ranging between high, medium and low as per the following table:
Table 10.3: Visual Receptor Sensitivity Visual Sensitivity Criteria High Likely to be residences, recreational users and protected or designated views. Medium Likely to be road and rail users. Low Likely to be employment or sport users.
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10.50 The LVIA has then considered the potential effects during the construction and operational phases of the Scheme on the existing landscape resource and visual receptors. In the assessment the demolition of the Scheme during the decommissioning phase is considered to present similar effects to the construction phase. These phases are defined as:
construction (winter, day time) – peak construction phase during winter, assuming the construction of the Power Station Complex, the Gas Connection are occurring at the same time. The construction phase is assessed during winter when the existing vegetation is not in leaf and therefore represents a worst case scenario for the purposes of EIA;
operation year 1 (winter, day time) – standard working period during winter to identify the potential effects before the vegetation is in leaf. As the assessment is for a standard working day, there are no visible emissions (plume) from the Scheme;
operation year 1 (winter, night) – standard working period during winter to identify the potential effects of lighting within the Scheme. This is a qualitative assessment only; and
operation year 15 (summer, day time) – standard working period during summer to identify the potential effects after new planting within the Site has established.
10.51 The effects of the Scheme phases are assessed in terms of the magnitude of change, expressed as a scale ranging between high, medium, low or negligible as per the following tables:
Table 10.4: Landscape Magnitude of Change Landscape Magnitude of Criteria Change High The size and scale of the Scheme would result in a total loss or alteration to the landscape features and a marked change to the tranquillity. The Scheme would alter the landscape character of an area. Medium The size and scale of the Scheme would result in a partial loss or alteration to the landscape features and a noticeable change to the tranquillity. The Scheme would be largely characteristic of the character area, although prominent. Low The size and scale of the Scheme would result in a minor loss or alteration to the landscape features and a discernible change to the tranquillity. The Scheme would be largely characteristic of the character area or inconspicuous. Negligible The size and scale of the Scheme would result in a very minor loss
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Landscape Magnitude of Criteria Change or alteration to the landscape features and no perceptible change to the tranquillity. The Scheme would be characteristic of the character area and not influential.
10.52 The visual magnitude of change is based on the following criteria.
Table 10.5: Visual Magnitude of Change Visual Magnitude of Criteria Change High Total loss or alteration to the character of the view as a result of the Scheme being highly visible and uncharacteristic of the existing view. The Scheme may be directly within the field of view and at close range, being a dominant component of the view. Medium Partial loss or alteration to the character of the view as a result of the Scheme being highly visible but characteristic of the existing view, or partially filtered by existing elements. The Scheme would represent a noticeable component of the wider view. Low Minor loss or alteration to the character of the view, whereby the Scheme is largely characteristic of the existing view or largely filtered by existing elements or viewed obliquely. The Scheme would represent a minor component of the wider view. Negligible Very minor loss to the existing view, with the Scheme being a very minor component of the wider view or almost entirely screened by intervening elements.
10.53 The LVIA then considers the relationship between the sensitivity of the landscape resource and visual receptors with the magnitude of change to assess the effect and whether this is significant or not. This assessment is based on professional judgement. The criteria for this is defined within the following tables, with an effect of moderate or major assessed as significant for the purposes of EIA.
10.54 The landscape effect criteria are defined as follows.
Table 10.6: Landscape Effect Criteria Landscape Criteria Significant Effect Major adverse The Scheme would considerably alter the existing landscape Yes character and be judged adverse at the national, regional and borough scale.
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Landscape Criteria Significant Effect Moderate The Scheme would be at variance to the existing landscape Yes adverse character and be judged adverse at the local scale. Minor adverse The Scheme would be at slight variance to the existing No landscape character. Negligible The Scheme would be compatible with the existing landscape No character. Minor The Scheme would slightly improve the existing landscape No beneficial character. Moderate The Scheme would markedly improve the existing landscape Yes beneficial character and partially restore valued characteristics. Major The Scheme would considerably improve the existing Yes beneficial landscape character and restore valued characteristics.
10.55 The visual effect criteria are defined as:
Table 10.7: Visual Effect Criteria Visual Effect Criteria Significant Major adverse The Scheme would be a marked deterioration to the existing Yes view. Moderate The Scheme would be a noticeable deterioration to the existing Yes adverse views. Minor adverse The Scheme would be a discernible deterioration to the No existing views. Negligible The Scheme would neither improve nor deteriorate the No existing view. Minor adverse The Scheme would represent a discernible improvement to the No existing view. Moderate The Scheme would represent a noticeable improvement in the Yes adverse existing view. Major adverse The Scheme would represent a marked improvement in the Yes existing view.
Scoping and Consultation
Scoping Report
10.56 No potential effects were explicitly scoped out in the Scoping Report.
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Consultation and Scoping Opinion
10.57 During the LVIA process, consultations have taken place with a number of stakeholders. Consultation has included the agreement of LVIA methodology, identification of visual receptors, photomontage locations, requirements for mitigation and agreeing the assessment study area.
10.58 Consultation is shown in Appendix 10.3, with the following table summarising the scoping opinion requirements.
10.59 The scoping opinion welcomed the proposal to agree viewpoints with WCBC, and noted the need to consider the effects of lighting.
Table 10.8: Items identified within the Scoping Opinion related to LVIA Scoping Opinion Requirement Comment 3.45: …. The applicant’s attention is drawn to the The LVIA defines the baseline conditions, comments from NRW and WCBC in Appendix 2. including all relevant statutory or non- The ES should define the baseline conditions, statutory landscape designations within the including all relevant statutory or non-statutory study area. landscape designations [WCBC comments follow below] WCBC requested a plan showing the study area. The study area is shown on Figure 10.2. It was requested that the plan shows ‘TPOs and ancient and semi natural woodlands’ WCBC requested that LANDMAP is referred to in The LVIA refers to LANDMAP in the PEIR and the scoping report and in the landscape ES. assessment.
WCBC requested that a visual effects boundary of A Study Area of 7km from the Order Land 3km from the Scheme is included has been used in the study.
WCBC requested that ‘Natural Resources Wales NRW have been consulted pursuant to Afterwards, Coed Cadw and the Ancient Tree Section 42, details are provided in the Forum should be added to the list of consultees Consultation Report (Document ref: 5.1). Due to the minimal impact on trees that are anticipated as a result of inherent mitigation through design both Coed Cadw and the Ancient Tree Forum have been contacted by WPL. WCBC requested that: AIA was undertaken according to BS5837 A BS 5837: 2012 tree survey, arboricultural and is included as a separate appendix
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Scoping Opinion Requirement Comment impact assessment (AIA) and tree constraints plan [should] be produced … arboricultural matters should be addressed as a separate topic to landscape and visual effects 3.46: The ES should also state which visual The LVIA the representative viewpoints and receptors have been chosen, the reason for this associated receptors that have been agreed choice and the zone of visual influence for the with WCBC and CWACC. A zone of proposed development. The methodology used, theoretical visibility and zone of visual and any assumptions underlying the conclusions influence has been provided. should be agreed with stakeholders and clearly stated. Having had regard to the size and height Methodology has been agreed with of the proposed development the SoS considers consultees through the submitted Scoping that the landscape and visual impact assessment Report and PEIR. should include photomontages of the proposed development. The viewpoints for photomontages Photomontages have been provided from should be agreed with stakeholders including viewpoints agreed with WCBC landscape WCBC and NRW. The SoS welcomes the intention officer who is now in post at NRW. to agree viewpoints with WCBC but draws the applicant’s attention to WCBC’s comments in Appendix 2 of the Scoping Opinion adopted by the SoS in 2013 (WCBC have stated in their response for this Scoping Opinion that their comments are in addition to the comments originally provided in 2012). 3.47: The SoS advises that the visual effects Night time assessment included considered should also include those generated by the project at night from lighting, for both the construction and operational phases 3.48: The Scoping Report states that a separate An Arboricultural Impact Assessment has arboriculture report will be included as an been provided in Appendix 10.8 appendix to the ES. The applicant’s attention is drawn to the comments from NRW and WCBC on the need to assess the effects on trees and woodlands in Appendix 2. 3.49: The proposals will be for large structures. Design principles and alternative building The SoS requests that careful consideration finishes, including the choice of colour and should be given to the form, siting, and use of materials are considered in the Design and materials and colours in terms of minimising the Access Statement to inform detail design adverse visual impact of these structures. requirements included in the DCO. 3.50: The Scoping Report states that the Cumulative effects assessment included a cumulative effects assessment will, where consideration of the electrical connection appropriate consider the energy centre’s and the list of other developments to electrical connection. The SoS advises that consider within the cumulative assessment
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Scoping Opinion Requirement Comment landscape and visual effects are one of the areas has been provided by WCBC. where the cumulative effects of the project with the electrical connection should be considered. Other developments in the vicinity may also contribute to cumulative effects. The applicant should seek advice from WCBC on which developments should be taken into account. English Heritage noted the following needed to Historic Landscape Characterisation be considered: considered in Heritage chapter. The potential impact upon the historic character of the landscape Effects on landscape amenity from public and private land … In considering impacts on the character of the wider landscape data sets such as county based Historic Landscape Characterisation can be used in conjunction with Landscape Character Assessments. The former provides an understanding of the evolution and present day historic character of the landscape. Both Shropshire and Cheshire have completed Historic Landscape Characterisations and further information can be obtained from the relevant local authority Isycoed Community Council noted the following: These community councils and parishes Consultees should include Sesswick, Holt and were all consulted as statutory consultees Abenbury – plus adjoining parishes in Cheshire – during Scoping who could be affected by … the visual impact of the proposals
10.60 Further comments received as part of Section 42 Consultation relevant to the LVIA are included below:
Table 10.9: Section 42 Consultation Responses relevant to the LVIA Section 42 Consultation Response Comment The Natural Resources Body for Wales (NRW) Significance of landscape and visual effects Assessment of final design option provided has been judged 'remarkably low' and further within this report and rationale behind the justification required. identified effects have been justified in the
ES. Restoration scheme must consider issues such The landscape and ecological mitigation
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Section 42 Consultation Response Comment as planting native species of known local masterplan specifies native trees and shrubs provenance. and this requirement will be considered further at detailed design. The LVIA does not effectively consider the effect The assessment of the final design option of the existing and proposed structures at provided within this report and rationale Wrexham IE on the impacts of the proposed behind the identified effects have been Scheme. justified in the ES. A cumulative assessment of the effect of the Scheme in combination with other known developments has also been included. Photomontages are required. Six photomontages are included as part of the Application and are referred to in the LVIA in the ES from key viewpoints, including four photomontage viewpoints that have previously been agreed with WCBC. The LVIA should be used to inform mitigation The LVIA has informed the development of measures, including design/appearance of plant the mitigation strategy and the identification and landscaping/bunding. and design of the environmental components of the illustrative landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan as part of an iterative Scheme design process as described in Chapter 4 of the ES. Green roofs, green walls and green fences This will be considered during the detailed should be considered. design process, alongside fire risk, structural reinforcement, maintenance and health and safety. As such, the LVIA has assumed the worst case scenario of no green roof being implemented. Wrexham County Borough Council Consider further the potential to mitigate The LVIA has informed the development of residential amenity impacts, particularly to the the mitigation strategy and the identification north-east, east and south-east. and design of the environmental components of the illustrative landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan as part of an iterative Scheme design process as described in Chapter 4 of the ES. This has considered the potential to mitigate all identified impacts. Impact of gas corridor on landscape is not The significance of the effect of the Gas quantified – how would plan policy be fulfilled? Connection and AGI on the landscape resource, views and visual amenity have been assessed separately in the ES. LVIA should consider designated landscapes, Designated landscapes have been identified
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Section 42 Consultation Response Comment including AONB. as part of the baseline assessment and the effects on the landscape resource of, view and visual amenity within the AONB have been considered in the ES. Mitigation measures need to be clear in ES. Mitigation measures are shown on the illustrative landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan and described in Chapter 4 and this Chapter of the ES. Interrelated landscape, ecology and Mitigation measures are shown on the arboriculture issues to feed into mitigation illustrative landscape and ecological strategy, set out in Site Selection, Alternatives mitigation masterplan and described in the and Design Evolution section. ES. Disagree with elements of Table 31 and method Assessment of final design option provided of quantifying landscape sensitivity. within this report based on current best practice in GLVIA3 and rationale behind the identified effects have been justified in the ES. Plume to be considered. There will be no visible plume from the proposed stacks – refer to Chapter 4 of the ES. Recommend small planting scheme west of Potential mitigation measures have been B5130 to preserve sense of remoteness around included within the landscape and ecological Marshley Farm. mitigation masterplan including bund planting and maintenance of the boundary vegetation as shown on the illustrative landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan. This will provide planting to the west of B5130. Believe effects at Marshley Farm properties are Assessment of worst case design is provided downplayed. within this Chapter and rationale behind the identified effects has been justified in the ES. Consideration of the electricity grid connection Cumulative effects of the Scheme and other to be provided. relevant developments are considered in each chapter in the ES. Cheshire West and Chester Council Should include two additional residential These properties have been included within properties in assessment: Lane End Farm the assessment of the worst case design (342880, 349530) and Crewe Hill (342070, option provided within the ES and the 352720). rationale behind the identified effects has been justified. Need to consider LVIA effects from certain Additional viewpoints have been identified viewpoints in Cheshire. within Cheshire and included in the ES. The location of these viewpoints has been
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Section 42 Consultation Response Comment informed by discussions with the landscape architect from CWCC and additional site survey. Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Joint Advisory Committee The JAC notes that the proposed site is located The AONB is addressed in this chapter. It is approximately 11km outside the AONB and will noted that the distance to the AONB (11 km), form part of the larger existing developed area the fact that the WEC is on the opposite side of Wrexham Industrial Estate but, given the of the Wrexham Industrial Estate and the large scale of the development, it will be visible tallest elements of the Scheme are the two in distant views from the higher ground of the stacks which only have a diameter of up to AONB to the west. In this context, the JAC 6.5m means that there will be no impact considers that the Landscape and Visual Impact upon the site, despite its value/sensitivity. Assessment (LVIA) to be included in the There will be no visible plumes from the Environmental Statement should give greater stacks or the cooling system. weight to consideration of the potential impact on the AONB than is contained in the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR). In particular, the JAC has concerns about the potential impact on views to the east from the AONB, including the visual impact of potential plume from the stacks or cooling system which does not appear to be covered in the PEIR
Cumulative Developments
10.61 The LVIA cumulative assessment has identified the worst case scenarios of the developments described in Chapter 5, and summarised below, in conjunction with the Scheme:
Kingmoor Park North: A consented outline planning application for B8 development on Kingmoor Park North, immediately north of the Power Station Complex Site;
North Wales Prison: Planning permission for the construction of a Prison within a secure perimeter fence, to the south-west of the Power Station Complex Site which is under construction and due for completion in early 2017; and
Pickhill Bridge Farm Solar Array. A proposed 4 MW solar photovoltaic array on 7.6 ha that is currently agricultural land at Pickhill Bridge Farm, Holt Road, Cross Lanes, Wrexham
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The anticipated Electrical Connection upgrade and reinforcement works required to connect the Power Station Complex to the existing 132KV local electrical distribution network.
Inherent Mitigation
10.62 A number of environmental mitigation components are proposed as part of the Scheme. These components are shown on the illustrative landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan (Document Ref 2.9.1 to 2.9.7) that represents the mitigation strategy assessed in the LVIA. The mitigation strategy reflects the landscape, ecological and arboricultural considerations that include integrating the Scheme into the local context, providing screening to reduce the impact of the development on visual receptors, and enhancing the landscape character and habitat diversity of the Power Station Complex Site where possible.
10.63 The LVIA has contributed to the iterative design of the Scheme by using the information from the desk study and field work to reduce the potential impact. This iterative process includes inherent mitigation measures that are environmental components of the Scheme that have been taken into consideration in this assessment.
10.64 These mitigation measures would be implemented to help reduce the impact of the Scheme on views from visual receptors, and integrate the Scheme into the wider landscape character whilst enhancing the ecological value of the Site. These areas will also be designed to integrate with the wider landscape framework of the Scheme.
10.65 The above measures for both the Power Station Complex Site and Gas Connection Route and AGI will be secured by way of an illustrative landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan (Document ref: 2.9.1 to 2.9.7) that will be designed in accordance with the requirements set out in the DCO.
10.66 The existing trees within the Power Station Complex Site have been surveyed and recorded in the AIA (Refer to Appendix 10.8) as individual tree specimens and tree groups. This is in accordance with the recommendations of BS5837:2012 reference paragraph 4.2.4 (‘in the case of woodlands or substantial tree groups, only individual trees with stem diameters greater than 150mm usually need be plotted’). This level of survey meets the requirements of BS 5837:2012, which states that ‘trees growing as groups or woodland should be identified and assessed as such’. The BS defines the term group as ‘trees that form cohesive arboricultural features either aerodynamically (e.g. trees that provide companion shelter), visually (e.g. avenues or screens) or culturally including for biodiversity (e.g. parkland or wood pasture).’
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Power Station Complex Site
10.67 The following best practice measures would be adopted during construction to minimise impact on the following existing landscape features and have been assumed for the purpose of the assessment of effects:
woodland tree belt on the northern boundary that is covered by a Tree Preservation Order;
tree and shrub planting on the eastern boundary; and
hedgerow and existing tree and shrub planting alongside Bryn Lane forming a buffer between the highway and the Power Station Complex.
10.68 New landscape measures would include (as shown on the illustrative landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan, Document Ref 2.9.1 to 2.9.7):
new landscape bund incorporating native woodland planting to reinforce the screening effect of existing vegetation on eastern boundary (species oak, cherry, hawthorn, holly);
ecological mitigation area: open grassland habitat corridor to compensate for loss of 15,322m2 semi improved grassland - management annual hay/wildflower cut July / August including refuge for invertebrate and reptiles;
Great crested newt mitigation: wetland area with a total area of 7,216 m2 including three ponds;
individual tree planting, groups of salix planting, marginal wetland planting and open water floating and submerged plants;
5m hedgebank - planted with native tree planting (species oak) and native shrubs (species hawthorn, elder dog rose) to define ecological mitigation area; and
5m ditch with open natural vegetation to link to wetland area (part of drainage attenuation function).
10.69 Table 10.10 provides an indication of the approximate areas of each mitigation component of the Power Station Complex considered in the LVIA.
Table 10.10: Landscape Mitigation Areas Landscape mitigation areas Area (m2) Hedge/hedgebank - planted with native tree planting (Species: oak) and 998 native shrubs (Species: hawthorn, elder, dog rose) 5m wide ditch with open natural vegetation 1,080
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Proposed woodland area (Providing a visual barrier to the east) 10,022 Proposed native woodland planting reinforcing screening effect of 1,440 boundary vegetation (Species: oak, cherry, hawthorn, holly)
10.70 The approximate number of native trees (and shrubs) that would be planted in the new woodland planting areas and hedgebank shown on the illustrative landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan will be based on a density of 0.44 trees/shrubs plants per square metre.
10.71 Scheme features would be designed as part of the landscape mitigation including the proposed surface water attenuation that would be reviewed with the drainage strategy at detail design - adjusting the depth and layout to form an integrated landscape feature with the same storage volume and function.
10.72 The primary measures (design decisions embedded into the Scheme) have included siting studies for the Power Station Complex, layout options of the Scheme buildings, and new planting.
10.73 Other mitigation measures (primary measures) included in the Scheme by design include:
minimisation of obtrusive lighting; and
Positioning of the Power Station Complex close to Bryn Lane and the existing factory / industrial buildings.
Gas Connection Route and AGI
10.74 Mitigation measures integral to the Scheme that have been taken into consideration in this assessment include:
adjusting the corridor alignment and method of working to protect and retain existing landscape features including: hedgerows and trees, water bodies, river and tributaries etc.;
adopting best practice measures during construction to minimise the impact on the existing landscape features to be retained; and
positioning of the AGI to avoid loss of trees where possible.
10.75 New landscape measures that have been taken into consideration in this assessment include:
new native hedge, tree and woodland planting to replace existing vegetation removed within the Gas Connection corridor.
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Difficulties encountered compiling information
10.76 With reference to the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2009, Schedule 4, Part 1, the following difficulties have been encountered in compiling the required information for the LVIA:
there has been no access to residences and therefore baseline descriptions and photographs have been undertaken from the nearest publically accessible location, and;
the height of the existing buildings adjacent to the Site and within the study area has been estimated during the field work.
BASELINE INFORMATION
10.77 The existing landscape resource and visual receptors within the LVIA study area are assessed separately. These should be read in conjunction with Appendices 10.4 and 10.5.
Landscape Resource
10.78 The Power Station Complex Site includes the following broad landscape features:
an area of hardstanding previously used as a car park;
a small brook along the western and northern boundaries surrounded by mature vegetation;
four ponds;
hardstanding tracks for old access routes;
an area of hardstanding along the eastern boundary which previously accommodated three silos/towers associated with the former Owen Corning operation shown Chapter 4, Figure 4.4;
boundary fencing to the south and west;
a raised area of scrub grassland with spoil mounds;
three fields bounded by hedgerows and hedgerow trees; and
blocks of scrub and woodland close to the southern boundary.
10.79 The Gas Connection Route includes the following broad landscape features:
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sections of agricultural fields;
hedgerows and hedgerow trees;
a section of River Clywedog;
an area of industrial site and brownfield land;
sections of road; and
an access track from the B5130.
10.80 The study area broadly covers a 7km radius from the Order Land. This has been defined through a combination of desk study, survey work and consultation with Wrexham County Borough Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council. The study area extends from the Site to the following areas:
northwards to Borras Head and Holt;
eastwards to Crewe-by-Farndon and Shocklach (Cheshire, England) with specific viewpoints included further afield at Carden, Maiden Castle and Chorlton Lane;
southwards across the low lying floodplain of the River Dee to Cross Lanes; and
westwards to the eastern urban edge of Wrexham and Rhosllanerchrugog.
Landscape Designations
10.81 The Power Station Complex Site is located adjacent to a group Tree Preservation Order (TPO) reference WMBC No.60_W1 that covers the woodland belt along the northern boundary.
10.82 Part of the underground section of the Gas Connection Route is located within a Special Landscape Area as designated by the Wrexham Unitary Development Plan 1996-2011, Adopted February 2005. For development within Special Landscape Areas, under Policy EC5, “special attention will be paid to minimising its visual impact both from nearby and distant viewpoints”.
10.83 The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is located beyond Rhosllanerchrugog to the west. However, given the distance of 11km between the AONB and the Scheme, and the position of the Power Station Complex Site on the far side of the Wrexham Industrial Estate when viewed from the AONB it is judged that there would be no potential for significant effects on the AONB and as a result has not been considered further in this assessment.
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Published Landscape Studies / Character Assessments
10.84 Land within the Order Land and study area is classified in a number of published landscape studies as illustrated on Figure 10.3 and described below.
10.85 The Wrexham LANDMAP Supplementary Planning Guidance (2007) characterises the Power Station Complex Site within the following LCAs:
LCA 11 Wrexham Industrial Estate, characterised by an area of urban built land with mixed industrial development. It is a relatively flat landscape with a network of small ditches and ponds. It is set within low lying pastoral farmland and incorporates former hedgerow oak trees. Some large scale buildings can be seen from far distant viewpoints. The estate is sensitive to development of industrial plots which do not take into account the potential loss of biodiversity; and
LCA 13c Dee Terraces, characterised by low lying flat landscape, intensively farmed with long views where hedgerows permit. The integrity of the landscape is highly vulnerable to continuing development and recreational pressures and to economic changes which threaten traditional farming.
10.86 It characterises the Gas Connection Route and AGI within the following LCAs:
LCA 13a Welsh Maelor, characterised as a rolling and undulating agricultural landscape with small to medium scale fields with elements of estate farming, woodland blocks and copses;
LCA 13c Dee Terraces, characterised as a low-lying, flat, intensively farmed landscape. Other aspects include abundant hedges and hedgerow trees, and widespread field ponds and roadside and field ditches. Dee Terraces are vulnerable to the same pressures as the River Dee Floodplain and highly vulnerable to development and recreational pressures; and
LCA 14 River Dee Floodplain, characterised as open flat fields with pasture and arable use enclosed by thorn hedges, resulting in a well-defined field pattern. In the lower river terraces field pattern is more generally rectilinear and with lower more harshly cut hedgerows in places. Large scale built development is limited to scattered rural farmsteads and clustered village dwellings.
10.87 The LCAs detailed below are situated within the study area (see Figure 10.2) but outside the physical footprint of either aspect of the Scheme. LCA’s R7, WLP4, SR4, SF2 and RF5 were defined by the Cheshire Landscape Character Assessment, November 2008 (further informed by the Chester District Landscape Assessment and Guidelines 1998) and NCA 61 was defined by Natural England.
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LCA 7c Rhosllanerchrugog – Rhostyllen – Ruabon – Penycae, characterised as an area of former industry with a dominant 19th century built form surrounded by agricultural fields bordered by hedgerows;
LCA 8 Gwersyllt, Llay, Gresford, Borras, characterised by generally undulating open arable farmland affected by proximity to urban areas. There is a distinctive kettle hole landscape to the east of Wrexham and semi-rural villages with extensive suburban development;
LCA 10 Wrexham Town, characterised by a Central historic and retail core, surrounded by areas of non-residential uses and remaining areas of older housing with extensive outer areas of post-war and recent housing, including planned garden village estates, public housing and cul-de-sac modern estates;
NCA 61 Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire Plain, characterised by a series of small sandstone ridges which cut across the plain and are very prominent features within this open landscape. It contains several significant flood plains, with its flat, low-lying basins carrying the meandering stages of ten main rivers;
LCA R7 River Dee, characterised by the absence of elevated viewpoints meaning the river cannot be seen from surrounding locations for much of its length. The A534 crosses the valley at elevation and curtails any north-south views along the course of the river. South of the bridge is a wide agricultural plain with cultivated arable fields. To the west the Clwydian hills are visible in the far distance over fields of predominantly arable crops;
LCA WLP4 Shocklach, characterised by an extensive system of narrow and winding country lanes running between solid, intact hedgerows connecting the small settlements, isolated hamlets and farmsteads. Fields are small to medium in size and many areas have a strong feeling of tranquillity and isolation. The topography is generally flat with the land along the western boundary allowing distant views towards the Clwydian Hills in the far distance;
LCA SR4 Maiden Castle, characterised by extensive tracts of heathland and peripheral birch woodland which form a distinctive landscape, with distant and panoramic views out over the surrounding lower ground. A number of small fields lie within or alongside the woodland. The scale of these enclosures lies mid-way between the total enclosure of the woodland and the more expansive landscapes of the open heath on the higher ground and ridges;
LCA SF2 Beeston-Duckington, this character area completely encircles the Peckforton and Maiden Castle Character Areas of the Sandstone Ridge type and this central zone of high ground forms a dominant wooded skyline throughout the area. Those elevated locations with an open outlook enjoy extensive views over the surrounding countryside; and
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LCA RF5 Malpas, this area appears to be heavily wooded due to the dominance of trees upon the skyline. The Carden Estate is located between High Carden and Barton. The estate commands extensive views across the West Cheshire Plain towards Chester and the Clwydian Hills. However, views into the estate are restricted by extensive woodland belts and boundary walls.
Existing Vegetation
10.88 A Tree Survey of all the trees within the Power Station Complex Site has been undertaken in accordance with BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations. The survey captured 25 individual trees and 26 tree groups growing within the Power Station Complex Site and on adjacent third party land. The full Survey can be found in Appendix 10.8.
10.89 The Power Station Complex Site supports large areas of self-sown willow, blackthorn and hawthorn trees as well as large areas of scrub that have established through lack of active management. There are pockets of scrub vegetation around the central pond area, which is dominated by self-sown blackthorn scrub. Individual tree specimens are primarily early-mature to mature English oak trees growing as part of field boundary vegetation. These trees are of high landscape and arboricultural significance given their maturity and scale.
10.90 Two tree groups are located alongside the northern extents of the Power Station Complex Site; they are also covered under a TPO as a woodland group reference WMBC No.60_W1. These groups form a linear woodland containing a mixture of tree species, including English oak, common ash and crack willow trees. The understorey shrubs are a mixture of Hawthorn and Goat Willow.
10.91 Along the western extents of the Power Station Complex Site is a line of semi-mature common ash trees in fair to good physiological condition. These trees seemingly were planted as part of screen enhancement operations for views into the Power Station Complex Site from the west.
10.92 The remaining tree/shrub groups are also located on or close to field boundaries as overgrown hedgerows or more informal areas of primarily self-sown tree and shrubs. They all offer a degree of screening to views in and around the Power Station Complex Site, increasing their landscape amenity value.
10.93 The main areas of vegetation within the wider study area are considered to be:
several small areas of woodland or coverts along the valley side, streams and the course of the River Clywedog. The fields are enclosed by mature hedgerows with individual trees;
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to the north of the Site the vegetation is characterised by mature hedgerows with individual trees;
to the east of the Site the existing vegetation is characterised by hedgerows and trees bordering large irregular fields and open fields; and
to the west of the Site there are mature trees within Wrexham Industrial Estate, a number of individual woodlands (Big Wood) and mature hedgerows with trees bordering the fields. There are also areas of mature vegetation at Bonc-yr- Hafod Country Park.
Public Rights of Way (PRoW)
10.94 PRoW within the study area are shown on Figure 10.4.
10.95 There are no PRoW within the Power Station Complex Site.
10.96 There are two PRoW (footpaths) crossing the Gas Connection and AGI sites, PRoW (footpath) ISY no.18 which crosses between Bryn Lane and the B5130 and PRoW (footpath) SESS no.25 crossing between Redwither Road and Parkey Lodge Lane.
10.97 Within the study area the following principle PRoWs have been identified:
to the east of the Site is the Bishop Bennet Way which is a 34-mile route for horse riders running north/south along the top of the eastern side of the River Dee valley. The route follows bridleways and some local roads and byways;
the Clywedog Trail to the west of the Site follows the southern edge of Wrexham, within the Erddig Country Park;
Wat’s Dyke Way to the west of the Gas Connection, runs from Ruadon in the south to Wrexham in the north, it is classed by WCBC as a long distance trail and is a major footpath in the area. The path follows the course of ancient earthworks using PRoWs and minor roads; and
other PRoW in the area are short routes between hamlets, farms, and connecting to the local road network. There are two informal paths running on both sides of the River Dee.
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Landscape Sensitivity to Change
Power Station Complex
10.98 The Power Station Complex Site is situated off Bryn Lane on the eastern edge of the Wrexham Industrial Estate, approximately 2km to the east of Wrexham within north- east Wales. Evidence of previous development exists on the western boundary and within the Power Station Complex Site comprising hard standing and concrete foundations. The Power Station Complex Site is characterised by a group of small fields bordered by hedgerows with occasional trees and a number of small scale enclosed water bodies. A stream and a dense group of trees define the northern boundary.
10.99 The fields and hedgerows appear in good condition, contrasting with the concrete and hard surfacing elsewhere within the Power Station Complex Site, which have a low susceptibility to change in relation to the proposed Scheme. Therefore, the overall condition of the Power Station Complex Site is considered to be fair. There are no landscape elements within the Power Station Complex Site that contribute to an element of rarity or importance as a valuable landscape type and there are no PRoW crossing the Power Station Complex Site. Therefore, the value is considered to be low. The tranquillity of the Power Station Complex Site is also considered to be low given the audible noise from roads and proximity to the industrial estate on the western side of the Power Station Complex Site.
10.100 For the Power Station Complex Site, based on the findings described above and the evaluation criteria in Table 10.2, the sensitivity of the landscape to change as the result of the Scheme is low.
Gas Connection and AGI
10.101 The Gas Connection extends from the Power Station Complex Site in a southerly direction crossing Oak Road and the River Clywedog to an Above Ground Installation (AGI) adjoining the existing Maelor Gas Works at Talwrn.
10.102 The Gas Connection passes through a predominantly agricultural landscape characterised by small to medium scale fields, often rectangular in form and bordered by mature hedgerows and individual trees. The meandering course of the River Clywedog is bordered by mature vegetation. The vegetation and fields appear to be in a fair condition. As a proportion of the Gas Connection is within an area of Special Landscape Area the value is considered to be high, with a high susceptibility to change in relation to the proposed Scheme. The tranquillity across the Gas Connection is considered to be moderate due to the balance between the audible noise of the manufacturing occupiers at the Wrexham Industrial estate and from vehicles on the roads with the quieter and more open landscape of areas of agricultural land use.
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10.103 For the Gas Connection Route, based on the findings described above and the evaluation criteria in Table 10.2, the sensitivity of the landscape to change as the result of the Scheme is medium.
10.104 To the north, east and south of the proposed Scheme the landscape is predominately rural and influenced by the low lying floodplain and river terraces associated with the River Dee (the river is located approximately 2.2 km to the east of the Power Station Complex Site).
Summary of Landscape Character Areas and Sensitivity to Change
10.105 The sensitivity to change of the published landscape character areas within the study area are summarised in the table below.
Table 10.11: Published Landscape Character Areas Sensitivity to Change Published Landscape Additional Comments Sensitivity to Change Character Area Wrexham LANDMAP Local Planning Guidance Note Based on the utilitarian character of the LCA 11 Wrexham built form, low landscape value and Low Industrial Estate susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Based on the good condition and relatively low level of development and LCA 13a Welsh Maelor Medium susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Based on the good condition but lack of unique or unusual features and LCA 13c Dee Terraces Medium susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Based on the dominant agricultural pattern, limited development and the LCA 14 River Dee strong association between the field High Floodplain pattern and the River Dee and susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Based on areas of distinct and unique architecture contrasting with areas of LCA 10 Wrexham Town Medium utilitarian buildings and settlement patterns and susceptibility to change from the Scheme. LCA 8 Gwersyllt, Llay, Based on the distinctive kettle hole High Gresford, Borras landscape with open water, mosses and
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Published Landscape Additional Comments Sensitivity to Change Character Area woodland with the Wrexham Delta terraces providing high quality agricultural land and susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Based on areas of distinctive built form LCA 7c and architectural style balanced against Rhosllanerchrugog – Medium areas of poor condition and low Rhostyllen – Ruabon – landscape value and susceptibility to Penycae change from the Scheme. National Character Areas Based on a dense road network and NCA 61 Shropshire, pressure for development balanced Cheshire and Medium against its internationally important Staffordshire Plain meres and mosses and susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Cheshire Landscape Character Assessment Based on the presence a Special Area of Conservation on the river Dee near LCA R7 Church Road and the fact that the river Medium River Dee Dee is generally not visible and susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Based on the sense of tranquillity, extensive system of intact hedgerows, LCA WLP4 unified rural character and the built Medium Shocklach forms associated with the predominance of modern dairying and susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Based on the panoramic views, sandstone caves, hill fort and the LCA SR4 High actively managed -SSSI designated- open Maiden Castle heathland and susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Based on the presence of a number of listed buildings, woodland blocks and LCA SF2 Medium extensive views from some locations Beeston-Duckington and susceptibility to change from the Scheme. Based on the presence of historic LCA RF5 villages and buildings and tranquil Medium Malpas landscape balanced against the loss of a number of historic landscape and built
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Published Landscape Additional Comments Sensitivity to Change Character Area features over time and susceptibility to change from the Scheme.
Visual Receptors
10.106 A number of visual receptors have been identified within the study area (as defined by the ZTV and site surveys) and include residences, PRoW and vehicle users. The locations of these receptors are illustrated in Figure 10.4 with a description of their existing view and sensitivity to change in Appendix 10.5. The visual baseline also includes those receptors that were subsequently removed from the assessment on the basis that the intervening landform and vegetation would screen views of the Scheme. This is considered appropriate to convey the extent of the initial field work.
10.107 No designated views have been identified within the study area although specific viewpoints to be included within the assessment have been agreed with the landscape officers at both Wrexham County Borough Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Power Station Complex Site
10.108 As the Power Station Complex Site is currently a mixture of brownfield land and grassland, with no current vertical built features, the most visible part is the boundary vegetation and fencing. The visibility is currently contained to the west by the Kellogg’s factory and to the south by the Norbert Dentressangle distribution centre. There are more distant views from the north and east with large trees and shrubs being the only visible features from Ridley Wood Road and the B5130 and properties situated upon it. Beyond these locations, the Power Station Complex Site and its current boundaries are not distinguishable features in existing views.
10.109 In general, the extent of views towards the Power Station Complex Site from across the study area are limited by the intervening field boundary vegetation, buildings and mature vegetation along the country lanes and transport corridors. Where there are existing views from the wider landscape, they generally include the buildings within the Wrexham Industrial Estate (including the Kellogg’s factory and associated stacks) as part of the view or the background to the view.
10.110 There are some long distance and panoramic views from a number of PRoW, residential properties and transport corridors to the east of the Power Station Complex Site situated in locally elevated positions on rising ground from the River Dee.
10.111 There are also some isolated long distance views towards the Power Station Complex Site which include the view from Maidens Castle, approximately 11km to the east.
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10.112 The identified visual receptors and their sensitivity to change are summarised in Table 10.12, with a more detailed explanation of the existing views from each visual receptor included in Appendix 10.5:
Table 10.12: Visual Receptors, Type and Sensitivity to Change and Distance from the two Components of the Scheme Ref Visual Receptor Type and Distance no Sensitivity to Power Distance to Gas Station Connection Route Complex Corridor (m) Site (m) 1 Footpaths within Bonc-yr- Recreational Hafod country park High 8,443 7,164 2 PRoW 41 (footpath) Wat’s Recreational Dyke Way long distance trail High 7,712 6,188 3 Bangor Racecourse, Recreational residences on B5069 and Low vehicular users on B5069 5,896 3,164 4* Parkey Lodge Residential High 2,263 156 5 Pickhill Farm Residential High 2,351 785 6 Brook Farm and PRoW 8 Residential (footpath) and Recreational High 4,418 3,419 7 Residences on the eastern Residential end of Oak Road and at High and Bowling Bank, and vehicular Transport users on B5130 Medium 1,659 485 8* PRoW FP 13 (footpath) and Recreational residences at Shocklach and Green / Lane End Farm Residential High 3,770 3,489 9 Residences at Caldecott Hall, Residential PRoW to the west of the High B5069, and vehicular users Recreational on B5069 High Transport Medium 3,512 3,417 10 PRoW (byway) BY10 Bishop Recreational Bennet Way High 4,498 4,558 11 PRoW 2 (footpath) Recreational High 3,476 3,736
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Ref Visual Receptor Type and Distance no Sensitivity to Power Distance to Gas Station Connection Route Complex Corridor (m) Site (m) 12 PRoW 8 (footpath) Recreational High 3,019 3,335 13* PRoW 25 (footpath) Recreational including Cornish Hall and High and Holt Lodge Commercial Low 2,033 2,459 14 Residences near Holt Lodge Residential Farm and vehicular users on High and Francis’ Lane Transport Medium 1,146 1,783 15 PRoW 6 (footpath) Recreational High 1,856 2,505 16 Vehicular users on Brynestyn Transport Road Medium 2,716 3,367 17 Residences and vehicular Residential users and on Cefn Road High and Transport Medium 3,575 3,602 18 PRoW 24 (footpath) and Recreational residences at Aldersey Farm and Residential High 1,390 1,794 19* Residences and vehicular Residential users on Ridley Wood Road High and and B5130 Transport Medium 447 820 20* Residences at Marshley Residential Farm and along the B5130 High 242 417 21 Residences at Higher Farm, Residential Isycoed and PRoW 17. High 684 588 22 Registered common land Residential and residences at Sutton High Green 2,256 1,279 23* Vehicular users on Bryn Lane Transport Medium 36 608 24 Residences at Castletown Residential and users of PRoW Bishop and Bennet Way Recreational High 4,373 4,257 25 Residences at Chorlton Lane Residential 6,478 6,066
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WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Ref Visual Receptor Type and Distance no Sensitivity to Power Distance to Gas Station Connection Route Complex Corridor (m) Site (m) and users of PRoW and Recreational High 26 Residences at Higher Carden Residential and users of PRoW and Recreational High 7,693 7,608 27 PRoW Sandstone Trail Recreational High 10,451 10,340 28 Residences at Crewe Hill Residential High 3,458 3,487
*= Photomontage provided
POTENTIAL EFFECTS: POWER STATION COMPLEX
10.113 This section considers the landscape resource and visual amenity that has been assessed as experiencing a significant effect as a result of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Power Station Complex. The basis of the assessment of the realistic worst case scenario (as described in the introduction to this chapter); the impacts of the Power Station Complex, their associated magnitude of change and effects on all identified landscape and visual receptors are explained in Appendix 10.6 and Appendix 10.7.
Construction (winter, day time)
10.114 The construction activities relevant to the LVIA are:
the presence of construction hoardings, lay down areas, site offices, cabins and security lighting within the Power Station Complex Site;
additional vehicles (construction vehicles, plant and construction workers) associated with construction of the Scheme, within and in the vicinity of the Power Station Complex Site;
excavation and re-profiling of the existing landform within the Power Station Complex Site and the Gas Connection; and
construction plant, including cranes.
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Landscape Resource
Landscape Designations
10.115 Tree Preservation Order (TPO) reference WMBC No.60_W1 covers the Woodland tree groups alongside the northern boundary of the Power Complex Site. These are shown in figures included in the Arboricultural Impact Assessment (Appendix 10.8).
10.116 Within the wider study area there are Special Landscape Areas and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, described above.
Published Landscape Studies / Character Assessments
10.117 The effects to all the identified landscape character types/areas during construction are outlined in Appendix 10.6.
10.118 There would be significant effects on the following receptors due to the construction activity representing either a loss of landscape features or an effect on landscape character.
Table 10.13: Landscape Character Construction Published Landscape Effects During Construction Character Area The majority of the construction activity will be located within the LCA and will affect the rural tranquillity of the area and will LCA 13c Dee Terraces result in the presence of uncharacteristic features within the LCA. Therefore, the magnitude of change is medium and effects would be moderate adverse.
10.119 Due to the low sensitivity of the Power Station Complex Site, and the retention of the majority of the boundary vegetation, the magnitude of change arising from construction activity is judged to be medium resulting in a minor adverse effect. Therefore, it is not assessed as resulting in a significant effect to the Power Station Complex Site landscape character.
Public Rights of Way
10.120 The identified PRoW would remain accessible and on its existing alignment during the construction phase. Therefore, there would be no significant effects on this feature of the landscape resource.
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Existing Vegetation
10.121 An AIA of the existing trees within the Power Station Complex Site is presented in Appendix 10.8 and includes a worst case assessment of tree loss which has been considered within this LVIA and in production of the landscape and ecological mitigation masterplan. The existing vegetation and trees to be removed as part of the Scheme are shown on drawing number 2.8.1. Table 10.14 summarises the tree losses. Site clearance operations will result in a maximum:
27 individual trees with stem diameters greater than 150mm,
175m of hedgerow and
5,227 m2 of woodland to be cleared.
Table 10.14: Summary of Tree Loss Tree refs (AIA Report) BS Category Area/number of trees removed T52 A 1 T48 B 1 T50 B 1 T51 B 1 T54 B 1 T59 B 1 T47 C 1 T49 C 1 T55 C 1 T56 C 1 T60 C 1 T57 C 1 T58 C 1 G25 C 3 G26 C 3 G26 C 315m2 G27 C 1 G27A C 175 linear metres hedgerow G27B C 1150 m2 G28 C 630m2 G29 C 250m2 G29 C 4 G40 C 2 G32B and G32C C 190 m2 T53B U 1 G34 C 196 m2
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Tree refs (AIA Report) BS Category Area/number of trees removed G37 C 420 m2 G30 C 105 m2 G31 C 202 m2
Visual Amenity
10.122 The effects on all the identified visual receptors are outlined in Appendix 10.7.
10.123 There would be significant effects on the following receptors due to the construction activity representing either a noticeable or marked deterioration in the view.
Table 10.15: Visual Receptors Construction Ref no. Visual receptor Effect 13* PRoW 25 Construction of the stacks and larger elements of the (footpath) Scheme would be partially visible and a noticeable including Cornish deterioration to the view when not filtered by vegetation. Hall and Holt Lodge Therefore, the magnitude of change is medium and the effect moderate adverse. 18 PRoW 24 Construction work would be visible in the middle ground of (footpath) and the view adjacent to the Kellogg’s factory, although lower residences at level activity would be screened by boundary vegetation Aldersey Farm and intervening vegetation. Therefore, the magnitude of change is medium and the effect moderate adverse. 19* Residences and Views of construction would be visible in the middle vehicular users on ground adjacent to the Kellogg’s factory, with lower level Ridley Wood Road views screened by boundary vegetation and some of the and B5130 upper level views screened by trees in the vicinity of the receptor from some specific locations. Given the high sensitivity of the residential receptors the magnitude of change would be medium and the effect would be moderate adverse. For transport receptors the magnitude of change would be medium and the effect would be minor adverse. 20* Residences at The construction activity would be visible within the centre Marshley Farm and of the view adjacent to the Kellogg’s factory although in along the B5130 closer proximity to the receptor and partially screened at lower level by intervening vegetation. Therefore, the magnitude of change would be medium and the effect would be moderate adverse.
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Operation Year 1 (winter, day time and winter, night)
10.124 The following elements of the Scheme are relevant to the LVIA during the operational stage:
new land use within the western half of the Power Station Complex Site where the buildings will be located;
additional built form within the Power Station Complex Site including the vertical components of two 50m stacks;
new road infrastructure within the Power Station Complex Site;
up to 2.5m high security fencing around the perimeter;
localised reduction in the vegetation coverage within the Power Station Complex Site;
mitigation planting;
mitigation landscape bund along eastern boundary; and
new lighting within the Power Station Complex Site for car park areas, paths and maintenance access platforms and the Power Station Complex boundary fencing.
Landscape Resource
Landscape Designations
10.125 Tree Preservation Order (TPO) reference WMBC No.60_W1 covers the tree groups alongside the northern extents of the Power Station Complex Site. Refer to Figure 4.5 Key Environmental Constraints in Chapter 4 of the ES.
10.126 Within the wider study area there are Special Landscape Areas and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, see above.
Published Landscape Studies / Character Assessments
10.127 The effects to all the identified landscape character types/areas during year 1 are outlined in Appendix 10.6.
10.128 The following table outlines the significant effects to receptors in year 1. These effects are predominantly due to the position and height of the built form of the Power Station Complex.
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WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Table 10.16: Landscape Character Year 1 Published Landscape Effects Year 1 Character Area The Scheme would introduce new built form within the character that is judged to result in an amendment of the LCA boundaries to remove the Power Station Complex Site from the Dee Terraces LCA and include it within LCA11, Wrexham Industrial Estate. Existing vegetation along the boundary of the LCA 13c Dee Terraces Power Station Complex Site will be retained. The land use, appearance and scale of Scheme are incongruous with the LCA and detract from the existing character of the area locally. Therefore, the magnitude of change is medium and effect would be moderate adverse.
10.129 Due to the low sensitivity of the Power Station Complex Site, and the retention of the majority of the boundary vegetation, the magnitude of change arising from the Scheme is judged to be medium resulting in a minor adverse effect. Therefore, year 1 of operation is not assessed as resulting in a significant effect to the Power Station Complex Site landscape character.
Public Rights of Way
10.130 As the PRoW would remain as per the baseline there would not be any significant effects to this landscape resource.
Existing Vegetation
10.131 The following vegetation would be retained:
woodland tree belt on the northern boundary that is covered by a Tree Preservation Order;
tree and shrub planting on the eastern boundary; and
hedgerow and existing tree and shrub planting alongside Bryn Lane forming a buffer between the highway and the Power Station Complex.
Visual Amenity
10.132 The effects on all the identified visual receptors are outlined in Appendix 10.7.
10.133 The following table outlines the significant effects to receptors in year 1 daytime and night time in the winter months, due to views of the new built form representing either
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a noticeable or marked deterioration to the existing view. These effects are predominantly due to the height of the built form of the Power Station Complex above the existing boundary vegetation.
Table 10.17: Visual Receptors Operation Year 1 Ref no. Visual Effects Day Year 1 Effects Night Year 1 receptor 13* PRoW 25 The stacks and buildings The glow from existing and (footpath) would be partially visible and proposed lighting around the including a noticeable deterioration to Scheme may illuminate the building Cornish Hall the view, being a further façades and stacks to a degree that and Holt industrial addition to the they would be visible, although not Lodge view alongside the Kellogg’s directly lit. The PSC would have a factory, when not filtered by similar degree of night time vegetation. Therefore, the visibility to the adjacent Kellogg’s magnitude of change is factory and viewed in combination. medium and the effect Therefore, the magnitude of change moderate adverse. is medium and the effect moderate adverse. 18 PRoW 24 The buildings and stacks The glow from existing and (footpath) and would be visible in the proposed lighting around the residences at middle ground of the view Scheme may illuminate the building Aldersey Farm adjacent to the Kellogg’s façades and stacks to a degree that factory, extending the they would be visible, although not proportion of the view directly lit. The PSC would have a containing industrial similar degree of night time buildings, although lower visibility to the adjacent Kellogg’s level activity would be factory and viewed in combination. screened by boundary Therefore, the magnitude of change vegetation and intervening is medium and the effect moderate vegetation. Therefore, the adverse. magnitude of change is medium and the effect moderate adverse. 19* Residences The buildings and stacks The glow from existing and and vehicular would be visible in the proposed lighting around the users on middle ground adjacent to Scheme may illuminate the building Ridley Wood the Kellogg’s factory, with façades and stacks to a degree that Road and lower level views screened they would be visible, although not B5130 by retained boundary directly lit. The PSC would have a vegetation and some of the similar degree of night time views screened by trees in visibility to the adjacent Kellogg’s the vicinity of the receptor factory but resulting in visibility
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WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Ref no. Visual Effects Day Year 1 Effects Night Year 1 receptor from some specific locations. across a greater proportion of the The Scheme will result in a view. Therefore, the magnitude of further industrial element to change is medium and the effect the view alongside the moderate adverse for residential Kellogg’s factory. The receptors. For transport receptors magnitude of change for the magnitude of change would be residential receptors would medium and the effect would be be medium and the effect minor adverse. would be moderate adverse. For transport receptors the magnitude of change would be medium and the effect would be minor adverse. 20* Residences at The proposed buildings and The glow from existing and Marshley stacks would be visible, proposed lighting around the Farm and forming a prominent feature Scheme may illuminate the building along the within the centre of the view façades and stacks to a degree that B5130 and visually close the gap in they would be visible, although not visible industrial buildings directly lit. The PSC would have a between the Norbert similar degree of night time Dentressangle distribution visibility to the adjacent Kellogg’s centre and the Kellogg’s factory but resulting in visibility Factory. Views of the lower across a greater proportion of the portion of the buildings view. Therefore, the magnitude of would be filtered by retained change is medium and the effect boundary vegetation. moderate adverse for residential Foreground views across the receptors. adjacent agricultural landscape would remain. The magnitude of change for residential receptors would be medium and the effect would be moderate adverse.
Operation Year 15 (summer, day time)
Landscape Resource
10.134 The effects to the landscape resource would remain as per year 1 due to the scale and mass of the Scheme's built form.
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Visual Amenity
10.135 The effects to all the identified visual receptors are outlined in Appendix 10.7.
10.136 Significant effects would remain for the following receptors due to the Scheme remaining a marked or noticeable change in the view.
Table 10.18: Visual Receptors Operation Year 15 Ref no. Visual receptor Effects Summer Year 15 13* PRoW 25 (footpath), including The visibility of the stacks and buildings from this Cornish Hall and Holt Lodge location, which includes the view from Cornish Hall and Holt Lodge, would not be mitigated through proposed mitigation measures. Therefore, the magnitude of change is medium and the effect remains at moderate adverse. 18 PRoW 24 (footpath) and The visibility of the stacks and buildings from this residences at Aldersey Farm location would not be mitigated through proposed mitigation measures. Therefore, the magnitude of change is medium and the effect remains at moderate adverse. 19* Residences and vehicular Mitigation planting on the bund and enhanced users on Ridley Wood Road woodland areas will help to screen lower level and B5130 views towards the proposed buildings but is not judged to result in a reduction of the significance of effect. The visibility of the stacks and buildings from this location would not be mitigated through proposed mitigation measures. The magnitude of change for residential receptors would be medium and the effect would remain moderate adverse. For transport receptors the magnitude of change would be medium and the effect would remain minor adverse. 20* Residences at Marshley Farm The proposed woodland planting, the landscape and along the B5130 bund and retained vegetation within the eastern half of the Power Station Complex Site will increase the height of screening provided to the proposed buildings. This will reduce the magnitude of change to some degree, however with the tops of buildings and stacks still visible, not by enough to result in a reduction in the significance of effect. The magnitude of change for residential receptors would be medium and the effect would remain moderate adverse.
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WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Decommissioning
10.137 As described in Chapter 4 of the ES, the decommissioning phase is considered to mirror the construction phase. Decommissioning activities would essentially be the reverse of construction activities although there would be less staff on site, the programme would be shorter, the number of HGV movements would be equal to or lower than those assessed for construction and there would be no concrete batching plant or concrete pour required.
10.138 The demolition of the Power Station Complex during the decommissioning phase is considered to present similar effects on the existing landscape resource and visual receptors to the construction phase including works that reflect the appearance of the Power Station Complex construction:
the presence of hoardings, lay down areas, site offices, cabins within the Power Station Complex Site;
additional vehicles (decommissioning plant and workers) along Bryn Lane;
demolition/removal of the Power Station Complex; and
construction machinery including cranes above 50m in height.
Effects on Landscape and Visual Amenity
10.139 If the use of the Power Station Complex Site remains as it is currently, there would be no significant effects to the Power Station Complex Site landscape character due to the low sensitivity. There would be no significant effects to the identified landscape character types/areas as the decommissioning activity would remain within the boundaries of the Power Station Complex Site.
10.140 The same visual receptors identified as experiencing a significant effect in construction would experience significant effects during decommissioning due to close range views of this activity. These receptors are:
Receptor 13: PRoW 25 (footpath), Cornish Hall and Holt Lodge;
Receptor 18: PRoW 24 (footpath) and residences at Aldersey Farm;
Receptor 19: Residences and vehicular users on Ridley Wood Road and B5130; and
Receptor 20: Residences at Marshley Farm and along the B5130.
10.141 This means that for these receptors the decommissioning of the Scheme would result in a noticeable temporary deterioration in the view and a moderate adverse effect.
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Views from these locations would include the demolition of the upper sections of the buildings and the stacks.
Mitigation measures
10.142 The LVIA has informed the iterative design process to address and embed mitigation within the Scheme (primary measures) as outlined in the inherent mitigation section.
10.143 Additional mitigation (secondary measures) includes construction practices to address any the significant adverse effects referred to above as follows:
Construction
10.144 During construction the following management practices will be secured:
implement tree protection fencing for retained vegetation prior to construction commencing and establish construction exclusion zones and methods of working adjacent to retained vegetation at tool box contractor talks. This measure will be secured in the CEMP and by way of requirement in the DCO;
the use of solid hoardings to aid in visually screening the construction activity. This measure will be secured in the CEMP, a draft of which is included in Appendix 19.1; and
operation of a clean and tidy construction site, including covering of stockpiles. This measure will be secured in the CEMP, a draft of which is included at Appendix 19.1.
Operation
10.145 The secondary measures are not incorporated into the Scheme design at present and would be based on rendering the built form of the Power Station Complex to aid in perceptually reducing the mass and scale of the buildings and integrating them within existing views of vegetation. Design principles are included in the Design and Access Statement to inform the requirements of the DCO.
10.146 The design and layout of the lighting to the Scheme will be considered to reduce its impact by having lower Stack heights, if technically possible, designing the layout to minimise impact and through the use of full cut off lighting.
10.147 The security fencing used will be selected to be unobtrusive and have minimal impact on views and the character of the Power Station Complex Site.
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10.148 The road layout will be designed to minimise the amount of traffic signage that is required.
10.149 A final landscaping and ecological management scheme would be implemented to ensure the establishment of the new planting and to manage existing and replacement habitats, including those features which are specifically aimed at providing ecological mitigation as described in the Ecology Chapter 11 of the ES. This will be secured by way of requirement in the DCO. This will include annual monitoring with set criteria for when management practices will be implemented. The management activities will be specific to the final landscape planting/habitat creation proposals.
Decommissioning
10.150 As described in Chapter 4 of the ES, the decommissioning phase is considered to mirror the construction phase. Decommissioning activities would essentially be the reverse of construction activities although there would be less staff on site, the programme would be shorter, the number of HGV movements would be equal to or lower than those assessed for construction and there would be no concrete batching plant or concrete pour required. For decommissioning the same construction practice measures would be implemented.
Residual Effects
Construction
10.151 The effects identified prior to additional mitigation are considered to remain after primary measures and construction practices due to the requirements for cranes and the physical extent of construction activity across the Power Station Complex Site. Therefore, there are no additional or reduced residual effects during construction. The residual significant effects during construction can be summarised as:
LCA 13C Dee Terraces – moderate adverse
Visual receptors 13, 18, 19 and 20 – moderate adverse
Operation
10.152 The effects identified in prior to additional mitigation are considered to remain after secondary mitigation measures due to the size, position and scale of the Scheme. Therefore, there are no additional or reduced residual effects during operation. The significant residual effects during operation can be summarised as:
LCA 13C Dee Terraces – moderate adverse
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WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Visual receptors 13, 18, 19 and 20 – moderate adverse
Decommissioning
10.153 It is considered that the effects on the landscape resource and visual receptors during the decommissioning phase described above would be no worse than construction but would remain in spite of the inclusion of primary measures and decommissioning practices due to the requirements for cranes and the extent of decommissioning activity across the Power Station Complex Site. Therefore, there are no additional or reduced residual effects.
10.154 Following decommissioning, many of the longer term landscape and visual effects of the Scheme will be reversed once the development is removed from the landscape. Combined with the established and now mature landscape mitigation planting it will contribute to an overall landscape and visual improvement.
POTENTIAL EFFECTS: GAS CONNECTION
10.155 This section considers the landscape resource and visual amenity that has been assessed as experiencing a significant effect as a result of the construction and operation of the Gas Connection. The basis of the assessment of the realistic worst case Scheme (as described in the introduction); the impacts of the Gas Connection, their associated magnitude of change and effects on all identified landscape and visual receptors are explained in Appendix 10.6 and Appendix 10.7.
Construction (winter, day time)
10.156 The construction activities relevant to the LVIA are:
fencing;
hedgerow removal;
topsoil stripping;
open cut trenching / directional drilling;
installation and backfilling; and
reinstatement of land drainage and hedgerows.
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WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Landscape Resource
Landscape Designations
10.157 The construction activity for the Gas Connection Route will be partly located within a Special Landscape Area (SLA) and therefore will directly affect the character of the area, temporarily during construction in the vicinity of the SLA. The activity will reduce the tranquillity of the SLA, resulting in a perceptible change to the character within the vicinity of the Gas Connection Route and AGI Site. The AGI will be constructed adjacent to the SLA boundary but will have some influence on the tranquillity of the SLA. Therefore, the magnitude of change is low resulting in a minor adverse effect, which is not significant.
Published Landscape Studies / Character Assessments
10.158 The effects to all the identified landscape character types/areas during construction are outlined in Appendix 10.6.
10.159 There would be no significant effects on the identified landscape character areas during construction.
10.160 Due to the low sensitivity of the Gas Connection Route, and the nature of the existing land for farming use, the magnitude of change arising from construction activity is judged to be low resulting in a negligible effect. Therefore, the construction activity is not assessed as resulting in a significant effect to the Gas Connection Route landscape character.
Public Rights of Way
10.161 The identified PRoW would remain accessible either on their existing alignment or with a small temporary diversion during the construction phase. Due to the small lengths affected, there would be no significant effects on this feature of the landscape resource.
Existing Vegetation
10.162 The Gas Connection Route and AGI have been designed to protect and retain existing landscape features including hedgerows and trees and to avoid tree loss where possible during construction.
Visual Amenity
10.163 The effects on all the identified visual receptors are outlined in Appendix 10.7.
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WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
10.164 There would be no significant effects on visual receptors due to the construction activity associated with the Gas Connection Route and AGI and therefore are not considered further.
Operation Year 1 (winter, day time and winter, night)
10.165 The only identified significant landscape and visual effect carried forward to Operation Year 1 was in relation to effects on the Special Landscape Area.
10.166 Land within the Gas Connection Route will be restored to former use in year 1 and there will be no above ground features. The AGI will be located behind a hedgerow and is not judged to affect the character of the SLA. Therefore, the magnitude of change is negligible and effect would be negligible. As a result, the receptor was removed from further assessment as the effects would be the same in year 15.
Decommissioning
10.167 The Gas Connection would be left in-situ at decommissioning of the WEC, and there would be no further impacts.
Mitigation Measures
10.168 The LVIA has informed the iterative design process to address and embed mitigation within the Scheme (primary measures) as outlined in the inherent mitigation section. Additional mitigation includes construction practices and secondary measures to address any residual adverse effects during construction and operation are as identified from paragraph 10.142 above.
Residual Effects
Construction
10.169 The effects identified prior to mitigation are considered to remain after primary measures and construction practices due to the requirements for plant and the physical extent of construction activity across the Gas Connection Route and AGI Site. Therefore, there are no additional or reduced residual effects during construction, and none are considered to be significant.
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WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Operation
10.170 The effects identified prior to mitigation are considered to remain after secondary mitigation measures due to the size, position and scale of the Scheme. Therefore, there are no additional or reduced residual effects during operation.
Decommissioning
10.171 The Gas Connection would be left in-situ at decommissioning of the Scheme, and there would be no further impacts.
COMBINED RESIDUAL EFFECTS
Construction
Landscape Resource
10.172 Landscape receptors and character areas that will receive greater effects as a result of the Power Station Complex and Gas Connection Route being considered together during construction are described below.
10.173 LCA 13c Dee Terraces will receive a moderate adverse effect as a result of the Power Station Complex and a minor adverse effect as a result of the Gas Connection Route. Considered together, the extent of impact on landscape character will cover a greater area physically although would be well contained visually. In-combination, the magnitude of change is medium and effect would be moderate adverse and significant.
Visual Amenity
10.174 There are no visual receptors that will receive greater effects as a result of the Power Station Complex and Gas Connection Route being considered together during construction.
Operation
10.175 There are no landscape or visual receptors that will receive greater effects as a result of the Power Station Complex and Gas Connection Route being considered together during operation.
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WREXHAM ENERGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Decommissioning
10.176 There are no landscape or visual receptors that will receive greater effects as a result of the Power Station Complex and Gas Connection Route being considered together during decommissioning.
CUMULATIVE EFFECTS
10.177 The LVIA cumulative assessment has identified the worst case scenarios below of the Scheme in conjunction with the cumulative developments as described in Chapter 5 of the ES which are:
the Kingmoor Park North development of B1 (office), B2 (General industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution) uses, immediately north of the Power Station Complex Site;
the approved North Wales Prison on the former Firestone site;
the anticipated Electrical Connection upgrade and reinforcement works required to connect the Power Station Complex to the existing 132KV local electrical distribution network; and
Pickhill Bridge Farm Solar Array. A proposed 4 MW solar photovoltaic array on 7.6 ha that is currently agricultural land at Pickhill Bridge Farm, Holt Road, Cross Lanes, Wrexham.
10.178 The worst case scenarios assessed below have been selected as part of the LVIA cumulative assessment as they are considered to have the maximum likely significant effects on the landscape resource, views and visual amenity taking into account the change in land use at the Site and significance of change in landscape character, the visibility of the Scheme during construction and operation, and the scale and mass of the new built form within existing views.
Construction
10.179 The proposed development at Kingmoor Park North is assumed to be constructed at the same time as the Power Station Complex and Gas Connection. The proposal has been designed to maintain the natural habitat surrounding the development.
10.180 With the Kingmoor Park North development being located adjacent to the Power Station Complex Site, the worst case scenario for landscape and visual effects would be for both projects to be constructed together (increasing the total area of construction at any one time) or sequentially (extending the continual length of time within which construction would be taking place). However, the proximity of the developments
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adjacent to one another limits the extent of potential cumulative impacts on the surrounding area, more so than if they were further apart.
10.181 Significant cumulative landscape effects during construction would include the loss of site features and vegetation within the centre of both sites and a reduction in tranquillity throughout the local area. This would lead to a medium magnitude of change to the Dee Terraces LCA resulting in a moderate adverse effect that is unlikely to be mitigable. This is the same level of effect as for the Power Station Complex in isolation.
10.182 From receptors 13 and 18 the construction activity of cranes would be visible although the proportion of the view within which construction activity takes place would be the same as for each individual development. Therefore, there would be no difference in significance of effect as a result of the developments considered cumulatively.
10.183 Due to the proximity and direction of view from receptors 19 and 20, construction activity of the Power Station Complex and Kingmoor Park North occurring concurrently would form a large proportion of the middle distance view. This would lead to a high magnitude of change resulting in a major adverse cumulative effect. This is in contrast to the moderate adverse effect caused by the Power Station Complex alone and is the result of the additional effect of Kingsmoor Park North, which already has planning permission. Mitigation of this effect may be possible through coordinated phasing of the use of cranes to avoid concurrent use.
10.184 The development of North Wales Prison is under construction and is anticipated to be operational in 2017. Therefore, it has been considered in operation phase in combination with the identified construction effects of the Power Station Complex and Gas connection.
10.185 The Prison will be located within the Wrexham Industrial Estate LCA. It is judged that there would not be any further significant cumulative landscape effects due to the presence of the Prison in combination with the construction of the Power Station Complex and Gas Corridor.
10.186 It is judged that there would not be any further significant cumulative visual effects as a result of inter-visibility between identified visual receptors during operation of the Prison and construction of the Power Station Complex and Gas Connection due to the presence of intervening buildings and vegetation.
10.187 The Gas Connection in combination with the anticipated Electrical Connection works and upgrades is not judged to result in any significant landscape or visual cumulative effects during construction due to the use of existing corridors, structures of a similar scale and appearance and few locations where receptors would perceive noticeable changes cumulatively with the construction of the proposed Scheme.
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10.188 The Pickhill Bridge Farm solar array LVIA states that there would be views of movement within the Solar Farm site from Parkey Lodge and Farm. However, the construction of the Gas Connection and Power Station Complex Site, together with construction of Pickhill Bridge Solar Farm is not judged to result in any significant landscape or visual cumulative effects. This is due to the containment provided by nearby vegetation and limited scale of construction required for the Solar Farm (temporary access, compound and loss of 5m of hedgerow).
10.189 A small area of the proposed solar array is located within the Special Landscape Area. Due to the relatively small scale nature of the changes identified in respect of both the solar array and the Power Station Complex Site and Gas Connection, it is judged that the construction effects would remain the same for both assessments when considered together.
10.190 Any cumulative decommissioning effects of the above developments are considered to be similar to, and no worse than the cumulative construction effects which have been identified.
Operation
10.191 The proposed development at Kingmoor Park North would be a 46,950m2 warehouse with 100 car parking spaces, an access point off the north of Bryn Lane and will include tree planting to enhance and protect the natural habitat and screen views towards the development from Bryn Lane and the neighbouring area.
10.192 During operation the cumulative effect of Kingmoor Park North and the Power Station Complex would introduce new built form outside the Wrexham Industrial Estate LCA that is judged to result in an amendment of the Wrexham Industrial Estate LCA boundaries to encompass both sites. The land use, appearance and scale of the Scheme would be consistent with the existing LCA and would neither enhance nor detract from the existing character of the area. As such the cumulative effect on the Wrexham Industrial Estate LCA is judged to be the same as for each individual development.
10.193 Likewise, the boundary of the Dee Terraces LCA would be amended with part of the LCA lost to industrial buildings. Whilst boundary vegetation would be retained and enhanced at both sites, the land use, appearance and scale of the two developments would be incongruous with the LCA and detract from the existing character of the area. Therefore, the magnitude of change is medium and the cumulative effect would be moderate adverse. It would not be possible to mitigate these effects as it is the physical change in land-use and addition of buildings that are driving the effect on the LCA.
10.194 From receptors 13 and 18 the two developments would be visible with the Power Station Complex visible beyond Kingmoor Park North. The height of the Power Station Complex is judged to be the main source of impact. Therefore, there would be no
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difference in significance of effect as a result of the developments considered cumulatively.
10.195 Due to the proximity and direction of view from receptors 19 and 20, industrial buildings would form a large part of the middle distance view. This would lead to a high magnitude of change resulting in a major adverse cumulative effect. This is in contrast to the moderate adverse effect caused by the Power Station Complex alone and is the result of the additional effect of Kingsmoor Park North, which already has planning permission.
10.196 It is not considered that there would be any cumulative effects between Kingmoor Park North and the Gas Connection.
10.197 The proposed development of North Wales Prison will comprise a 5.2m high secure perimeter and buildings up to 18m in height.
10.198 Whilst the Prison would be located within the Wrexham Industrial Estate LCA along with the Power Station Complex it is judged that there would not be any significant effects on the LCA from the two developments considered cumulatively.
10.199 It is judged that there would not be any significant cumulative effects as a result of inter-visibility between identified visual receptors during operation due to intervening buildings and vegetation.
10.200 The Gas Connection in combination with the anticipated Electrical Connection works and upgrades is not judged to result in any significant landscape or visual cumulative effects during operation due to the use of existing corridors, structures of a similar scale and appearance and few locations where receptors would perceive noticeable changes cumulatively with the proposed Scheme.
10.201 The Pickhill Bridge Farm solar array LVIA states that there would be no views towards the Solar Farm from Parkey Lodge and Farm and lost hedgerow vegetation would be replaced. Therefore, the operation of the Gas Connection and Power Station Complex Site, together with Pickhill Bridge Solar Farm is not judged to result in any significant landscape or visual cumulative effects.
10.202 A small area of the proposed solar array is located within the Special Landscape Area. Due to the relatively small scale nature of the changes identified in respect of both the solar array and the Power Station Complex Site and Gas Connection, it is judged that the operation effects would remain the same for both assessments when considered together.
Additional Mitigation
10.203 No additional mitigation measures have been identified as being required as a result of this cumulative assessment.
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CONCLUSIONS
10.204 A landscape and visual assessment, including a night time assessment, has been undertaken for the Scheme within a ~7km study area of the Site. The extent of the study area is considered appropriate and has been agreed with WCBC and Cheshire West & Chester Council, along with the location of the visual receptors and photomontages that have been undertaken.
10.205 The assessment has also been a part of the iterative design process for the Scheme, in addressing the opportunities and constraints of the Site and primary measures of mitigation. An arboricultural survey of the Power Station Complex Site has also been undertaken to aid in the siting of the Power Station Complex and establish the relationship between the numbers of trees to be removed and the number to be replaced.
Construction
10.206 During construction, the Scheme would result in significant moderate adverse effects to LCA13 Dee Terraces. This is due to the resulting change in the rural tranquillity and the presence of uncharacteristic features within the LCA which is predominantly rural. This is the LCA within which the Scheme would be located and therefore significant landscape effects during construction would be contained within the locality of the Scheme.
10.207 The construction activity would result in a significant moderate adverse effect on a number of visual receptors (receptor numbers 13, 18, 19 20), either due to their proximity to the Site or the openness of the view towards the vertical elements of construction activity across a relatively flat landscape. The construction activity within the Power Station Complex Site would be visible above the boundary vegetation. The intervening landform and vegetation would screen the majority of the construction activity for receptors in the study area, with the exception of the upper sections of the cranes.
10.208 Any decommissioning effects are considered to be similar to, and no worse than the construction effects which have been identified.
10.209 When considered cumulatively with Kingmoor Park North, visual receptors 19 and 20 would see an increase in the level of effect from significant moderate adverse to significant major adverse.
Operation
10.210 During operation the Scheme would introduce new buildings and structures within the Power Station Complex and AGI Sites. The Power Station Complex would result in
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significant moderate adverse effects to LCA13 Dee Terraces. This is due to nature of the Scheme being incongruous with the LCA and detracting from the local character of the LCA, effectively removing the Power Station Complex Site from the LCA and into the Wrexham Industrial Estate LCA. This is also an appropriate re-designation due to the current LDP allocation of the site for major employment development.
10.211 In year 1 of opening and year 15 the height of the Power Station Complex would result in a significant moderate adverse effect for a number of visual receptors 13,18, 19 and 20 in day and night scenarios, again due to their proximity to the Power Station Complex Site or the openness of the view towards the vertical elements of the Scheme including the 50m high stacks. The stacks and upper portions of other built features would be visible above the boundary vegetation. The intervening landform and vegetation would screen the majority of the construction activity for receptors in the study area, with the exception of the upper sections of the stacks which generally align to the existing nature of distant views towards the two stacks at the Kellogg’s factory, limiting the magnitude of change for those receptors.
10.212 It is deemed that residual effects would remain as assessed following the incorporation of additional mitigation measures. This is due to the size, position and scale of the Scheme, however, the additional mitigation measures would help to minimise the effects to some degree, just not at a scale where they are able to influence the level of significance.
10.213 When considered cumulatively with Kingmoor Park North, visual receptors 19 and 20 would see an increase in the level of effect from significant moderate adverse to significant major adverse.
Summary
10.214 The assessment has been based on Rochdale principles (applying a "worst case scenario"), including a standard and generic finish to the built form facades. New planting and landscape bunding would be implemented within the perimeter of the Power Station Complex to bolster the screening effect of existing vegetation and mitigate for the loss of trees during construction.
10.215 Whilst the proposed development would result in some significant landscape and visual effects, the extent of these effects is limited to within a close proximity of the Power Station Complex. This is due to the positioning of the Power Station Complex within the vicinity of the Wrexham Industrial Estate (with buildings of a similar typology) and the visual screening provided to the west and south by other buildings within the Industrial Estate and to the east and north by a layering of hedgerows and trees situated across the flat floodplain landscape.
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10.216 The conclusions of this Chapter 10 are that the Scheme would result in moderate adverse (significant) effects on a small number of receptors, specifically LCA13c Dee Terraces, and visual receptors 13, 18, 19 and 20.
10.217 The Scheme cumulatively with the already-consented Kingmoor Park North may result in some major adverse effects on visual receptors 19 and 20 only.
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