Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth,Powys Historic Environment Assessment
Report by: Trysor
For: Roger Parry & Partners LLP
June 2015
Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys Historic Environment Assessment
By
Jenny Hall, MCIfA & Paul Sambrook, MCIfA Trysor
Trysor Project No. 2015/465
For: Roger Parry & Partners
June 2015
38, New Road Gwaun-cae-Gurwen Ammanford Carmarthenshire SA18 1UN www.trysor.net [email protected]
Cover photograph: From the approximate location of the proposed turbine, looking north towards the hillfort at Fron Goch. Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys Historic Environment Assessment
RHIF YR ADRODDIAD - REPORT NUMBER: Trysor 2015/465
DYDDIAD 8fed Mehefin 2015 DATE 8th June 2015
Paratowyd yr adroddiad hwn gan bartneriad Trysor. Mae wedi ei gael yn gywir ac yn derbyn ein sêl bendith.
This report was prepared by the Trysor partners. It has been checked and received our approval.
JENNY HALL MCIfA Jenny Hall
PAUL SAMBROOK MCIfA Paul Sambrook
Croesawn unrhyw sylwadau ar gynnwys neu strwythur yr adroddiad hwn.
We welcome any comments on the content or structure of this report.
38, New Road, Tyllwyd Gwaun-cae-Gurwen Eglwyswrw Ammanford Crymych Carmarthenshire Pembrokeshire SA18 1UN SA41 3TD 01269 826397 01239 891470
www.trysor.net [email protected]
Trysor is a Registered Organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and both partners are Members of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, www.archaeologists.net
Jenny Hall (BSc Joint Hons., Geology and Archaeology, MCIfA) had 12 years excavation experience, which included undertaking watching briefs prior to becoming the Sites and Monuments Record Manager for a Welsh Archaeological Trust for 10 years. She has been an independent archaeologist since 2004 undertaking a variety of work that includes upland survey, desk-based appraisals and assessments, and watching briefs.
Paul Sambrook (BA Joint Hons., Archaeology and Welsh, MCIfA, PGCE) has extensive experience as a fieldworker in Wales. He was involved with Cadw’s pan-Wales Deserted Rural Settlements Project for 7 years. He also undertook Tir Gofal field survey work and watching briefs. He has been an independent archaeologist since 2004 undertaking a variety of work including upland survey, desk-based appraisals/assessments, and watching briefs.
Contents
1. Summary 1
2. Copyright 2
3. Introduction 2
4. The Proposed Development 2
5. Methodology 4
6. The Development Site 5
7. Archaeological Overview 8
8. Historical Overview 11
9. Impact Assessment 13
10. Historic Landscape Aspects Relating to Proposed Turbine 20
11. Conclusion 27
12. Reporting 28
13. References 28
Appendix A: Specification for historic environment appraisal 29
Appendix B: Site Gazetteer within 2km 35
Appendix C: Scheduled Ancient Monuments within 2 to 5km 74
Appendix D: Listed Buildings within 2km to 5km 76
Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 1. Summary 1.1 This historic environment assessment has been undertaken by Trysor to examine likely impacts on the historic environment from a proposed wind turbine on land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys.
1.2 The assessment has studied the impacts on all recorded historic assets within an area measuring 2km in radius, focused on SN8202399735, the location of the proposed turbine. The regional Historic Environment Records for Powys and the National Monuments Record of Wales were consulted, as well as readily available historical mapping.
1.2.1 One Scheduled Ancient Monument within a 2km radius would experience a Low, indirect, visual impact due to intervisibility with the proposed turbine, and another would experience a Very Low, indirect, visual impact. Neither would experience any impact on setting.
1.2.2 One Listed Building within a 2km radius would experience a Very Low, indirect, visual impact due to intervisibility with the proposed turbine but with no impact on setting.
1.3 The impact on all designated historic assets was assessed within an area measuring between 2km and 5km in radius, focused on SN8202399735, the location of the proposed turbine.
1.3.1 Three Scheduled Ancient Monuments within a 2km to 5km radius would experience a Very Low, indirect, visual impact due to intervisibility with the proposed turbine at distance but with no impact on setting.
1.3.2 No Listed Buildings within a 2km to 5km radius would be affected by the proposed turbine.
1.3.3 No Registered Parks & Gardens lay within a 5km radius of the proposed turbine.
1.3.4 Two Conservation Areas lie within a 5km radius of the proposed turbine, at Abercegir and Darowen villages. The turbine would be visible from both, but would not impact on the settings of the Conservation Areas.
1.4 A field visit was also undertaken to examine the location of the turbine and record previously unknown historic assets. Information was also gathered on the indirect, visual impacts on historic assets within the wider landscape.
1.5 The assessment shows that there is no surface evidence of buried archaeological features at the proposed turbine site.
1 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 1.6 The only mitigation thought necessary in association with the proposed development is a recommendation to avoid any damage to Quarry ID number 37, which lies immediately adjacent to the turbine site.
2. Copyright 2.1 Trysor holds the copyright of this report. Further copies may be made of this report without gaining permission to reproduce but it must be noted that Figures 3, 6, 7 and 8 include other copyrighted material and should not be copied.
3. Introduction 3.1 Roger Parry & Partners LLP, The Estates Office, 20 Salop Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2NU has commissioned Trysor heritage consultants on behalf of their client, TH & AB Jones & Sons of Byrhedyn, Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8SJ to write an Historic Environment Assessment for a proposed turbine land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, planning application P/2014/1163.
3.2 Scope notes supplied for single turbine developments by the Development Control Archaeologist at Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust have been used to guide this specification as well as the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment (CIfA, 2014). The specification written by Trysor (Trysor, 2015), see Appendix A was agreed by the planning archaeologist at Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust.
4. The proposed development 4.1 It is proposed that a single turbine, 30.5 metres to hub and 45.08m to the upright blade tip, is located at approximately SN8202399735 on high ground north of Melin Byrhedyn, see Figure 1.
4.2 A foundation hole, less than 10 metres by 10 metres in plan, will be excavated for the turbine base through the subsoil.
4.3 An existing access track from the minor road to the southeast of the proposed access track will be used as far as the north side of the field parcel in which the turbine would stand. A new trackway will be run along the field boundary to the north and curve southwards at the eastern end of the field to the turbine, approximately 350 metres.
4.4 The cable trench will run east northeast downslope through existing gateways and across a minor road, a distance of approximately 520 metres.
2 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Figure 1: Location of the proposed turbine, showing the 2km and 5km radius assessment areas.
3 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 5. Methodology 5.1 A study area of 2km radius centred on SN8202399735, the proposed turbine site, was chosen for the initial assessment of all recorded historic assets. This area was revised to exclude areas where there was no intervisibility between the turbine blade tip and the site, and no impact on setting, see Figure 2.
5.2 Data from the regional Historic Environment Record held by Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust was acquired for the 2km assessment.
5.3 Historic mapping was consulted. The maps used included 19th and 20th century 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey mapping and the Darowen parish tithe map of 1846 and accompanying tithe schedule of 1845.
5.4 A site visit was made to the proposed turbine site, and the surrounding area, on May 7th, 2015. Visible archaeological features within the area directly affected by the turbine proposal were searched for and any other historic assets that on which there may be a direct impact recorded. The wider landscape was also studied taking note of topography, vegetation and structures.
5.5 The aerial photographs on Google Earth, dating to 2006 and 2009, were used to inform the assessment as well as the more recent aerial photographs on the People’s Collection.
5.6 Elevation profiles, in conjunction with photos from the site visit, were used assess to intervisibility, views and impact on setting, as well as a ZTV created by Trysor.
5.7 Modern mapping was used to assess current public access
5.8 All information gathered during the desktop assessment and site visit was entered into a bespoke database created in Access 2003 to form an assessment dataset.
5.9 The dataset is the source of the material output in this report, including the GIS mapping which illustrates the location of sites in the area, and the tables and appendices which provide detailed information on the sites within the study area.
5.10 Each of the records in the final assessment 2km dataset was assessed for Period, Rarity, Documentation, Group Value1, as well as Evidential Value, Historical Value, Aesthetic Value, Communal Value2. Once these had been considered the significance of each site was determined and scored in accordance with the categories adopted by the Welsh
1 Period, Rarity, Documentation and Group Value are criteria defined in the Welsh Office Circular 60/96, 1996. 2 Evidential Value, Historical Value, Aesthetic Value and Communal Value are criteria defined in Cadw’s Conservation Principles publication, 2011. 4 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment Archaeological Trusts i.e. Nationally Important, Regionally Important, Locally Important, Minor and Features Needing Further Investigation (Unknown), see Figure 3. Full details of this exercise are given in Appendix B.
5.11 A further area of between 2 to 5 km radius, centred on SN8202399735, was used to assess the impact on designated sites only. This area was revised to exclude sites which would not be intervisible and on which there could be no impact from further assessment.
5.12 Data supplied by Cadw was used to assess designated sites within 2 to 5km of the development site.
5.13 Separate tables were created for Listed Buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments, giving the distance from the development, current public access and the impact on the setting of the monument, see Appendices
5.14 The type of historic asset, how it lies within the landscape, distance from the development, topography, intervening structures and vegetation and current public access were assessed. This information was used to assess the impact on the setting of the historic asset.
6. The Development Site 6.1 The proposed development site is an improved pasture field, located in a prominent position on the eastern end of Bryn y Brain hill, just to the north of Melin Byrhedyn village. The proposed site is 269 metres in altitude and from this location there are excellent views in all directions, apart from the west, where slightly higher ground on the western side of Bryn y Brain restricts the view.
6.1.1 The underlying strata include mudstones and sandstones of the Silurian Rhuddnant Grits formation. During the 19th century a series of narrow, shallow linear quarries were worked along outcropping bands across Bryn y Brain, one group of which pass immediately to the east of the proposed turbine site.
6.1.2 The land is now farmed as part of Barhedyn Farm, Melin Byrhedyn. Historically the land formed part of the parish common lands, only being enclosed during the second half of the 19th century.
5 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Figure 2: Areas excluded from further assessment in the 2km assessment area.
6 LandLand northnorth ofof MelinMelin Byrhedyn,Byrhedyn, Machynlleth,Machynlleth, Powys,Powys, HistoricHistoric EnvironmentEnvironment AssessmentAssessment
11 3636 3636 66 2828 3030 44 1313
22 1919 88
1515 33 77 77 2020 2424 2424 1616 1717 2626 16 3535 25122512 1111 1818
3232 3333 3838 2929 3737 1010 3131 2222 2323 3434 3434 2121 Proposed turbine location 1414 2km assessment area Area excluded from further assessment Significance of Sites Locally Important (17) Minor Importance (7) Nationally Important (7) 55 55 Regionally Important (1) 2727 2727 Unknown (6) 99 Ancient and Semi Natural Woodland Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey ©© CrownCrown CopyrightCopyright 2011.2011. AllAll rightsrights reserved.reserved. LicenceLicence numbernumber 100022432100022432 Figure 3: The 2km assessment area showing significance of sites, labelled with Project ID number 77 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 7. Melin Byrhedyn: Archaeological Overview
7.1 Palaeolithic and Mesolithic (250,000BC – 4,000BC). 7.1.1 There are no records of artefacts or sites associated with the Palaeolithic period or Mesolithic period recorded within a 2km radius of the proposed turbine site.
7.2 Neolithic and Earlier Bronze Age (4,000BC – 1,500BC). 7.2.1 There is no evidence of Neolithic activity within a 2km radius of the proposed turbine site.
7.2.2 There are a small number of sites recorded within a 2km radius of the development site which may indicate Bronze Age activity in the area. A bronze axe-head was reportedly found near Darowen in the 17th century and mentioned in Camden’s Britannia in 1695. The exact findspot is not known however.
7.2.3 Within the 5km assessment area for Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings there are several scheduled Round Barrows of Bronze Age date. These are all on high ground to the south of Melin Byrhedyn. They are a pair of round barrows at Bryn y Fedwen (MG107), a single round barrow on Foel Fadian (MG108) and another at Moelfre (MG311). Round Barrows are burial sites constructed during the later Bronze Age and usually cover a single cremation burial.
7.2.4 A possible Bronze Age Standing Stone is also recorded north of Talywern, just over 1km from the proposed turbine. This single stone, known as Meini Llwydion II (ID number 2) remains in situ. It is one of two stones which stood here in the 19th century. The second stone (ID number 19) stood to the west but was removed in the 19th century. It has been suggested that the Meini Llwydion stones were erected in medieval times to mark an area of sanctuary or “noddfa” around a now lost medieval church. This putative church (ID number 3) was said to have stood immediately to the east of the stones and its foundations were reportedly exposed and removed by a farmer c.1900. There is presently no archaeological evidence to confirm the date of the Maen Llwyd stone.
7.3 Later Bronze Age and Iron Age (1,500 BC – AD43). 7.3.1 There is one known Iron Age site within the 2km radius of the proposed turbine. This is the Frongoch hillfort (MG332), which lies 1.6km to the north of the proposed turbine side on a prominent hilltop. The hillfort has been partially damaged by post-medieval quarrying, but its strongest rampart, across its northern side, and most of the interior of the fort remain intact. Iron Age settlements, including hillforts and other defended enclosures are common in the Welsh landscape, and another, possible example is found within the 2km radius at Rhiw Griafol. This is a possible promontory fort overlooking the Nant Gwydol valley from the south, 1.75km to the east of the proposed turbine site.
8 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment It has been identified by the RCAHMW through aerial reconnaissance but is yet to be confirmed on the ground (ID number 31; RCAHMW photograph number AP_2005_2209).
7.4 Roman (AD43 – AD410). 7.4.1 There are no records of artefacts or sites associated with the Roman period within a 2km radius of the proposed turbine.
7.5 Early Medieval (AD410 – AD1100). 7.5.1 There are no records of artefacts or sites associated with the Early Medieval period within a 2km radius of the proposed turbine. According to CPAT the site of St. Tudur’s parish church at Darowen, 2.3km to the north of the proposed turbine site, is of probable Early Medieval origin. The present church building (PRN32601) is a 19th century building which replaced a medieval church which previously stood within the churchyard.
7.6 Medieval (AD1100 – AD1539). 7.6.1 It is likely that the district was settled and farmed during medieval times, although few archaeological sites or surviving buildings present within a 2km or 5km radius of the proposed turbine which relate to the period.
7.6.2 It is likely that some farmsteads in the area are of medieval origin, although their present farmhouses and buildings are outwardly of post- medieval or modern character. Pwlliwrch (Listed Building number 7607) lies within the 2km to 5km assessment area for Listed Buildings and is an example of an occupied farmhouse which retains some internal features of medieval date, suggesting it was originally a 15th century hall house.
7.6.3 Two deserted settlement sites may be of medieval date, a house platform at Frongoch (ID number 30) and an apparent earthwork house foundation within an enclosure at Rhiw Goch (ID number 33). Platforms are usually thought to be of medieval date as they are merely the surviving building foundation of a timber-framed house. It is thought that they date to a time when good timber was in sufficient supply to construct buildings in the area. Stone buildings generally seem to have become more popular in post-medieval times as over- exploitation or increased demand meant that there was insufficient timber to be found to meet local requirements.
7.6.4 There is a HER record for a possible medieval church site known as Cae yr Hen Eglwys (ID number 3). The RCAM recorded in the Montgomeryshire Inventory of 1911 that the tenant farmer of Rhos Dyrnog had uncovered the foundations of a small, rectangular building c.1900 and subsequently removed the stones. The site was said to be that of a medieval church on the basis that the field was called “Cae yr Hen Eglwys”. However, the tithe map records the field as “Cae Maen
9 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment Llwyd”, which coincides with the presence of the probably Bronze Age standing stone ID number 2 within the same field. The building foundation was said to have been uncovered immediately to the east of this stone. The origins of the “Cae yr Hen Eglwys” field name seem suspect therefore, and may originate with the uncovering of the stone foundations. It cannot, therefore, be said with any confidence that a medieval church site existed near Rhos Dyrnog.
7.7 Post Medieval & Industrial (AD1539 – present day). 7.7.1 Most of the sites recorded within a 2km radius of the proposed turbine site date to the Post Medieval period. They include a number of farmsteads, dwellings, agricultural buildings and associated features, a nonconformist chapel, a former corn mill and a series of quarries. These combine to reflect the effect that agricultural and social change in the period had on the local landscape, significantly changing the appearance of the district during the past 200 years.
10 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 8. Melin Byrhedyn Wind Turbine Site: Historical overview
8.1 Map evidence 8.1.1 The area of the proposed turbine site is shown on the Ordnance Survey’s Original Surveyors Drawings Plynlimmon sheet, surveyed in 1833, see Figure 4. This was the first detailed map series of the whole country. The surveyor’s drawings did not map field boundaries in detail but in this case does appear to show the general field pattern around the turbine site, with enclosed land shown to the south and east of the turbine very much as is seen in the modern landscape. The proposed turbine would stand within an area shown on the map as unenclosed land, which would have formed part of the parish commons.
Figure 4: An excerpt from the 1833 Plynlimmon Sheet, Ordnance Survey Original Surveyors Drawings. Areas of common land are shown with the stippled edging.
8.1.2 The Ordnance Survey published their 1 inch to 1 mile scale First Series map for the area in 1836 (Sheet 60). This map is based on the 1833 survey. It also does not map field systems in detail, although, as with the 1833 map, the fields to the south and east of the turbine site are shown relatively clearly. The land at the turbine site is again shown as unenclosed land.
8.1.3 The first detailed map of the field system of the area is the Darowen parish tithe map of 1846, see Figure 5. This confirms that the land at the proposed turbine site was still unenclosed common land at that time.
11 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 8.1.4 The First Edition 1:2500 scale Ordnance Survey map of 1887 shows that the common land around the turbine site had been enclosed incorporated into one of several new, large field parcels depicted as rough land and labelled as Bryn y Brain. The 1901, Second Edition of the map shows a similar picture. It is possible that some of the new fields created out of the former common were defined only by wire fencing, as is the case today.
8.1.5 The field parcels around the former common on Bryn y Brain, shown to the south and east of the turbine site on the tithe map, are generally defined by drystone walling. It seems that the new fields created out of the former common by the late 1880s were defined only by wire fencing.
8.1.6 This pattern survives to the present day, although some drystone walls are now in a poor condition, particularly that to the east of the turbine site (ID number 32). The area of the former common land on Bryn y Brain is now characterised by improved pasture, subdivided by wire fencing. A small parcel of common land still survives to the south of the turbine site, extending down to the edge of Melin Byrhedyn village. This is known as Melin Byrhedyn Common and is owned by the Wynnstay Estate.
Figure 5: Proposed turbine site as shown on the 1846 Darowen parish tithe map.
12 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 9. Impact Assessment 9.1 The HER enquiries for the under 2km radius area yielded 57 records in total.
9.2 The proposed development site and its environs were visited on 7th May 2015. The field was pasture at the time and the surface of the field was partially visible. The wider landscape context of the proposed development was also considered and the impact on the setting of designated sites. This visit was undertaken on a clear day, with good visibility.
9.3 Of the initial 57 records included in the dataset from the HERs for the 2km assessment area, 20 were excluded as there was no intervisibility and no possible impact on setting. A further 7 records were removed from the dataset; 1 as it had an inaccurate national grid-reference and actually lay outside the assessment area, 1 as it was a duplicate record, 4 as they were non archaeological features, and 1 as the uncertainty as to what it related meant no assessment could be made.
9.4 After the site visit, the historic map search, and the rapid assessment of the readily available data the final dataset for the 2km radius assessment area contained 38 records.
9.4.1 Eight additional records were created in the project database by Trysor. Two were for sites recorded in the National Monuments Record, Deserted Rural Settlement above Rhiwgoch (Id Number 33 and a linear quarry (ID number 38). The remaining six records were for four linear quarries (ID numbers 34, 35, 36 and 37), a field boundary wall (ID number 32 number and a possible promontory fort that the RCAHMW had photographed during aerial survey but not created a record for.
9.5 Within the 38 records there were two Scheduled Ancient Monuments and five Listed Buildings.
9.6 The Direct and Indirect impact on each site was assessed taking into account both physical and non-physical impacts. Each impact was assessed within the scale Very Low, Low, Moderate, High and Very High, taken into account the significance of the site and the nature of the impact. A full table is found in Appendix B but a summary is tabulated in Table 1 below and illustrated in Figure 6.
13 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment Table 1: Impact on sites within the 2km assessment area around the proposed turbine site
Level of Level of Level of ID Impact Site Name Site type Direct Indirect Number on Impact Impact Setting 37 BRYN Y BRAIN II QUARRY Low Low Low 2 MEINI LLWYDION STANDING None Low Low STANDING STONE I STONE;BOUNDARY MARKER 1 FRON GOCH HILLFORT None Low None HILLFORT 7 FFRIDD UCHAF FIELD SYSTEM None Very Low None SOILMARK 9 LLETTY MORFYDD ENCLOSURE None Very Low None ENCLOSURE II 13 FRON GOCH HOUSE HOUSE None Very Low None SITE 14 TY-COCH QUARRY QUARRY None Very NoneLow (DIS) 15 TALY-Y-WERN MILL CORN MILL None Very Low None 16 TALYWERN, BARN None VeryNone Low WENALLT FAWR BARN 17 BRYN Y BRAIN HOUSE None Very Low None 20 RHOS DYRNOG HOUSE None Very None Low HOUSE 26 TALYWERN, CAPEL CHAPEL None Very None Low SEION 30 FRON GOCH, HOUSE PLATFORM None Very Low None HOUSE PLATFORM 31 RHIW GRIAFOL PROMONTORY None Very Low None FORT? 32 BRYN Y BRAIN WALL None Very Low None 33 RHIW GOCH DESERTED RURAL None Very Low None SETTLEMENT 34 MELIN BYRHEDYN QUARRY None Very Low None 35 ESGAIR GADWYTH QUARRY None Very Low None 36 FRONGOCH QUARRY None Very Low None 38 BRYN Y BRAIN I QUARRY None Very Low None 3 CAE YR HEN CHURCH? None None None EGLWYS FOUNDATIONS 4 MOEL YR HENBLYS FIND None None None FIND 5 LLETTY MORFYDD ENCLOSURE None None None CROPMARK 6 FRON GOCH NON None None None CROPMARK ANTIQUITY;ROUN D BARROW
14 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Level of Level of Level of ID Impact Site Name Site type Direct Indirect Number on Impact Impact Setting 8 CAE YR HEN CIST;ROUND None None None EGLWYS CIST BARROW? 10 CIL Y WINLLAN MILL None None None MILL 11 DOLYRONEN HOUSE HOUSE None None None SITE 12 TAL Y WERN FACH HOUSE None None None HOUSE SITE 18 RHIWGOCH HOUSE None None None 19 MEINI LLWYDION STANDING None None None STANDING STONE STONE? II 21 GYDRHOS HOUSE None None None 22 GYDRHOS, MULTI- FARM BUILDING None None None PURPOSE FARM BUILDING 23 PEN-RHIW-LAS HOUSE None None None 24 RHOSDYRNOG ROOT VEGETABLE None None None ROOT STORE STORE 25 TAL-Y-WERN FACH ROOT VEGETABLE None None None ROOT STORE STORE 27 BACH-EIDION, FARMSTEAD None None None FARMSTEAD 28 YSPARWEN, HOUSE HOUSE None None None 29 CIL-Y-WINLLAN ROOT VEGETABLE None None None ROOT STORE STORE
9.7 As Table 1 shows it was determined that recorded historic assets within the revised 2km assessment area would not be exposed to any significant impact from the proposed turbine development. Full details of the assessment of direct and indirect impact for each of the sites in Table 1 can be found in Appendix B.
9.7.1 Eighteen historic assets would be unaffected
9.7.2 Three historic assets would have a Low and fifteen would have a Very Low impact. Apart from one minor quarry (ID number 37) all of these impacts would be indirect, visual impacts. There is only one site where there may be a Low impact on setting, quarry ID number 37.
9.7.3 The turbine foundation would not damage any field boundaries. The access track to the turbine site would make use of an existing, modern, farm track, although an extension would be required to take the track to the turbine location. This would not damage any field boundaries.
15 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 9.8 The Cadw datasets for the 2km to 5km radius area returned a further three Scheduled Ancient Monuments, 29 Listed Buildings and no registered Parks and Gardens. The full results of this assessment are found in Appendices C & D of this report.
9.8.1 As Table 3 in 10.2.2 shows, it was determined that all three of the Scheduled Ancient Monuments within the 2km to 5km assessment area would be exposed to a Very Low indirect, visual impact from the proposed turbine development but with no impact on their setting. Further details of the assessment of indirect impacts for all of the sites in can be found in Appendix C and Figure 7.
9.8.2 As Table 5 in 10.3.2 shows, it was determined that no Listed Buildings or their settings within the 2km to 5km assessment area would be exposed to an impact from the proposed turbine development. Full details of the assessment of impact for all of the Listed Buildings can be found in Appendix D and Figure 8.
9.8.3 There are no Parks and Gardens within the 2 to 5km assessment area.
16 LandLand northnorth ofof MelinMelin Byrhedyn,Byrhedyn, Machynlleth,Machynlleth, Powys,Powys, HistoricHistoric EnvironmentEnvironment AssessmentAssessment
0 0.5 1 11 3636 kilometres 66 2828 3030 44 1313
22 1919 88
1515 33 77 2020 2424 2424 1616 1717 2626 1616 3535 25122512 1111 1818
3232 3333 3838 2929 3737 1010 3131 2222 2323 3434 2121
Proposed turbine location 1414 2km assessment area
Area excluded from further assessment
Level of Impact Low Direct, Low Indirect, Low on Setting (1) No Direct, Low Indirect, Low on Setting (0) 55 No Impact (18) 2727 No Direct, Very Low Indirect, None on Setting (18) 99 Ancient and Semi Natural Woodland Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey ©© CrownCrown CopyrightCopyright 2011.2011. AllAll rightsrights reserved.reserved. LicenceLicence numbernumber 100022432100022432 Figure 6: The 2km assessment area showing level of impact, labelled with Project ID number 1717 LandLand northnorth ofof MelinMelin Byrhedyn,Byrhedyn, Machynlleth,Machynlleth, Powys,Powys, HistoricHistoric EnvironmentEnvironment AssessmentAssessment
0 1.5 3 kilometres
MG311MG311
Proposed turbine location 2km assessment area
5km assessment area MG108MG108 MG107MG107 Level of Impact Very Low Indirect and None on Setting (3) ContainsContains OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey datadata ©© CrownCrown copyrightcopyright andand databasedatabase rightright 20102010
Figure 7: Level of impact on Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the 2km to 5km area, labelled with Scheduled Ancient Monument number 1818 LandLand northnorth ofof MelinMelin Byrhedyn,Byrhedyn, Machynlleth,Machynlleth, Powys,Powys, HistoricHistoric EnvironmentEnvironment AssessmentAssessment
0 1.5 3 83,04283,042 83,01183,011 7,6017,601 83,02383,023 83,04583,045 83,02383,023 kilometres 83,02983,029 83,00183,001 83,02483,024 83,01883,018 83,03783,037 83,02883,028 7,6047,604 83,03583,035 83,01983,019 83,03383,033 83,02683,026 83,03383,033 83,03283,032 83,00083,000 8,7088,708
83,03483,034 7,6077,607 21,96621,966
26,83826,838
84,41684,416 84,41884,418 23,52723,527
Proposed turbine location
84,42584,425 2km assessment area
5km assessment area 84,41984,419 84,42184,421 Level of Impact Excluded from further assessment (19) ContainsContains OrdnanceOrdnance SurveySurvey datadata No indirect and None on setting (10) ©© CrownCrown copyrightcopyright andand databasedatabase rightright 20102010
Figure 8: Level of impact on Listed Buildings in the 2km to 5km area, labelled with Listed Building number 1919 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 10. Impact on Historic Environment Aspects 10.1 Following the impact assessment aspects of the historic environment around the proposed turbine site have been considered as outlined in the specification agreed by the Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust Heritage Management Section (see Appendix A);
10.2 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and their settings 10.2.1 There are two Scheduled Ancient Monuments within the revised 2km assessment area.
10.2.2 There would be a Low indirect, visual impact on the Meini Llwydion Standing Stone I, with no impact on its setting. The turbine would be intervisible with the stone and appear in the peripheral view if the stone was viewed from the public road to the east. See Table 2, Appendix B and Figure 6.
10.2.3 There would be a Very Low, indirect, visual impact on the Frongoch hillfort (MG147). The turbine would be visible from inside the hillfort and from its southern side, which has been partially damaged by post- medieval quarrying. The turbine would not be visible from outside the northern side of the hillfort, where the most substantial rampart and main entrance are located, and would not impact on key views of the monument from the north. The hillfort was clearly constructed to be more dominant in views from the north, the southern defences being much weaker as they stand above a steep slope.
Level of Level of Level of ID SAM Impact Site Name Site type Direct Indirect Number Number on Impact Impact Setting MEINI STANDING None Low None LLWYDION STONE; 2 MG332 STANDING BOUNDARY STONE I MARKER FRON GOCH HILLFORT None Very None 1 MG147 HILLFORT Low Table 2: Impacts on Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the revised 2km assessment area
20 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 10.2.2 There are a further three Scheduled Ancient Monuments in 2km to 5km area. There would be a Very Low indirect visual impact on each of these but no impact on their settings, see Table 3, Figure 7 and Appendix C.
Scheduled Level of Level of Ancient Impact Site Name Site Type NGR Indirect Monument on Impact Number Setting Bryn y Round SN841953 Very Low None Fedwen barrow MG107 Round Barrows Foel Fadian Round SN832955 Very Low None MG108 Round barrow Barrow Moelfre Round SN848983 Very Low None MG311 round barrow barrow Table 3: Impacts on Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the 2 to 5km assessment area
10.3 Listed Buildings and their settings 10.3.1 There are five Listed Buildings within the revised 2km assessment area. There would be a Very Low indirect, visual impact on one of these, Bryn y Brain House (ID number 17), with no impact on its setting, see Table 4, Appendix B and Figure 6.
Listed Level of Level of Level of ID Building Impact Site Name Site type Direct Indirect Number number on Impact Impact Setting 17 83005 BRYN Y BRAIN HOUSE None Very Low None 18 83041 RHIWGOCH HOUSE None None None 21 84423 GYDRHOS HOUSE None None None 22 84426 GYDRHOS, FARM None None None MULTI- BUILDING PURPOSE FARM BUILDING 23 84429 PEN-RHIW- HOUSE None None None LAS Table 4: Impacts on Listed Buildings in the revised 2km assessment area
21 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 10.3.2 Within the 2km to 5km assessment area, there are a further 29 Listed Buildings and there would be no impact on any of them, see Table 5, Appendix D and Figure 8.
Level of Listed Level of Impact Building Site Name Grade Indirect on Number Impact Setting 7607 Pwlliwrch II* None None 8708 Telephone call-box, Darowen. II None None 83000 Barn adjacent to Llwyn y Ffynnon II None None 83024 Hen Ysgol II None None 83026 Llwyn y Ffynnon II None None 83032 Old Rectory II None None 83033 Outbuilding at Old Rectory II None None 83034 Pen y banc II None None 84419 Cefn Cyfrifol II None None Multi-purpose farm building at Cefn None None 84425 II Cyfrifol 7601 Mathafarn II Excluded Excluded 7604 Abergwydol II* Excluded Excluded 21966 Felin Crewi II Excluded Excluded Aberhosan Independent Chapel, Excluded Excluded 23527 II including forecourt walls and railings 26838 Rhiwfelen II Excluded Excluded 83001 Bont Commins Coch II Excluded Excluded 83011 Dovey Hotel II Excluded Excluded 83018 Farm Range SW of Poesnant Farm II Excluded Excluded 83019 Former Factory, Troed y Rhiw II Excluded Excluded 83023 Grofft II Excluded Excluded 83028 Milestone E of Commins Coch II Excluded Excluded 83029 Milestone S of Grofft II Excluded Excluded 83035 Pen y bont II Excluded Excluded 83037 Poesnant Farm II Excluded Excluded 83042 Service Building at Mathafarn II Excluded Excluded 83045 Gate piers at Mathafarn II Excluded Excluded 84416 Cae Carog II Excluded Excluded 84418 Caethle II Excluded Excluded 84421 Cwm-hafod-march II Excluded Excluded Table 5: Impacts on Listed Buildings in the 2km to 5km assessment area
22 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 10.4 Previously Recorded Non-Designated Historic Assets and Buildings and their settings
10.4.1 There are 9 previously recorded non-designated historic assets or buildings which would experience some impact from the proposed turbine. They would all have a Very Low, indirect, visual impact. These are included in Table 6, Appendix B and Figure 6.
Level of Level of Level of ID Impact Site Name Site type Direct Indirect Number on Impact Impact Setting 7 FFRIDD UCHAF FIELD SYSTEM None Very Low None SOILMARK 9 LLETTY MORFYDD ENCLOSURE None Very Low None ENCLOSURE II 13 FRON GOCH HOUSE HOUSE None Very Low None SITE 14 TY-COCH QUARRY QUARRY None Very Low None (DIS) 15 TALY-Y-WERN MILL CORN MILL None Very Low None 16 TALYWERN, WENALLT BARN None Very Low None FAWR BARN 20 RHOS DYRNOG HOUSE None Very Low None HOUSE 26 TALYWERN, CAPEL CHAPEL None Very Low None SEION 30 FRON GOCH, HOUSE HOUSE PLATFORM None Very Low None PLATFORM Table 6: List of non-designated historic assets and buildings
23 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 10.5 Newly identified sites of historic importance 10.5.1 Seven newly recorded sites of historic importance were noted for this assessment at or near the turbine site.
10.5.2 One of these, a minor quarry (ID number 37) immediately adjacent to the turbine site could experience a direct, physical impact from the development. Simple steps could be taken to avoid such impact, however.
10.5.3 A ruinous stone boundary wall (ID number 32), which defined a field carved out of the former common before the mid-19th century, will be crossed by the cable trench which will be required to connect the proposed turbine to the National Grid. This cable trench will be cut through an existing gateway in order to avoid impacting on the remains of this wall.
10.5.4 The other five newly recorded features include a possible Iron Age promontory fort (ID number 31) and a possible Deserted Rural Settlement (ID number 33) which have been identified by the RCAHMW during aerial reconnaissance. They will all experience a Very Low, indirect, visual impact. The details of these sites are included in Table 7, Appendix B and Figure 6.
Level of Level of Level of ID Impact Site Name Site type Direct Indirect Number on Impact Impact Setting 37 BRYN Y BRAIN II QUARRY Low Low Low 31 RHIW GRIAFOL PROMONTORY None Very Low None FORT? 32 BRYN Y BRAIN WALL None Very Low None 33 RHIW GOCH DESERTED None Very Low None RURAL SETTLEMENT 34 MELIN BYRHEDYN QUARRY None Very Low None 35 ESGAIR GADWYTH QUARRY None Very Low None 36 FRONGOCH QUARRY None Very Low None 38 BRYN Y BRAIN I QUARRY None Very Low None Table 7: Impacts on newly identified sites within the revised 2km assessment area
10.6 Registered Parks & Gardens and their essential settings. 10.6.1 There are no Registered Parks and Gardens within the 2km or 5km study areas.
10.7 Registered Historic Landscapes 10.7.1 The development site does not lie in a Registered Historic Landscape, not do the 2km or 5km study areas include any portion of one.
24 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
10.8 Non-registered Historic Landscapes 10.8.1 The development site does not lie in a Special Landscape Area.
10.9 LANDMAP and landscape characterisation information 10.9.1 The proposed turbine would stand in the extensive Is-y-Coed LANDMAP Historic Landscape Aspect Area (MNTGMHL289), which is described as;
“Irregular fieldscapes probably of medieval to post-medieval origin on the dissected western flanks of the Cambrian Mountains to the south of the river Dyfi. Widespread 20th-century conifer plantations on steeper hillslopes with some residual ancient broadleaved woodland along some steep-sided stream valleys. Numerous, small residual areas of registered common land... Early settlement and land use is indicated by scattered Neolithic to Bronze Age burial and ritual sites and by the later prehistoric Fron Goch hillfort near Darowen. The Roman roads from Caersws to Pennal and to Mallwyd run through the area. Post- medieval industry is represented by scattered, relict, relatively small- scale post-medieval slate and stone quarrying and lead mining and by former corn and wool processing watermills. Scattered existing farms and abandoned and relict house sites of medieval and post-medieval date. Small nucleated church settlements of medieval origin at Cemmaes, Darowen, Penegoes... Small post-medieval communications or industrial settlements at Cemmaes Road, Commins Coch and Abercegir.”
The overall evaluation of this aspect area is High as it although it is dominated by post medieval and medieval agriculture it has a strong presence of Bronze Age burial and ritual, and later prehistoric settlement which variety contributes to its overall score.
10.10 Conservation Area 10.10.1 There are no Conservation Areas within the 2km study area.
10.10.2 Two Conservation Areas lie in the 5km study area. These are the Abercegir and Darowen Conservation Areas, both of which are quite tightly defined to include only the historic cores of the two settlements.
10.10.3 The turbine would be visible from parts of Abercegir village, although it would stand 2.5km to the southeast and in view of its relatively small scale would not appear as a dominant landscape feature. It would not affect the setting of the Conservation Area.
10.10.4 The turbine would be visible from parts of Darowen village. It would stand 2.2km to the southwest and in view of its relatively small scale would not appear as a dominant landscape feature. It would not affect the setting of the Conservation Area.
25 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 10.11 Tir Gofal interests or requirements 10.11.1 No Tir Gofal interests were identified at the development site.
10.12 Buried archaeological potential 10.12.1 During the field visit, no physical, visible evidence was noted suggestive of buried archaeology at the proposed development site. There is also no documentary, cartographic or aerial photographic evidence of buried archaeology at the proposed location for the turbine.
10.13 Palaeoenvironmental potential 10.13.1 No palaeoenvironmental potential was identified at the turbine site.
10.14 Hedgerows and field patterns 10.14.1 The turbine site is located on former common land, which was subdivided in the later 19th century, apparently with wire fences. Today, this block of land is still largely sub-divided with wire fences, although stone walls can still be seen where the common boundary lay before enclosure (i.e. Wall ID number 32).
10.15 Ancient Woodland 10.15.1 There are 15 areas of Ancient and Semi-natural Woodland within the revised 2km assessment area, and three Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites. The closest lies approximately 420 metres to the northwest of the turbine. There would be no direct impact on any of these woodlands from the development of the turbine.
10.16 Place-names 10.16.1 There are no significant place-names closely associated with the proposed turbine site. The turbine would stand within an area of ground called “Common” on the tithe map.
10.17 Cumulative impact 10.17.1 From the proposed turbine site, the Mynydd y Cemmaes windfarm is visible 8km to the northeast. The Trannon Moor (Carno) windfarm can be seen 9km to the east. A single turbine above the Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth is visible 7km to the northwest.
10.18 National Park 10.18.1 There are no National Parks within 5km of the proposed turbine.
26 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 11. Conclusion 11.1 Overall, there would not be a significant impact on the historic environment, or on individual historic assets, in relation to the proposed development of a wind turbine north of Melin Byrhedyn. Many of the 38 historic assets within the revised 2km assessment area would be unaffected by the development.
11.2 There are two Scheduled Ancient Monument within the 2km assessment area; a Bronze Age Standing Stone at Meini Llwydion (ID number 2) and an Iron Age hillfort at Frongoch (ID number 1).
11.2.1 There would be a Low, indirect, visual impact on Meini Llwydion Standing Stone (ID number 2) with no impact on its setting. The proposed turbine would fall within the peripheral view if the stone was viewed from the adjacent public road to the east.
11.2.2 There would be a Very Low, indirect, visual impact on Frongoch hillfort (ID number 1), as the turbine would be visible from within the hillfort and its southern side. The turbine would not impact on key views of the hillfort, gained from its northern side, nor would it impact on the setting of the monument.
11.3 There are five Listed Buildings within the 2km assessment area. There would be Very Low, indirect, visual impact from the proposed turbine on just one of these, Bryn y Brain House (ID number 17), with no impact on its setting.
11.4 Nine previously recorded historic assets would experience a Low or Very Low impact, based on intervisibility with the turbine, but with no impacts on their settings.
11.5 One newly recorded historic asset, namely the post-medieval quarry ID number 37, would be subject to a Low, indirect, visual impact and a possible Low, direct, physical impact. The other seven newly recorded features would experience a Very Low, indirect, visual impact.
11.6 Within a radius of 2km to 5km, three Scheduled Ancient Monuments are found, all Bronze Age Round Barrows. Each of these would experience a Very Low, indirect, visual impact, with no impacts on their settings.
11.7 Within a radius of 2km to 5km, 39 Listed Buildings are found. None of these would experience any impact from the development.
11.8 No archaeological mitigation is thought necessary in respect of this development.
27 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 12. Reporting 12.1 Copies of this report will be provided to the client and the Regional Historic Environment Records.
12.2 The archive will be deposited with the National Monuments Record.
13. References 13.1 Map sources Ordnance Survey, 1833, 2” to 1 mile Original Surveyors drawing, Plynlimmon Sheet Ordnance Survey, 1836, 1” to 1 Mile, Sheet 56 Ordnance Survey, 1887, 1:2500, 1st edition Ordnance Survey, 1901, 1:2500 2nd edition Darowen parish tithe map 1846 and apportionment, 1845
13.2 Web-based materials Historic England, 2015, The Setting of Heritage Assets Good Practice Guide to Planning Note 3
RCAHMW, Historic Wales Portal
Research Framework for the Archaeology of Wales, www.archaeoleg.org.uk
13.3 Published sources Cadw, 2011, Conservation Principles for the sustainable management of the historic environment of Wales, Cadw & CCW, 2007, Guide to the Good Practice on using the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the planning and development process. RCAHMW, 1911, An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Wales and Monmouthshire: I - County of Montgomery Welsh Office, 1996, Planning and the Historic Environment: Archaeology Welsh Office Circular 60/96
13.4 Unpublished sources Trysor, 2015, Specification for an Historic Environment Assessment for a Turbine on Land North of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth P/2014/1163
13.5 Data Sources Cadw, Listed Building all-Wales dataset, created October 2014 Cadw, Parks and Gardens all-Wales dataset, created June 2014 Cadw, Scheduled Ancient Monument all-Wales dataset, created June 2014 Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust, Historic Environment Record, data received 11/05/2015
Jenny Hall & Paul Sambrook Trysor, June 2015
28 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Appendix A: Specification
29 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment SPECIFICATION FOR AN HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT FOR A TURBINE ON LAND NORTH OF MELIN BYRHEDYN, MACHYNLLETH P/2014/1163
1. Introduction 1.1 Roger Parry & Partners LLP, The Estates Office, 20 Salop Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2NU has commissioned Trysor heritage consultants on behalf of their client, Th & AB Jones & Sons of Byrhedyn, Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys SY20 8SJ to write an Historic Environment Assessment for a proposed turbine land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, planning application P/2014/1163.
1.2 Scope notes supplied for single turbine developments by the Development Control Archaeologist at Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust have been used to guide this specification as well as the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment (CIfA, 2014)
2. The proposed development 2.1 It is proposed that a single turbine, 30.5 metres to hub and 45.08m to the upright blade tip, is located at approximately SJ820239735 on high ground north of Melin Byrhedyn.
2.2 A foundation hole, less than 10 metres by 10 metres in plan, will be excavated for the turbine base through the subsoil.
2.3 An existing access track from the minor road to the southeast of the proposed access track will be used as far as the north side of the field parcel in which the turbine would stand. A new trackway will be run along the field boundary to the north and curve southwards at the eastern end of the field to the turbine, approximately 350 metres.
2.4 The cable trench will run east northeast downslope through existing gateways and across a minor road, a distance of approximately 520 metres.
3. Planning context of the proposed development 3.1 A planning application has been submitted for this turbine, P/2014/1163.
3.2 Mark Walters, Development Control Archaeologist, at Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust, commented on the application (CPAT, 2014). He stated that the information included in the planning application was insufficient to determine if there was an impact on the historic environment and recommended a desk-based assessment be submitted.
3.3 This assessment would be to provide sufficient information on the potential historic environment resource, and the effect of the turbine on this resource, to allow an informed decision about the impact of the proposal.
30 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 4. Objective of the specification 4.1 The objective of this specification is to outline the method to be used for the assessment in order to identify any potential historic environment dimension associated with the proposed planning applications, in line with the scope notes supplied for single turbine developments by Mark Walters of Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust
Figure 1: The proposed location of the turbine and the proposed areas of the assessment.
31 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 5. Scope of Work 5.1 The assessment will initially consider known historic assets within a 2 km radius circle centred on SN8202399735 (see Figure 1). This study area may be revised once the importance, proximity and intervisibility of the sites have been established. The impact on designated sites will be considered within a 5km radius circle.
5.2 The following components of the historic environment will be considered, where relevant; a. Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) and their settings. b. Non-scheduled ancient monuments and their settings, c. Newly identified sites of historic importance d. Listed buildings and their settings. e. Non statutory Buildings of Local Importance, where this information is readily available and relevant to the proposed development. f. Registered Parks and Gardens and their essential settings. g. Registered Historic Landscapes h. Non-registered historic landscapes i. Buried archaeological potential j. Palaeoenvironmental potential k. Hedgerows and field patterns l. Ancient woodland m. Place-name evidence n. Cumulative impacts, e.g. wind turbines in close proximity, which will require a separate study. o. Any Tir Gofal/Glastir interests or requirements p. LANDMAP and landscape characterisation information
5.3 An assessment will be made of the development’s possible impact on all known archaeological and historic sites recorded in the Regional Historic Environment Record (HER), the National Monuments Records (NMR), the National Museum of Wales’ Artefact Records, and Cadw’s SAM and Listed Building registers within the revised study area.
5.4 This assessment will be based on criteria guided by Welsh Office Circular 60/96 and the ASIDOHL2 Process outlined in the Guide to Good Practice on using the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process and Historic England, 2015, Historic Environment Good Practice Advice In Planning Note 3 The Setting of Heritage Assets
5.5 Historic Ordnance Survey maps and tithe map will be consulted to guide the assessment, as well as accessible on-line aerial photographs.
5.6 Elevation profiles, in conjunction with photos from the site visit and aerial photos, will be used assess to intervisibility, views and impact on setting. ZTV and photomontages supplied by the client will be used if available. If ZTV is not yet available Trysor will create their own. 5.7 A site visit will be carried out in accordance with Chartered Institute for Archaeologists’ Standard and Guidance for an Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment (CIfA, 2014). The site visit will be record any unknown features in the vicinity of the proposed development. It will also assess the condition of known historic assets and an examination and record will be made of the nature of adjacent field boundaries. In addition, if practical the field will be informally fieldwalked to enable recovery and recording of any
32 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment artefacts. A rapid record of features will be made, including a written description on pro- forma record sheets.
5.8 Colour digital photographs will be taken, using a 16M pixel camera. A written record will be made on site of the photographs taken. Appropriate photographic scales will be used.
6. Reporting 6.1 A written report will be submitted to the client to inform the current planning application. The report will include; a. a non-technical summary b. a site location plan c. a bibliography d. a limited gazetteer of all historic assets included in the assessment giving significance and impact, with descriptions. e. an assessment of the value and significance of each historic asset f. an assessment of the impact of the proposed development on the historic assets of the study area – impacts will be assessed whether negative or positive, direct or indirect. g. statement of the local and regional context of the historic assets identified as have being impacted on by the development. h. statement on reliability of resources used during assessment.
6.2 The report will be guided by the requirements of Annexe 2 of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists’ Standard and Guidance for an Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment (CIfA, 2014). Copies of the report will be provided to the client, the Regional Historic Environment Record and the National Monuments Record.
7. Sources Cadw & CCW, 2007, Guide to Good Practice on using the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process – Revised (2nd) edition including revision to the assessment process (ASIDOHL2).
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, 2014, Standard and Guidance for an Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment, revised December 2014.
CPAT, 2014, Letter to planning officer, dated 09 December 2014
Historic England, 2015, Historic Environment Good Practice Advice In Planning Note 3 The Setting of Heritage Assets
Welsh Office Circular 60/96; Planning and the Historic Environment: Archaeology (1996)
8. Health & Safety 8.1 Trysor will undertake a risk assessment in advance of any field visit in accordance with their health and safety policy.
9. Dissemination 9.1 A summary of the work undertaken and its findings will be submitted to Archaeology in Wales if appropriate. Paper copies of the report will be submitted to the regional Historic Environment Record, as well as the National Monument Record as well as in pdf format.
10. Archive
33 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment 10.1 The paper archive will be deposited with the National Monuments Record, including a copy of the final report. This archive will include all written, drawn and photographic records relating directly to the investigations undertaken. Photographs will be supplied in TIFF format in a file size greater than 11MB, following the standard required by the RCAHMW.
11. Resources to be used 11.1 Two members of staff will undertake the assessment. They will be equipped with standard field equipment, including digital cameras, GPS and first aid kits. Trysor have access to the computer hardware and software required to deliver the completed final report and archive to a professional standard.
12. Qualification of personnel 12.1 Trysor is a Registered Organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and both partners are Members of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, www.archaeologists.net
12.2 Jenny Hall (BSc Joint Hons., Geology and Archaeology, MCIfA) had 12 years excavation experience, which included undertaking watching briefs prior to becoming the Sites and Monuments Record Manager for a Welsh Archaeological Trust for 10 years. She has been an independent archaeologist since 2004 undertaking a variety of work that includes upland survey, desk-based appraisals and assessments, and watching briefs.
12.3 Paul Sambrook (BA Joint Hons., Archaeology and Welsh, MCIfA, PGCE) has extensive experience as a fieldworker in Wales. He was involved with Cadw’s pan-Wales Deserted Rural Settlements Project for 7 years. He also undertook Tir Gofal field survey work and watching briefs. He has been an independent archaeologist since 2004 undertaking a variety of work including upland survey, desk-based appraisals/assessments, and watching briefs.
13. Insurance & Professional indemnity 13.1 Trysor has Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
14. Project identification 14.1 The project has been designated Trysor Project No. 2015/465
Jenny Hall & Paul Sambrook Trysor May 2015
34 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Appendix B: Site Gazetteer within 2km
35 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 1 FRON GOCH HILLFORT HILLFORT HER PRN: 718 NMR NPRN: 303139
NGR: SH82220136 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Iron Age Broadclass: Defence Form: Earthwork Condition: Damaged Site Status: Scheduled Ancient Monument
SAM number: MG332 LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Not rare
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Earthwork site
Historical Value: Described in archaeological sources
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This hillfort is situated on the summit of a prominent hill which forms part of a ridge which rises between the valleys of the Nant Cegir, to the north, and the Nant Gwydol, to the south. The fort enjoys good views over the surrounding landscape in all directions and had its main entrance at the northeastern end. The land to the northwest is less steep that that to the southwest, which means that the northwestern facing rampart is a substantial bank, whilst the southwest side of the fort is much more weakly defended, as the steep slopes here were relied upon to help protect the site from attack. Significance: Nationally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine woud be visible from within this hillfort, looking south, but Impact: would not impact on the setting of the monument or on key views of the site. The best preserved earthworks lie to the northern side of the site, which are best viewed from the north. The hill itself would block views of the turbine from that direction, which would stand to the south. The original entrance into the hillfort is either in the northwestern rampart (RCAM, 1911) or at the northeastern end of the defences (CPAT, 2008). In either case, the position of the entrance suggests that the key views of the hillfort were from lower ground to the northwest or northeast, and the turbine would not affect either view of the site. Only a Very Low, indirect, visual impact would be caused by the development.
36 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 2 MEINI LLWYDION STANDING STONE I STANDING STONE;BOUNDARY MARKER HER PRN: 1297 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH8277300580 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Bronze Age;Medieval Broadclass: Religious Ritual and Funerary Form: Structure Condition: Intact Site Status: Scheduled Ancient Monument
SAM number: MG147 LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Not rare
Reference:
Group Value: Possibly one of two stones originally
Evidential Value: Stone stands in situ
Historical Value: Discussed in the RCAMs Montgomeryshire inventory
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This stone was originally set on top of a flat spur, between the Nant Gwydol and Ffernant valleys. It appears to have been one of a pair, with a second stone originally standing about 90m to the west. It has the appearance of being a Bronze Age standing stone, but there is also a tradition that it was one of three medieval stones marking an area of sanctuary. By later post-medieval times the land had been enclosed and improved as farmland and the stone now stands in a pasture field, the stone to the west having been removed in the 19th century. There are good views to the south, west and north from this position. Significance: Nationally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The proposed turbine would be visible from this stone and would cause Impact: a Low, indirect, visual impact. The turbine would appear in peripheral views when the stone is viewed from the public road to the east of the stone.
37 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 3 CAE YR HEN EGLWYS FOUNDATIONS CHURCH? HER PRN: 1298 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH82790056 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Medieval? Broadclass: Religious Ritual and Funerary Form: Building Condition: Destroyed Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor This site is not fully understood and was documented by the RCAM in Description: 1911, based on the account of a farm tenant, who recalled uncovering a rectangular building foundation some years previously, circa 1900. Although the RCAM state that the field was called "Cae yr Hen Eglwys", they also note that the same field was called "Cae Meini Llwydion" on the tithe map, when describing the Maen Llwyd standing stone, which stands very close to the putative church site, in the same field. The parish tithe apportionment for Darowen actually calls this field "Cae Main Llwyd", which disproves both of the statements made by the RCAM. The origins of the "Cae yr Hen Eglwys" name are therefore and dubious. It may be that the discovery of the building foundation, which post-dated the tithe survey prompted the creation of new "tradition" that there was a former church site at this location.
Rarity: Unknown
Reference:
Group Value: Unknown
Evidential Value: Documentary sources only
Historical Value: Discussed in the RCAMs Montgomeryshire inventory
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This site is found on a flat-topped ridge between the Nant Gwydol and Ffernant valleys. From here there are good views to the north, west and south. The supposed building foundation was destroyed by land improvement c.1900 and the land is now under improved pasture. Significance: Unknown
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on This supposed building foundation was destroyed by land improvement Impact: c.1900. No impact assessment can be made.
38 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 4 MOEL YR HENBLYS FIND FIND HER PRN: 1300 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH8201 Not accurate
Period: Bronze Age Broadclass: Monument (By Form) Form: Finds Condition: Unknown Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor This findspot is named as Moel yr Henblys in Camden's Britannia of Description: 1695. The location has never been identified.
Rarity: Not rare
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Documentary sources
Historical Value: Described in Camden's Britannia of 1695 and the RCAHM's Montgomeryshire Inventory of 1911. Aesthetic Value: An example of Bronze Age metalwork
Communal Value: None
Setting: The location of this findspot has not been identified in modern times. No assessment of setting is possible. Significance: Regionally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The location of this findspot has not been identified in modern times. No Impact: impact assessment is possible.
39 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 5 LLETTY MORFYDD CROPMARK ENCLOSURE HER PRN: 1362 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SN81769820 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Unknown Broadclass: Monument (By Form) Form: Cropmark Condition: Unknown Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Unknown
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Cropmark seen on a 1946 RAF aerial photograph
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This cropmark has been reported as being seen on an RAF photograph dating to 1946. The site is in a pasture field on a north-facing slope to the south of the Afon Crewi valley. The land is under improved pasture and no trace of the feature now survives. Significance: Unknown
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The precise location of the feature and its true character are not known. Impact: No impact assessment can be made.
40 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 6 FRON GOCH CROPMARK NON ANTIQUITY;ROUND BARROW HER PRN: 1723 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH81650133 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Unknown;Bronze Age Broadclass: Religious Ritual and Funerary Form: Cropmark Condition: Unknown Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Cropmark seen on aerial photos, likely to be a feature of natural origin
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: No archaeological feature has been confirmed here. No assessment of setting can be made. Significance: Minor Importance
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on It is not though that the cropmark feature seen here on aerial Impact: photographs is an archaeological feature. No impact assessment can be made.
41 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 7 FFRIDD UCHAF SOILMARK FIELD SYSTEM HER PRN: 4039 NMR NPRN: 24359
NGR: SH805005 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Medieval;Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Cropmark Condition: Intact Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Denuded earthwork boundary banks
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This series of denuded field boundary banks stretch across a ridge which runs west to east to the south of the Nant Gwydol valley. The area is now predominantly improved pastureland. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine would be visible from parts of this field system but would Impact: only cause a Very Low, indirect, visual impact.
42 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 8 CAE YR HEN EGLWYS CIST CIST;ROUND BARROW? HER PRN: 4350 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH8281000580 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Bronze Age?;Early Medieval? Broadclass: Religious Ritual and Funerary Form: Document Condition: Destroyed Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Unknown
Reference:
Group Value: Unknown
Evidential Value: Documentary evidence
Historical Value: Described by the RCAHM in 1911 in their Montgomeryshire Inventory
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This feature was first noted in 1911 as having been excavated some years earlier in a pasture field on Rhos Dyrnog farm. The field is said to have been traditionally known as Cae yr Hen Eglwys and it has therefore been presumed that this feature may be an early cist grave. Its true character and original setting are unknown however. The field is actually called Cae Maen Llwyd on the parish tithe map (parcel No.167). Significance: Unknown
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on This feature was destroyed by land improvements in the 19th century. Impact:
43 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 9 LLETTY MORFYDD ENCLOSURE II ENCLOSURE HER PRN: 5076 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SN81649799 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Monument (By Form) Form: Earthwork Condition: Damaged Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Partial cropmark, partial upstanding banks
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This possible enclosure site is found in a pasture field. Two sides are preserved as part of upstanding field boundaries, the northwest and northeast side appear to have been levelled and may be represented as cropmarks. Significance: Minor Importance
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine would be visible from this location but would only cause a Impact: minimal visual impact.
44 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 10 CIL Y WINLLAN MILL MILL HER PRN: 8303 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SN82619955 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Building Condition: Damaged Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Oral source, not substantiated by research
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: There is no cartographic or documentary evidence that there was a mill at Cil y Winllan. No assessment of setting can be made. Significance: Unknown
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on There is no cartographic or documentary evidence that there was a mill Impact: at Cil y Winllan. No assessment of impact can be made.
45 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 11 DOLYRONEN HOUSE SITE HOUSE HER PRN: 8304 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH83140008 Unknown
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Domestic Form: Building Condition: Near destroyed Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: A house in the small Dolyronen hamlet
Evidential Value: Documentary sources (HER)
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: It is not clear which house site at Dolyronen is referred to in this record. No assessment of setting is possible, but there are several dwellings, some now ruined in this small hamlet, which lies in the bottom of the Nant Gwydol valley, surrounded by woodland. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine would not be visible from Dolyronen hamlet. Impact:
46 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 12 TAL Y WERN FACH HOUSE SITE HOUSE HER PRN: 8305 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH82670022 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Domestic Form: Building Condition: Destroyed Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Historic mapping
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This post-medieval cottage stood at a roadside location to the southwest of Talywern village. The house has been demolished and all trace of it removed in modern times. Significance: Minor Importance
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The house has been demolished and all trace of it removed in modern Impact: times. The turbine would have no impact upon the site.
47 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 13 FRON GOCH HOUSE SITE HOUSE HER PRN: 8317 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH8209000949 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Domestic Form: Building Condition: Near destroyed Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Historic mapping, fragmentary ruined walling
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This dwelling stood at the northern of the country road which connects Darowen and Abercegir, on a south-facing slope. The house has been demolished and only fragments of the northern lateral wall now survive above the road. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on This house has been almost completely demolished and a farm trackway Impact: has been created across the site. The turbine would be visible from the location but the condition of the house site is so poor the impact is negligible.
48 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 14 TY-COCH QUARRY (DIS) QUARRY HER PRN: 22110 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SN8215498858 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Earthwork Condition: Damaged Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Historic mapping
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This minor 19th century quarry was worked in a pasture field adjacent to the farmyard on Tycoch farm. It has been disused since the 1880s but still appears on modern aerial photographs. Significance: Minor Importance
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The proposed turbine would be visible from this location but would only Impact: cause a Very Low, indirect, visual impact.
49 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 15 TALY-Y-WERN MILL CORN MILL HER PRN: 26738 NMR NPRN: 40212
NGR: SH8237300549 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Building Condition: Modernised Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Standing building, now used as a dwelling
Historical Value: Described by CPAT's Mills & Milling project report (Hankinson & Sylvester, 2012). Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This mill stood in the sheltered valley of the Nant Gwydol stream just west of Talywern. The mill became disused during the 20th century and the mill building has been modernised and remains in use as a dwelling house. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The blades of the proposed turbine may well be visible above the hill to Impact: the south-southwest of the former mill. This will cause only a Very Low, indirect, visual impact.
50 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 16 TALYWERN, WENALLT FAWR BARN BARN HER PRN: 39824 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH83830028 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Building Condition: Near intact Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Historic mapping
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This record does not make it clear which building at Talywern is referred to. Talywern appears on late 19th century OS maps as a relatively small property, which expanded in the early 20th century and seems to have partly modernised by the 21st century, with a new dwelling, possibly incorporating elements of the early 20th century buildings. The settlement is set on the valley slope just above the wooded bottom of the Ednant stream to the south. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The proposed turbine will be visible from Talywern but cause only a Impact: Very Low, indirect, visual impact with no impact on the setting of the buildings.
51 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 17 BRYN Y BRAIN HOUSE HER PRN: 40193 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH81330026 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Domestic Form: Building Condition: Intact Site Status: Listed Building
SAM number: LB number: 83005 grade: II Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Standing building, in use
Historical Value: Described by Cadw for listing purposes
Aesthetic Value: Listed as a good example of a small upland farm of late 18th to early 19th century date Communal Value: None
Setting: Bryn y Brain is located to the western, upper side of wooded tributary valley which runs northwards to join the Nant Gwydol valley. The farmhouse appears to face down the valley. This small farmstead is surrounded by mature trees and the valley below is also mostly wooded at present. Significance: Nationally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine may be visible from this location, although trees adjacent to Impact: the house may screen the view to some degree. There would be no impact on the setting of the house.
52 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 18 RHIWGOCH HOUSE HER PRN: 40329 NMR NPRN: 83041
NGR: SN82529997 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Domestic Form: Building Condition: Intact Site Status: Listed Building
SAM number: LB number: 83041 grade: II Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Standing building, in use
Historical Value: Described by Cadw for listing purposes
Aesthetic Value: Listed as a good example of a "sub-medieval regional house" retaining 17th and 19th century character. Communal Value: None
Setting: This post-medieval house is located in a relatively sheltered hollow on the valley slope to the south of the Nant Gwydol valley. The house stands alongside a minor rural road and faces southwards. Significance: Nationally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on A parcel of deciduous woodland on rising ground immediately to the Impact: southwest of the house would block views of the turbine. The turbine would have no impact on the setting of the house.
53 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 19 MEINI LLWYDION STANDING STONE II STANDING STONE? HER PRN: 81283 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH82690058 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Bronze Age? Broadclass: Religious Ritual and Funerary Form: Structure Condition: Destroyed Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Not rare
Reference:
Group Value: Apparently one of two stones originally standing in this area
Evidential Value: Historic mapping
Historical Value: Discussed in the RCAMs Montgomeryshire inventory
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This stone no longer survives. It was originally set on top of a flat spur, between the Nant Gwydol and Ffernant valleys, and appears to have been one of a pair, with a second stone still standing about 90m to the east. It may have been a Bronze Age standing stone, but there is also a tradition that it was one of three medieval stones marking an area of sanctuary. By later post-medieval times the land had been enclosed and improved as farmland and the site where the stone stood is now an improved pasture field. There are good views to the south, west and north from this position. Significance: Unknown
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on This stone had been removed by the end of the 19th century and its Impact: true character and precise location are not known.
54 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 20 RHOS DYRNOG HOUSE HOUSE HER PRN: 81285 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH82960042 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Domestic Form: Building Condition: Intact Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: Farmhouse in a working farmstead complex
Evidential Value: Standing building, in use
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This farmstead is located on the upper part of the valley slope, overlooking the Nant Gwydol to the south. The farmhouse has certainly stood at the eastern side of the farmyard since the second half of the 19th century. Rhos Dyrnog is a working farm and the house remains in occupation to the present day. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine would be visible from this location but would only cause a Impact: Very Low, indirect, visual impact, with no impact on the farmyard setting of the farmhouse.
55 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 21 GYDRHOS HOUSE HER PRN: 97628 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SN8221699241 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Domestic Form: Building Condition: Intact Site Status: Listed Building
SAM number: LB number: 84423 grade: II Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: House is associated with a barn just to the north, across a minor road
Evidential Value: Standing building, in use
Historical Value: Described by Cadw for listing purposes
Aesthetic Value: Listed as a little altered vernacular farmhouse
Communal Value: None
Setting: This small farmstead is located in a sheltered position below the eastern side of Bryn y Brain hill. It stands alongside a minor country road, facing north. Mature trees stand to the north, south and west of the house. An associated barn, also listed, stands on the opposite side of the road. Significance: Nationally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on Mature trees and rising ground to the north should block views of the Impact: turbine from this location. The turbine would not affect views of the farmhouse or its essential setting.
56 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 22 GYDRHOS, MULTI-PURPOSE FARM BUILDING FARM BUILDING HER PRN: 97629 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SN82209925 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Building Condition: Near intact Site Status: Listed Building
SAM number: LB number: 84426 grade: II Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: Building is associated with a house just to the north, across a minor road Evidential Value: Standing building, in use but not in pristine condition
Historical Value: Described by Cadw for listing purposes
Aesthetic Value: Listed for group value with the farmhouse
Communal Value: None
Setting: This farm building is part of a small farmstead is located in a sheltered position below the eastern side of Bryn y Brain hill. It stands alongside a minor country road, facing southeast. Mature trees stand to the north, south and west of the building. An associated farmhouse, also listed, stands on the opposite side of the road. Significance: Nationally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on Mature trees and rising ground to the north should block views of the Impact: turbine from this location. The turbine would not affect views of the building or its essential setting.
57 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 23 PEN-RHIW-LAS HOUSE HER PRN: 97633 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SN8169699141 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Domestic Form: Building Condition: Near intact Site Status: Listed Building
SAM number: LB number: 84429 grade: II Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Standing building, unoccupied
Historical Value: Described by Cadw for listing purposes
Aesthetic Value: Listed as an example of an early linear farmstead in a upland location
Communal Value: None
Setting: This farmhouse was part of a small, upland, post-medieval farmstead which stood just below the top of the steep hill slope which rises to the north of Melin Byrhedyn village. The farmhouse now stands unoccupied, its associated barn to the north having fallen into ruin. Significance: Nationally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine would not be visible from this location. The house is set on Impact: a cross-contour axis, with its gable end facing downslope and is not highly visible in the landscape. The turbine would not affect key views of the building or its essential setting.
58 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 24 RHOSDYRNOG ROOT STORE ROOT VEGETABLE STORE HER PRN: 122893 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH82950040 Not accurate
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Other Structure Condition: Not known Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Not common
Reference:
Group Value: Part of Rhos Dyrnog farmstead
Evidential Value: Documentary evidence
Historical Value: A photograph is held in the NMR by the RCAHMW
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This root store was located at Rhos Dyrnog farm but its exact location is not known, nor its present condition. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The location of this feature is not recorded precisely and no assessment Impact: of impact can be made.
59 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 25 TAL-Y-WERN FACH ROOT STORE ROOT VEGETABLE STORE HER PRN: 122894 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH82670021 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Other Structure Condition: Destroyed Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Not common
Reference:
Group Value: Associated with Talywern Fach cottage
Evidential Value: Documentary sources
Historical Value: Mentioned in CPAT's Farms & Farming Scheduling Enhancement Programme, Silvester & Hankinson, 2013. Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This feature was associated with the now lost roadside cottage of Talywern Fach. Both have been removed from the landscape during modern times. Significance: Minor Importance
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on This feature has been lost due to modern land improvement. Impact:
60 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 26 TALYWERN, CAPEL SEION CHAPEL HER PRN: 124724 NMR NPRN: 11275
NGR: SH8274600248 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Religious Ritual and Funerary Form: Building Condition: Converted Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: Historic building in Talywern village
Evidential Value: Standing building, converted into a dwelling
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: Attractive, traditional gable entry nonconformist chapel
Communal Value: Former place of worship with burial ground
Setting: This chapel was originally built in 1819 and stood at the southern edge of Talywern hamlet. It has a large burial ground to its southeastern side. The chapel was converted into a dwelling in 2014. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine blades may be visible from this location, although rising Impact: ground to the southwest of the building may block the view. The turbine would not impact on the setting of the former chapel.
61 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 27 BACH-EIDION, FARMSTEAD FARMSTEAD HER PRN: 125947 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SN8257798105 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Building Condition: Destroyed Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Historic mapping
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This post-medieval farmstead formerly stood to the southern side of the Afon Crewi valley. The farm no longer exists, having been abandoned and demolished in the 20th century, but the farm name has been transferred to another holding, 150 metres to the southwest, which was formerly known as Ysgubor Uchaf. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on This farmstead no longer survives and the house and outbuildings have Impact: been demolished and removed.
62 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 28 YSPARWEN, HOUSE HOUSE HER PRN: 125971 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH8296001222 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Domestic Form: Building Condition: Ruin Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Historic mapping
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This cottage stood within the post-medieval field system just to the northern side of the Ffernant stream. The house was abandoned in the 20th century and became ruined. Its site is now located within a wooded parcel. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on This site is hidden in deciduous woodland and would have no view of Impact: the proposed turbine.
63 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 29 CIL-Y-WINLLAN ROOT STORE ROOT VEGETABLE STORE HER PRN: 128002 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SN82609959 Unknown
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Other Structure Condition: Not known Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Not common
Reference:
Group Value: Associated with Cil y Winllan
Evidential Value: Oral source only
Historical Value: Mentioned in CPAT's Farms & Farming Scheduling Enhancement Programme, Silvester & Hankinson, 2013. Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: A local source reported to CPAT that a root vegetable store was located at Cil y Winllan but its precise location and condition are not known. It may not survive. Significance: Minor Importance
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect No Impact?: None
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on A local source reported to CPAT that a root vegetable store was located Impact: at Cil y Winllan but its precise location and condition are not known. It may not survive.
64 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 30 FRON GOCH, HOUSE PLATFORM HOUSE PLATFORM HER PRN: 132121 NMR NPRN:
NGR: SH8214201264 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Medieval Broadclass: Monument (By Form) Form: Earthwork Condition: Intact Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: grade: Trysor Description:
Rarity: Not rare
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Denuded earthwork
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This site is located close to the top of a moderately steep slope to the north of the Nant Gwydol valley, in an area of rough pasture. It would appear to have been located here to afford good views down the pasture slopes to the southeast and over the valley in the same direction. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The proposed turbine would be visible from this location but would only Impact: cause a Very Low, indirect, visual impact.
65 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 31 RHIW GRIAFOL PROMONTORY FORT? HER PRN: NMR NPRN: 0
NGR: SN8374099500 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Iron Age? Broadclass: Defence Form: Cropmark Condition: Unknown Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: 0 grade: Trysor The RCAHMW have identified a possible promontory fort at this location. Description: The feature appears on aerial photographs and seems to consist of an oval enclosure, about 90 metres north to south, by 55 metres wide. There appears to be evidence of a bank along the western side of the putative enclosure, with the steep valley slope of the Nant Gwydol valley forming the northern side and a natural gully curving around the eastern and southern sides to meet up with the bank. This could be a topographical feature however, as landforms of similar appearance can be seen in the field to the south-southeast.
Rarity: Not rare
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: The RCAHMW have two photos of this feature recorded in 2005 (AP_2005_2209-2210). They are erroneously attached to NPRN29895 on Coflein Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This possible promontory fort sits above the steep southern valley slope of the Nant Gwydol valley, in an area of improved pasture. The possible earthworks are denuded and show up as a cropmark on aerial photographs. Significance: Unknown
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The proposed turbine would be visible from this location but would only Impact: cause a Very Low, indirect, visual impact.
66 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 32 BRYN Y BRAIN WALL HER PRN: NMR NPRN: 0
NGR: SN8210599743 Grid reference taken at point along linear site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Agriculture and Subsistence Form: Other Structure Condition: Ruin Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: 0 grade: Trysor This curving field boundary wall is shown on the parish tithe map of Description: 1846, but the Ordnance Survey's Original Surveyors Drawings of 1833 seem to show a boundary following a different line enclosing the same general area of the eastern side of Bryn y Brain hill. The wall is about 460m long and formed the boundary of a D-shaped field parcel, with a trackway forming the straighter, eastern side of the field. It is now in a very ruinous condition.
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Ruinous wall
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This field boundary wall formed a D-shaped field on the northeastern side of Bryn y Brain hill. Significance: Minor Importance
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low The turbine would be visible from the wall and the cable trench will pass through the wall line, although it will run through an existing gateway
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The proposed turbine would be visible from this location but would only Impact: cause a Very Low, indirect, visual impact. The cable trench will pass through the wall line, but will run through an existing gateway an avoid damaging what it already a very ruinous wall.
67 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 33 RHIW GOCH DESERTED RURAL SETTLEMENT HER PRN: NMR NPRN: 306751
NGR: SN8314099740 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Medieval?;Post Medieval? Broadclass: Domestic Form: Earthwork Condition: Damaged Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: 0 grade: Trysor A deserted settlement site comprising an enclosure within which there Description: appears to be a house site, identified by the RCAHMW from aerial photographs.
Rarity: Not rare
Reference:
Group Value: None
Evidential Value: Denuded earthworks seen on aerial photographs
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This apparent settlement site is located on the valley slope to the south of the Nant Gwydol valley. It is now a denuded earthwork site, underlying the present field system. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The proposed turbine would be visible from this location but would only Impact: cause a Very Low, indirect, visual impact.
68 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 34 MELIN BYRHEDYN QUARRY HER PRN: NMR NPRN: 0
NGR: SN8173099160 Grid reference taken at point along linear site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Industrial Form: Earthwork Condition: Intact Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: 0 grade: Trysor A series of parallel, narrow, linear quarry workings, up to 50m across, Description: which extend for nearly 370m northwards up the valley slope to the northeast of Melin Byrhedyn village. They are disused.
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: There are similar workings in the locality
Evidential Value: Disused quarry workings
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This series of linear quarry workings has been worked along an outcrop which runs northwards up the valley slope to the northeast of Melin Byrhedyn village. They are disused and now becoming denuded. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine would be visible from parts of this location but would only Impact: cause a minimal visual impact.
69 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 35 ESGAIR GADWYTH QUARRY HER PRN: NMR NPRN: 0
NGR: SH8196000220 Grid reference taken at point along linear site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Industrial Form: Earthwork Condition: Intact Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: 0 grade: Trysor A series of parallel, narrow, linear quarry workings, up to 65m across, Description: which extend for nearly 350m across the central part of Bryn y Brain hill, on a north-south axis. They are disused.
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: There are similar workings in the locality
Evidential Value: Disused quarry workings
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This series of linear quarry workings has been worked along an outcrop which runs southwards up the valley slope to the south of the Nant Gwydol valley, through pasture fields. They are disused and now becoming denuded. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine would be visible from this location but would only cause a Impact: minimal visual impact.
70 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 36 FRONGOCH QUARRY HER PRN: NMR NPRN: 0
NGR: SH8228001370 Grid reference taken at centre of site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Industrial Form: Earthwork Condition: Intact Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: 0 grade: Trysor A series of parallel, narrow, linear quarry workings, up to 40m across, Description: which extend for nearly 470m across the eastern side of Frongoch hill, on a north-south axis. They are disused. The quarrying has taken away part of the eastern side of the scheduled hillfort on the summit of Frongoch (MG332).
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: There are similar workings on Bryn y Brain to the south and near Melin Byrhedyn to the south Evidential Value: Disused quarry workings
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This series of linear quarry workings has been worked along an outcrop which runs north to south across the eastern part of Frongoch hill. They are disused and now becoming denuded. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine would be visible from this location but would only cause a Impact: minimal visual impact.
71 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 37 BRYN Y BRAIN II QUARRY HER PRN: NMR NPRN: 0
NGR: SN8207099693 Grid reference taken at point along linear site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Industrial Form: Earthwork Condition: Damaged Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: 0 grade: Trysor A series of parallel, narrow, linear quarry workings, up to 60m across, Description: which extend for nearly 600m across the eastern part of Bryn y Brain hill, on a north-south axis. They are disused. Many of the workings in the southern part of the group have been infilled in modern times.
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: There are similar workings c.270m to the west as well as on Frongoch to the north and near Melin Byrhedyn to the south Evidential Value: Disused quarry workings
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This series of linear quarry workings has been worked along an outcrop which runs north to south across the eastern part of Bryn y Brain hill. They are disused and now becoming denuded. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct Yes Impact?: Low The turbine would stand alongside the northern end of the quarry workings and the turbine and access track may have some impact
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Low The construction of the turbine could impact on the quarry workings should any of them be infilled to create a causeway to carry the access track across them.
Level of Impact Low on Setting:
Comment on The proposed turbine would stand alongside these quarry workings and Impact: could have some direct impact upon them. It is recommended that infilling of the workings is avoided.
72 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment ID number: 38 BRYN Y BRAIN I QUARRY HER PRN: NMR NPRN: 402046
NGR: SN8175099700 Grid reference taken at point along linear site
Period: Post Medieval Broadclass: Industrial Form: Earthwork Condition: Intact Site Status:
SAM number: LB number: 0 grade: Trysor A series of parallel, narrow, linear quarry workings, up to 25m across, Description: which extend for nearly 300m across the central part of Bryn y Brain hill, on a north-south axis. They are disused.
Rarity: Common
Reference:
Group Value: There are similar workings c.270m to the east as well as on Frongoch to the north and near Melin Byrhedyn to the south Evidential Value: Disused quarry workings
Historical Value: None
Aesthetic Value: None
Communal Value: None
Setting: This series of linear quarry workings has been worked along an outcrop which runs north to south across the central part of Bryn y Brain hill. They are disused and now becoming denuded. Significance: Locally Important
Any Direct No Impact?: None
Any Indirect Yes Impact?: Very Low Intervisibility
Level of Impact None on Setting:
Comment on The turbine would be visible from this location but would only cause a Impact: minimal visual impact.
73 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Appendix C: Scheduled Ancient Monuments within 2km to 5km
74 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Scheduled Level of Distance Level of Ancient Site Site Impact NGR from the Public Access Setting Comment on Impact Indirect Monument Name Type on turbine Impact number Setting MG107 Bryn y Round SN841953 4.85km to These There are two round barrows The turbine would be clearly visible Very Low None Fedwen barrow the south- westernmost of scheduled here, 270m apart. There from both of the scheduled barrows at Round southeast these two have been constructed at over 540m this location, but would only cause a Barrows of the barrows lies on altitude on a high ridge which runs Very Low, indirect, visual impact. turbine Open Access east to west. There are excellent There are already a number of land. The views over the landscape in all windfarms within view in the distance eastern barrow directions, particularly towards the to the north and northeast. is on private northwest where the Dyfi Valley lies. farmland. MG108 Foel Round SN832955 4.35km to This barrow lies This round barrow was constructed on The turbine would be clearly visible Very Low None Fadian barrow the south- on private top of a high ridge which runs east- from this location, but would only Round southeast farmland. It northeast to west-southwest. There cause a Very Low, indirect, visual Barrow of the can be viewed are excellent views over the impact. There are already a number turbine from Open landscape in all directions, particularly of windfarms within view in the Access land towards the northwest where the Dyfi distance to the north and northeast. 90m to the Valley lies. south. MG311 Moelfre Round SN848983 3.1km to This barrow lies This round barrow was constructed on The turbine would be clearly visible Very Low None round barrow the east- on Open Access a prominent local summit, at 469m from this location, but would only barrow southeast land altitude, from where there are now cause a Very Low, indirect, visual of the excellent views over the landscape in impact. There are already a number turbine all directions. of windfarms within views from Moelfre.
75 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Appendix D: Listed Buildings within 2km to 5km
76 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Level of Level of Listed Distance Public Indirect, Impact Building Site Name Easting Northing Grade from Setting Comment on Impact Access Visual on number turbine Impact Setting 7601 Mathafarn 280738 304476 II Excluded Excluded 7604 Abergwydol 279089 302948 II* Excluded Excluded Pwlliwrch 283670 301114 II* 2.15km to Two public This farmhouse has origins Mature deciduous trees None None the footpaths as a 15th century hall surrounding the house northeast of pass the house. It stands to the would block views of the the turbine house. western end of the turbine. The development 7607 farmstead building complex would not impact on the at Pwlliwrch, set at the edge farmyard setting of the of woodland on the southern house. side of the Ffernant valley. Telephone call-box, 282975 301778 II 2.25km to Visible from A public telephone box Cottages within the village None None Darowen. the north- the public which was placed outside would block views towards 8708 northeast of road the entrance to the the turbine. the turbine churchyard, at the heart of Darowen village. 21966 Felin Crewi 277447 300863 II Excluded Excluded Aberhosan Independent 280896 297433 II Excluded Excluded Chapel, including 23527 forecourt walls and railings 26838 Rhiwfelen 278417 300213 II Excluded Excluded Barn adjacent to Llwyn 280178 302003 II 2.9km to Visible from This 19th century barn was It is unlikely that this None None y Ffynnon northwest of the public built alongside the road turbine would be visible the turbine road which runs along the bottom from this location. At most of the Nant Gwydol valley the blade tips might between Abercegir and the appear over the horizon Dyfi Valley. It was but the relatively small 83000 associated with Llwyn y scale of the turbine and Ffynnon cottage, which rising ground with trees on stands just to the north. The the slope to the southeast barn has now been of the house, mean that it converted into a dwelling is unlikely to be a and its character has been prominent feature. substantially altered. 83001 Bont Commins Coch 284560 303050 II Excluded Excluded 83011 Dovey Hotel 281993 304353 II Excluded Excluded Farm Range SW of 280929 303903 II Excluded Excluded 83018 Poesnant Farm Former Factory, Troed 284932 302756 II Excluded Excluded 83019 y Rhiw 83023 Grofft 281289 304107 II Excluded Excluded Hen Ysgol 278697 303475 II 5km to Visible from A 19th century school which It is unlikely that this None None northwest of the public was built alongside the main turbine would be visible the turbine road road at the edge of Llanwrin from this location. At most 83024 village. It is now a private the blade tips might dwelling and stands within appear over the horizon its own garden. but the distance between the sites (5km) and the
77 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Level of Level of Listed Distance Public Indirect, Impact Building Site Name Easting Northing Grade from Setting Comment on Impact Access Visual on number turbine Impact Setting relatively small scale of the turbine mean that it is unlikely to be a prominent feature. Llwyn y Ffynnon 280171 302035 II 2.9km to Visible from This 19th century cottage It is unlikely that this None None northwest of the public was built alongside the road turbine would be visible the turbine road which runs along the bottom from this location. At most of the Nant Gwydol valley the blade tips might between Abercegir and the appear over the horizon Dyfi Valley. It remains in but the relatively small 83026 use. scale of the turbine and rising ground with trees on the slope to the southeast of the house, mean that it is unlikely to be a prominent feature. Milestone E of Commins 285340 303130 II Excluded Excluded 83028 Coch 83029 Milestone S of Grofft 281368 303921 II Excluded Excluded Old Rectory 283023 301873 II 2.35km to Visible from This 19th century rectory The parish church would None None the north- the public stands just to the north of block views towards the northeast of road the parish church, at the turbine from this location. 83032 the turbine edge of Darowen village. The turbine would not impact on the setting of the building. Outbuilding at Old 282995 301862 II 2.35km to Visible from This 19th century Trees within the parish None None Rectory the north- the parish outbuilding associated with churchyard would block northeast of churchyard the parish rectory stands views towards the turbine 83033 the turbine just to the north of the from this location. The parish church, at the edge turbine would not impact of Darowen village. on the setting of the building. Pen y banc 283684 301374 II 2.35km to None This farmhouse stands at Trees close to the house None None the the northern side of the would appear to block northeast of farmyard, facing south views towards the turbine. the turbine towards a range of farm The development would outbuildings. A stand of have no impact on the 83034 trees is located immediately farmyard setting of the to the southwest of the dwelling. house. The farm is situated on the valley slope to the north of the Ffernant stream. 83035 Pen y bont 280433 303701 II Excluded Excluded 83037 Poesnant Farm 280956 303908 II Excluded Excluded Service Building at 280728 304483 II Excluded Excluded 83042 Mathafarn 83045 Gate piers at Mathafarn 280739 304437 II Excluded Excluded
78 Land north of Melin Byrhedyn, Machynlleth, Powys, Historic Environment Assessment
Level of Level of Listed Distance Public Indirect, Impact Building Site Name Easting Northing Grade from Setting Comment on Impact Access Visual on number turbine Impact Setting 84416 Cae Carog 280389 297817 II Excluded Excluded 84418 Caethle 281255 297524 II Excluded Excluded Cefn Cyfrifol 280059 295817 II 4.4km to Visible from This farmhouse has origins There are good views to None None the the public as a sub-medieval regional the west and the north southwest road farmhouse. It stands from this location, but of the alongside a minor country trees and a hedgerow to turbine road, facing east-southeast, the north of the house facing the Cwm yr Erw would appear to block 84419 valley. A group of farm views towards Melin buildings stand to the east, Byrhedyn and the on the opposite side of the proposed turbine. The road. The house and development would buildings were disused and certainly not impact on the derelict in the early 21st setting of the house. century. 84421 Cwm-hafod-march 281816 295625 II Excluded Excluded Multi-purpose farm 280092 295827 II 4.4km to Visible from This farm outbuilding is of Adjacent farm sheds to the None None building at Cefn Cyfrifol the the public 17th or 18th century origin northern side of the southwest road but was remodelled in the building would to block of the late 19th century and has an views towards Melin turbine 1890 datestone. It stands Byrhedyn and the alongside a minor country proposed turbine. The road, with its western gable development would 84425 wall facing the road, across certainly not impact on the which is the farmhouse. The setting of this outbuilding. group stand to the west of the deep and wooded Cwm yr Erw valley. The house and buildings were disused and derelict in the early 21st century.
79