Appendix B: Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

National Grid Woodhead Overhead Line Tower 4ZO214

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited 2212959 Firecrest Court Centre Park Warrington WA1 1RG United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1925 800 700 Fax: +44 (0)1925 572 462 www.hyderconsulting.com

National Grid Woodhead Overhead Line Tower 4ZO214

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Author A Chester

Checker R Kitch

Approver A Zorlutuna

Report No 214-001-UA007491-03

Date 19th December 2014

This report has been prepared for National Grid in accordance with the terms and conditions of appointment for Woodhead Overhead Line Tower 4ZO214 dated Sept 2014. Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited (2212959) cannot accept any responsibility for any use of or reliance on the contents of this report by any third party.

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CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 2 2 METHODOLOGY ...... 3 2.1 Baseline Evaluation ...... 3 2.2 Assessment ...... 4 2.3 Cumulative Assessment ...... 5 3 BASELINE LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY ...... 7 3.1 Landscape ...... 7 3.2 Visual Amenity ...... 9 3.3 Future Baseline ...... 10 4 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL APPRAISAL ...... 11 4.1 Mitigation ...... 11 4.2 Landscape Effects ...... 11 4.3 Visual Amenity Operation Phase Effects ...... 12 5 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ...... 14 6 CONCLUSIONS ...... 16 7 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 17

APPENDICES

Appendix A FIGURES

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1 INTRODUCTION

In September 2014 National Grid appointed Hyder Consulting to undertake a landscape and visual appraisal for the provision of six temporary towers and a single temporary mast with backstay associated with the repair of the 4ZO Overhead Line (OHL) between Stalybridge substation within Tameside and Woodhead Station within the National Park. The temporary towers and mast are required to enable repair works to be undertaken at each of the seven respective existing towers. Each of the temporary towers and the mast has been assessed independently with the adjacent construction work associated with the full repair work being considered as part of the future baseline. The cumulative impacts of the temporary tower or mast in addition to the adjacent full repair works to the existing tower have also been considered in each report.

This report considers the installation of a temporary tower to enable the full repair to Tower 4ZO214, taking into account associated access, construction compound for material storage, crane pads and new fencing, and other works to facilitate the construction and operation of the temporary tower. Due to the relatively short time scales involved for this temporary work i.e. a total of 71 days for the operational phase, the report considers the impacts during the tower’s construction, operation and decommissioning as one phase.

The remainder of this report sets out the methodology used to undertake the appraisal, the baseline and future conditions and assessment of the impacts arising as a result of the erection, operation and dismantling of the temporary tower. In undertaking the assessment and in consideration of the temporary nature of the works no specific mitigation proposals, other than reinstatement works have been identified. A conclusions section completes the report.

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2 METHODOLOGY

The assessment process has been carried out based on ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment: Third Edition’ (Landscape Institute, LI, and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, IEMA, 2013).

The Study Area for the appraisal extends up to approximately a 1km radius from the site (refer to Figure 214-1.0), within which 3 representative viewpoints have been identified to form the basis of the appraisal. A 1km study area has been selected, which is based on professional judgement and considered appropriate for this development, due to its temporary nature. Whilst it is understood that potential visibility of the proposed development may be possible beyond distances of 1km, it is envisaged that receptors from these distances are generally limited to publically accessible upper moorland areas, and from these locations it is considered that there would be limited levels of use during the short period of the proposed activities.

Table 1.1 presents details of the consultation undertaken during the preparation of this appraisal.

Table 1.1 Summary of Consultation Consultee Date of Consultation Response Project Response Consultation

John Keeley Peak 2nd October 2014 Email response dated 3rd November from We will present the District National Martin Burfoot – Landscape Architect representative Park Authority PDNPA viewpoints as agreed “I have no problem at all with the revised list of viewpoints appended to the documents submitted”

2.1 Baseline Evaluation

Baseline conditions are defined by landscape character and respective sensitivity, together with visual amenity (as represented by views) and the sensitivity of visual receptors (or potential viewers), in accordance with the criteria set out below.

Table 1.2 Definitions of Landscape Sensitivity Level of Definition of Sensitivity Examples Sensitivity (Considers value of receptor and susceptibility to change)

High Value: Typically of high importance and rarity, national scale, and limited potential for substitution (e.g. National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). *Susceptibility to change: Landscape unlikely to tolerate the change proposed.

Medium Value: Typically of moderate importance and rarity, regional scale, and limited potential for substitution (e.g. Registered Historic Parks and Gardens, Conservation Areas). *Susceptibility to change: Landscape has the potential to tolerate the change proposed.

Low Value: Typically of low importance and rarity, local scale, such as undesignated or degraded landscapes. *Susceptibility to change: Landscape likely to tolerate the change proposed.

*The judgement concerning susceptibility to change is made by considering the nature/characteristics of the development and receiving landscape, following evaluation of receptor value and prior to the assessment of effects.

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Table 1.3 Definitions of Visual Sensitivity Level of Definition of Sensitivity Examples Sensitivity (Considers value of receptor and susceptibility to change)

High Value: Typically nationally recognised/important (e.g. from landscape of national importance); Susceptibility to change: Views from residential properties; where appreciation of affected views may be the principal activity.

Medium Value: Typically regionally/locally recognised/important (e.g. from landscape of regional/local importance); Susceptibility to change: Views from public rights of way, cycle trails, public open space; where attention may be focused on an affected view.

Low Value: Typically views not recognised/of importance; Susceptibility to change: Views from roads and railways which are transient due to travelling through the landscape; places of work or commercial properties; where attention is unlikely to be focussed on affected views.

Relevant desk-based information has been obtained from Natural England, Peak District National Park Authority, and Ordnance Survey. Field survey work was undertaken during September 2014. At this time of year, deciduous trees and shrubs are predominantly with leaves such that there is less visibility within the landscape than in winter months (when there is not deciduous leaf cover). At this time of year, deciduous trees and shrubs are predominantly with leaves such that there is less visibility within the landscape than in winter months (when there is not deciduous leaf cover), although this provides a representative field survey as it expected that the duration of the temporary works will occur during the summer months when the vegetation is in leaf, with an anticipated completion date at the end of October 2015. Viewpoints have been selected to represent the range of visual receptors, that is those who would have a view of the proposed development, and views affected, against which visual sensitivity was assessed. Viewpoint photographs were taken in accordance with LI guidance (LI, 2011) using a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera, with lens selected to provide the digital equivalent of 50mm focal length for a 35mm film format SLR camera. Photographs were then stitched together to generate a panorama. 2.2 Assessment

The criteria and threshold matrices used to assess the magnitude of impact and significance of landscape and visual effects are set out below. Impacts are assessed at the construction/decommissioning phases and during the operational phase.

Table 1.4 Assigning Magnitude of Landscape Impact Level of Definition of Magnitude Magnitude

High Total loss of or major alteration to key landscape characteristics such that landscape character will be fundamentally changed.

Medium Partial loss of or alteration to key landscape characteristics such that landscape character will be partially changed.

Low Minor loss of or alteration to key landscape characteristics such that landscape character will be similar to the baseline conditions.

Negligible Very minor loss or alteration to key landscape characteristics such that change in landscape character will be barely distinguishable from the baseline conditions

No Change No loss of existing landscape characteristics

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Table 1.5 Assigning Magnitude of Visual Impact Level of Definition of Magnitude Magnitude

High Major change in existing view.

Medium Partial change in existing view.

Low Minor change in existing view such that view largely unchanged.

Negligible Very inconspicuous change in existing view

No Change No alteration to the baseline

A combined assessment of sensitivity and magnitude is undertaken to determine how significant an effect is, as set out in Table 1.6 below.

Table 1.6 Significance Matrix

High Moderate Moderate / Major Major

Medium Minor / Moderate Moderate Moderate / Major

Low Minor Minor / Moderate Moderate

Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible

MAGNITUDE

Low Medium High SENSITIVITY

Significance is derived as a product of magnitude and sensitivity, as set out above. Where more than one significance outcome is possible, professional judgement is applied to determine that which is most appropriate, on a case by case basis.

Effects may be positive or negative. Applying the precautionary principle, this assessment identifies potential effects as negative although it should be noted that the proposed development may not be regarded by all as having an adverse effect. Only those effects that are shaded in Table 1.6 above are considered likely to be significant in respect of the decision making process. 2.3 Cumulative Assessment

The cumulative magnitude of change is a measure of the degree to which the existing landscape character and visual amenity receptors and their views will be affected by the addition of the scheme when perceived in conjunction with relevant existing, consented or other proposed schemes.

The criteria used to assess the magnitude of cumulative impact are set out in Table 1.7 below. Impacts are assessed during the operational phase. The threshold matrices used is as per Table 1.6 above:

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Table 1.7 Assigning Magnitude of Cumulative Impact Level of Definition of Magnitude Magnitude

High Where the scheme would make an immediately apparent contribution to the landscape character or view and will result in the perception of a ‘new landscape’

Medium Where the scheme would make a notable contribution to the landscape character or view and its addition is readily apparent.

Low Where the scheme would make a minor contribution to the landscape character or view and its addition may be missed.

Negligible Where the scheme would make a negligible contribution to the landscape character or view and its addition equates to a ‘no change’ situation.

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3 BASELINE LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY 3.1 Landscape 3.1.1 Landscape Policy and Designations

At the international level the Landscape is defined in the European Landscape Convention as ‘...an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’ (Council of Europe, 2000)

The Environment Act 1995 confirms national parks are designated to;

. conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the national park . Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities by the public. The Peak District National Park Management Plan 2012–2017 sets out the Special Qualities of the Peak District National Park. Those relevant to this appraisal include;  Natural beauty, natural heritage, landscape character and landscapes  Sense of wildness and remoteness  Thousands of years of human influence which can be traced through the landscape  Trees, woodlands, hedgerows, stone walls, field barns and other landscape features  Significant geological features  Opportunities to experience tranquillity and quiet enjoyment  Opportunities to experience dark night skies  Opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure  Opportunities to improve physical and emotional well being At the national level the National Planning Policy Framework (Department for Communities and Local Government, DCLG, 2012) requires landscape to be taken into account in the planning process through protection and enhancement of landscapes.

The principal landscape policies against which the scheme will be appraised are set out in the Peak District National Park Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy Development Plan Document, adopted October 2011. The LDF replaces previous strategic policies within the former Structure Plans. The relevant policies are:

. Policy GSP2 – Enhancing the National Park This policy places greater emphasis on enhancing the National Park’s valued characteristics. It ensures that the first consideration is always given to solutions which do not harm the area. . Policy L1 – Landscape character and valued characteristics

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This policy raises the profile of Landscape Character Assessment, and requires all development to conserve and enhance the valued characteristics and landscape character of the National Park. 3.1.2 Landscape Character

Natural England (previously the Countryside Agency) has produced a landscape character assessment of England entitled ‘Countryside Character’, 1999 (Countryside Agency, 1999). As part of Natural England’s responsibilities in delivering the Natural Environment White Paper, Biodiversity 2020 and the European Landscape Convention it has revised the National Character Area (NCA) profiles to make environmental evidence and information easily accessible to a wide audience. The site falls within NCA 51 Dark Peak.

In summary the Dark Peak is a landscape of large-scale sweeping moorlands, pastures enclosed by drystone walls, and scattered gritstone settlements, within the Pennine chain. It falls almost entirely within the Peak District National Park, forming a large part of it.

At the local level the Peak District National Park Authority Landscape Strategy and European Landscape Convention Action Plan is used as the basis for assessment of the landscape character. The study area lies within the Dark Peak Landscape Character Area (LCA), which is described as an “extensive upland plateau with steep gritstone slopes, sometimes with rocky edges, that drop away to lower lying slopes, wooded cloughs and deep valleys, some of which have been flooded to create large reservoirs”.

The study area also falls within the Reservoir Valleys with Woodland Landscape Character Type (LCT), and is within close proximity to the Moorland Slopes and Cloughs LCT, however the characteristics of the study area are more closely associated with the Reservoir Valleys and Woodland LCT and therefore the main characteristics of this character type and strategies are summarised in Table 1.8.

Table 1.8 Character Descriptions and Strategy Character Description Strategy Title

Interlocking coniferous and mixed plantation This landscape has been heavily woodland with some limited semi-natural influenced by human activity with woodland reservoirs, transport routes and large • Large reservoirs providing water supplies to plantation woodlands. The priorities for adjoining urban areas this landscape include protecting and

with Woodland enhancing the connectivity between semi- • Steep valley slopes, dissected by cloughs

LCT natural woodland, replacing coniferous • Land was largely cleared of settlement during woodland with native, broadleaved reservoir construction leaving occasional species where appropriate; and isolated gritstone farmsteads enhancing recreation and educational • Pastoral fields bounded by gritstone walls with opportunities, climate mitigation and the many relict boundaries existing, historical enclosure patterns.

Reservoir Valleys

3.1.3 Landscape Sensitivity

The landscape of the study area falls within the upper part of the dramatic upland valley of , but in an area influenced by human activity, containing the Torside reservoir, historic transport routes, including the B6105 and the dismantled Woodhead railway now converted to recreational routes, and the 4ZO Woodhead OHL. This dramatic vast scale upland

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valley landscape contains the open water of the reservoir within the flooded valley floor surrounded by typically open rough grazing pastoral fields delineated by gritstone walls interrupted by rectilinear plantations on the lower slopes. Beyond the busy valley floor and lower side slopes the valley sides steepen with grazing turning to a mixture of open heather moorland, scree slopes and rocky crags creating a sharply defined prominent ridgeline along both sides of the valley. This designated landscape is highly valued, is a landscape of national importance and rarity, and is therefore considered to have a high level of sensitivity. 3.2 Visual Amenity

A study area of 1km was identified, and is shown on Figure 214-1.0. The landscape is steep sided valley slopes with a well-defined edge of the reservoir. The landscape surrounding the reservoir is predominately pastoral fields bounded by gritstone walls. Potential visual receptors include Public Rights of Way, and a local road as represented by Viewpoints 1, 2, & 3 as shown on Figures 214-1.1 to 214-1.3. 3.2.1 Viewpoint 1; View from Torside Reservoir Car Park, National Park, looking east

The viewpoint represents users of the Torside reservoir car park, with individuals visiting this location to access the waterside activities located by the reservoir, or the . Considering this connection to recreational activities, and the location of the car park within the National Park, the visual sensitivity is considered to be high.

The car park is well enclosed by bounding vegetation which limits views towards the proposed development, however as shown by the viewpoint, there are gaps along the south eastern boundary which allow intermittent views out to the surrounding landscape. Where these occur the dramatic vast scale upland valley side slopes and ridgelines form the main element in the view. Woodland plantations on the lower slopes also form important elements in the view and are seen either partially against the skyline or back dropped by the surrounding steep sided moorland. The pylon is seen as an intrusive prominent foreground feature. 3.2.2 Viewpoint 2; View from B6105, National Park, looking south

The viewpoint represents typically intermittent views experienced by road users on the B6105 travelling west along Longdendale. Considering the road is used by Tourists to the National Park, the visual sensitivity is considered to be high

The view over the roadside drystone wall is of an open undulating landscape with far reaching views. The foreground of the view comprises the adjacent open rough grazing pastoral fields framed by woodland, and dominated by the back drop of the vast scale steep sided moorland slopes and towering above. Drystone walling is a common feature visible along the lower edges of the slopes bounding the pastoral fields. Woodland cover is also a prominent feature in the view surrounding forming the backdrop to the lower sections of the tall open lattice structure of the pylon which is seen as an intrusive prominent foreground feature. 3.2.3 Viewpoint 3; View from Trans Pennine Trail / Longdendale Trail / National Cycle Route 62, National Park, looking north

The viewpoint is representative of intermittent northerly elevated views across Longdendale experienced by recreational users of the Trans Pennine Trail travelling east and west, located within the Peak District National Park, and taking this into account the visual sensitivity is considered to be high. Woodhead Overhead Line Tower 4ZO214 — Landscape and Visual Appraisal Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 9

At this position the drystone wall in the foreground of the view falls and rises along the Trans Pennine Trail as it tracks the undulating landform, allowing occasional views over it to the surrounding landscape which falls away towards Torside Reservoir. These intermittent views are typically wide angled comprising the adjacent rough grazing pastoral fields, back dropped by the lower woodland slopes and upper moorland slopes and ridgelines along the opposite side of the valley. Vehicles travelling along the A628 are apparent features within the view. The tall open lattice structure of the pylon forms a prominent foreground element in the view 3.3 Future Baseline

The described baseline situation reflects the present situation prior to any development taking place. However the future baseline situation will at the local level temporarily change as a result of the proposed works for the full repair of Tower 4ZO214 and its associated compounds as shown on National Grid Drawing P131-20594LB-W-DR-4ZO214 - Permitted, and will occur simultaneously with the works associated with the temporary tower. This will result in localised disturbance and disruption to the local baseline landscape character and visual amenity described above.

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4 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL APPRAISAL 4.1 Mitigation

It is anticipated that during the proposed development there will be some localised disruption to existing landscape features such as areas of existing improved grassland pasture, pockets of rough grassland and scrub.

The transient nature of the various receptors affected by the scheme combined with the developments short time scale i.e. up to 71 working days for the temporary operation phase, no specific mitigation measure have been proposed. However, at the end of the temporary tower’s decommissioning practical opportunities to look at providing enhancement measures as part of the reinstatement work could be discussed and agreed with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. This would look at enhancing landscape features that have been lost or disturbed as a result of the work and in addition to replanting trees and reinstating pasture grassland could also include establishment of heather and/or other local natural moorland features and which overtime would bring about local enhancement. 4.2 Landscape Effects

With reference to National Grid Drawing P131-20594LB-W-DR-4ZO214–Consents, the site falls within the Peak District National Park and the proposed temporary construction work would result in a partial loss to landscape features, although the features lost are considered to be common to the locality and replaceable. There would also to some extent be construction noise along with localised visual intrusion which would impact on the tranquillity of the study area, albeit in a locality where tranquillity is already affected by noise and visual intrusion from the traffic on the A628 which runs along the opposite side of the valley and by the noise and visual intrusion associated with the existing Woodhead OHL.

The construction work associated with the temporary tower will include localised site clearance and ground levelling to create compacted stone working area which will act as a pad for the lifting crane and material storage. New 25m2, and 40m2 concrete stone pads will be installed on the south side of the Trans Pennine Trail within an area of improved pasture on which the temporary tower will be erected, and construction areas and crane pads will be installed. These areas will allow the temporary re-routing of the OHL between Towers 4ZO213 to the west and Tower 4ZO215 to the east to allow the full repair to tower 4ZO214, and these stone areas will be connected to the B6105 and Trans Pennine trail by compacted stone access tracks and secured by a 1m high post and wire fence.

These construction activities will occur simultaneously with the repair works to Tower 4ZO214 and its associated crane pad, material storage and access requirements. These activities for the purposes of this appraisal are considered to form the future baseline against which the temporary tower will be considered. This will also include loss to blocks of vegetation adjacent to the National Park car park and which at present provide some localised enclosure. It is also envisaged that new 1m high post and wire fencing surrounding the construction areas will remain for a short period of time post construction to protect the landscape reinstatement areas (as shown on National Grid Drawing P131-20594LB-W-DR-4ZO214–Permitted).

It is recognised that the construction works associated with the temporary tower will result in the alteration and or loss of some localised low key landscape features adjacent to the Trans Pennine Trail. The temporary lattice structure tower will be a relatively large feature which will be visible from a number of vantage points within the study area. The associated working areas will be relatively low key features and typically only discernible over a short distance. This

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construction work also needs to be considered in the context of the works associated with the full repair to the nearby Tower 4ZO214 and the other existing open lattice towers which form part of the Woodhead OHL. The proposals do not introduce any new permanent features into the landscape, and the impacts caused by the temporary tower would typically be localised. Overall the loss of local landscape features such as grazing grass land, which are considered to be common to the landscape and replaceable, would be reinstated within a short time scale.

As a result the magnitude of landscape impact is considered low, and taking into account the high landscape sensitivity, the overall significance of landscape impact is considered to be moderate. 4.3 Visual Amenity Operation Phase Effects

Viewpoint locations are shown on Figure 214-1.0, with photographs provided within Figures 214-1.1 to 214-1.3, and written descriptions of the effects are discussed below. 4.3.1 Viewpoint 1; View from Torside Reservoir Car Park, National Park, looking east

This viewpoint considers the limited views experienced by users within the south east part of the car park and also for users who are accessing the Trans Pennine Trail along the path which runs along the south east edge. Views of the temporary tower are generally contained by bounding vegetation but visible where gaps exist as showcased in the viewpoint photograph. The installation of the temporary tower and associated working areas will form a new foreground feature visible within southern section of the field. This feature will be seen in front of the baseline construction activity associated with the full repair of the adjacent Tower 4ZO214, however the scale of the temporary tower will result in it forming a prominent feature in the view.

Although the temporary tower and its associated construction activities would form a prominent foreground element in views from this location it is also considered that the tower itself is not an untypical feature of the existing view. Overall it is considered that the appearance of temporary additional large scale focal feature in the view, and associated construction areas, would have a partial change in short range views during the construction. Post construction it is envisaged there would be some short term minor alteration as the reinstated landscape features re- establish. As a result the initial magnitude of visual change is considered to be low, over time reducing to negligible. Taking into account the high sensitivity of the receptor this would result in an initial temporary moderate significance of impact during the construction activities, reducing to a negligible significance of impact within 6 months post construction. 4.3.2 Viewpoint 2; View from B6105, National Park, looking south

During construction it is anticipated that the temporary tower and its associated activities would create a new noticeable feature in the southern section of the pastoral field. It would be visible behind the existing tower 4Z0214, and back dropped by the Trans Pennine trail and surrounding steep sided moorland ridgelines and slopes. The temporary tower would be seen behind the baseline construction activity associated with the full repair to Tower 4ZO214, and views of the new structure will be partially obscured by this activity. It is considered that the degree in change of view is therefore limited as the tower itself is not an untypical feature of the existing view, and views of the surrounding landscape will remain intact with the introduction of the new tower only temporary, and in context with the surrounding features.

Overall it is considered that the appearance of a temporary additional large scale focal feature in the view, albeit one which is not considered to be out of context with other similar existing

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features, would have a partial change in the view during the construction. Post construction it is envisaged there would be some short term minor alteration as the reinstated landscape features re-establish. As a result the initial magnitude of visual change is considered to be low but over time would reduce to no change. Taking into account the high sensitivity of the receptor this would result in an initial temporary moderate significance of impact during the construction activities, reducing to no significance of impact within 6 months post construction. 4.3.3 Viewpoint 3; View from Trans Pennine Trail / Longdendale Trail / National Cycle Route 62, National Park, looking north

This viewpoint is representative of sequential oblique views of users travelling along the Trans Pennine Trail. During the construction it is anticipated that the temporary tower would create a notable feature in the view, but similar in terms of its appearance with the open lattice tower 4ZO214. The construction activities would be similar to and relatively indiscernible from the activities associated with the full repair works to Tower 4ZO214 which will be located to the north of the temporary tower and seen to the foreground of this baseline activity. Views of the new structure will continue to be back dropped to the north by the steep sided slopes and ridgelines beyond which contain a mix of woodland and open heather moorland.

Furthermore the tower itself is not an untypical feature of the existing view and as such the view of the wider landscape beyond would remain relatively unaffected. Overall it is considered that the appearance of a temporary additional large scale focal feature visible in the view, albeit one which is not considered to be out of context with other similar existing features, would have a partial change in the view during the construction. Post construction it is envisaged there would be some short term minor alteration as the reinstated landscape features re-establish. As a result the initial magnitude of visual change is considered to be low but over time would reduce to no change. Taking into account the high sensitivity of the receptor this would result in an initial temporary moderate significance of impact during the construction activities, reducing to no significance of impact within 6 months post construction.

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5 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 5.1.1 Landscape Cumulative Effects

The temporary tower would be located approximately 50m to the east of existing Tower 4Z02014 which is undergoing a full repair. With reference to National Grid Drawing P131- 20594LB-W-DR-4ZO205–Permitted the full repair works including the site clearance, associated compounds and construction activity would form a local prominent day time feature in the local landscape in the vicinity of the scheme. The two developments, because of the proximity between them, their similarity in layout, temporary features and activities, would be seen and experienced together as one temporary construction site rather than as separate construction sites and set in the wider context of the other towers which form part of the Woodhead OHL set within a vast scale dramatic landscape. When taking account of this the scheme and its associated elements would form a relatively inconspicuous or minor temporary element. It is therefore considered the scheme in addition to the Woodhead OHL repair works would make a minor contribution to the character of the immediate landscape. There would be a low magnitude of change resulting in a moderate cumulative landscape effect of a temporary nature. Furthermore it is considered the temporary tower in addition to the adjacent full repair works to Tower 4ZO214 would result in a negligible contribution to the wider character of the National Park. 5.1.2 Visual Amenity Cumulative Effects

Cumulative visual effects are identified as:

. Combined – View in which the two developments will be visible together within the same field of view; . Successive – View in which the two developments will be visible when the observer has to turn their head from the same fixed receptor; . Sequential – View in which the two developments will be visible when an observer moves along a linear route such as a public footpath or road The following Table 1.8 summarises the potential for cumulative effects from the representative viewpoints established as part of the visual assessment: Table 1.8 Potential Cumulative Impacts Viewpoint Potential Potential Potential Cumulative Combined Successive Sequential Significance of View View View Effects

Viewpoint 1 Yes No Yes Moderate

Viewpoint 2 Yes No Yes Moderate

Viewpoint 3 Yes No Yes Moderate

Of the three representative viewpoints, all are assessed as having the potential for a cumulative effect. The following provides detail of the anticipated cumulative effects.

Viewpoint locations are indicated on Figure 214-1.0 and the photographs illustrated in Figures 214-1.1 to 214-1.3.

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5.1.3 Viewpoint 1; View from Torside Reservoir Car Park, National Park, looking east

With reference to Figure 214-1.1, users of the car park would experience a series of combined and sequential views from the track along the south east edge which accesses the Trans Pennine Trail to the temporary tower, the full repair works to the existing Tower 4ZO214 and the associated compounds and site activity. These temporary construction activities would form the noticeable elements in the view from the car park, but seen in the context of other existing operational towers which form part of the Woodhead OHL located to the west. It is therefore considered the scheme in addition to the full repair works would make a slight contribution to the view, and that there would be a low magnitude of change which when considered with a high sensitivity receptor results in a resulting in a moderate cumulative visual effect of a temporary nature. 5.1.4 Viewpoint 2; View from B6105, National Park, looking south

With reference to Figure 214-1.2, users of the B6105 travelling west would experience a series of oblique combined and sequential views of the temporary tower, the full repair works to the existing Tower 4ZO214 and the associated compounds and site activity, which is located within the foreground view. These temporary construction activities would form the noticeable elements in the view from the road, but seen in the context of other existing operational towers which form part of the Woodhead OHL located to the west. It is therefore considered the scheme in addition to the full repair works would make a slight contribution to the view, and that there would be a low magnitude of change which when considered with a high sensitivity receptor results in a moderate cumulative visual effect of a temporary nature. 5.1.5 Viewpoint 3; View from Trans Pennine Trail / Longdendale Trail / National Cycle Route 62, National Park, looking north

With reference to Figure 214-1.3 users on the Trail would experience a series of combined and sequential views to the temporary tower, the full repair works to the existing Tower 4ZO214 and the associated compounds and site activity. These temporary construction activities would form the prominent elements in the view from the Trail, but seen in the context of other existing operational towers which form part of the Woodhead OHL located to the west. It is therefore considered the scheme in addition to the full repair works would make a slight contribution to the view, and that there would be a low magnitude of change which when considered with a high sensitivity receptor results in a resulting in a moderate cumulative visual effect of a temporary nature.

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6 CONCLUSIONS

The landscape and visual implications of the proposed development have been considered through a comprehensive landscape and visual appraisal in accordance with best practice guidance. The proposed development is positioned in a landscape which is nationally designated and which processes a number of special qualities which are worthy of protection. This landscape is also influenced by human activity such as the Woodhead OHL, the traffic on the busy A628, the B6105, the Torside reservoir, the remnants of the disused to Sheffield railway, which is now occupied by the Trans Pennine Trail/Longdendale Trail as well as similar construction activity associated with the full repair to Tower 4ZO214. Views within this landscape are generally attractive, open and wide angled, and contained or framed by the surrounding vast scale dramatic steep sided moorland valley slopes and ridgelines.

The proposals do not introduce any new permanent features into the landscape, and although it will result in the loss of some local and relatively minor landscape features impacts are not extensive, and are considered short term and reversible. At worst the magnitude of landscape impact is considered low, and taking into account the high landscape sensitivity, the overall significance of the landscape effect (with reference to Table 1.6 Significance Matrix) is considered to be moderate and of a temporary nature .

The proposed development would form a frequently occurring element in many views within the study area, due to the result of the open nature of the surrounding landscape. However these views are influenced by a number of vast and large scale features which include the wider natural landscape, the Woodhead OHL and by the construction activity associated with the full repair to Tower 4ZO214. It is anticipated the temporary tower would form a visual focus from several receptors, but overall given the temporary duration of the tower in combination with nearby construction activity, the scale of the unaffected landscape features which define the view, the anticipated degree of change will not materially change the availability of the view or its composition. At worst the overall magnitude of visual change is considered low, and taking into account the high visual sensitivity the significance of effect (with reference to Table 1.6 Significance Matrix) is considered to be moderate and of a temporary nature.

When considering the cumulative activity associated with the full repair of tower 4ZO214, and the temporary towers close proximity to this, it is considered there would be a low magnitude of landscape cumulative change resulting in a moderate cumulative landscape effect of a temporary nature. The temporary tower along with the adjacent full repair works would also be visible within a series of combined and sequential views from the visual receptors within the study area. At worst the overall magnitude of visual change is considered low as the features are viewed as separate structures, and taking account of the high visual sensitivity the significance of cumulative visual effect is considered to be at worst minor and of a temporary nature.

Overall, although the proposed development would result in some localised adverse impacts of a temporary nature on a landscape recognised as being of the highest quality and of national importance, it is considered these impacts would not compromise the special qualities of the National Park indicated in section 3.1.1.

Woodhead Overhead Line Tower 4ZO214 — Landscape and Visual Appraisal Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 16

7 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Council of Europe (2000), European Landscape Convention

LI & IEMA (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment: Third Edition.

MAGIC, Geographic Information Systems

Landscape Institute (2011), Advice Note 01/11 Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment

Natural England (2013), National Character Areas

Peak District National Park (2009) Landscape Strategy and Action Plan

Peak District National Park (2011) Local Development Framework Core Strategy Development Plan Document

Woodhead Overhead Line Tower 4ZO214 — Landscape and Visual Appraisal Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 17

Appendix A

FIGURES Figure 214-1.0: Viewpoint Locations

Figure 214-1.1: Viewpoint 1

Figure 214-1.2: Viewpoint 2

Figure 214-1.3: Viewpoint 3

National Grid Drawing P131-20594LB-W-DR-4ZO214 – Permitted

National Grid Drawing P131-20594LB-W-DR-4ZO214 – Consents

Woodhead Overhead Line Tower 4ZO214 — Landscape and Visual Appraisal Hyder Consulting (UK) Limited-2212959 Page 18

1

D-22

3

D-11 Proposed Temporary Tower

Viewpoint 1a: View from Torside Reservoir Car Park, National Park, looking east

Viewpoint 1a Distance to nearest point of Site = 150m Proposed Temporary Tower

Viewpoint 2: View from B6105, National Park, looking south

Viewpoint 2 Distance to nearest point of Site = 103m Proposed Temporary Tower

Viewpoint 3: View from Trans Pennine Trail / Longdendale Trail / National Cycle Route 62, National Park, looking north

Viewpoint 3 Distance to nearest point of Site = 122m