ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Appendix 6.4 DETAILED VISUAL ASSESSMENT

Viewpoint 1 Public footpath to the north of the National Trust Monument, Penshaw.

Receptor Type Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site View Susceptibility Recreational High High High 2.9 km receptors

Existing View: The photograph is taken from the recognised viewpoint of the Penshaw Monument. Views are characterised by the combination of the natural landscape of the River Wear valley, its tree vegetation and pastures contrasting with the urban edge of Washington and views of the existing industrial and commercial development at the Hillthorn Industrial Park. Views are expansive and open in the middle distance, but restricted in places by hill side vegetation in the foreground. Wind turbines, located to the north and associated with the Nissan Car Factory form vertical elements, and are visible above the expanse of existing grey and pale blue buildings. The middle ground of the view is dominated by large flat buildings which represent the industrial area of Washington, and include the large Asda Distribution Centre in the centre of the view.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Minor It is unlikely that construction phase of the Proposed Development would form a noticeable feature in this wide-ranging view, considering the distance, the partial screening provided by the hillside vegetation, and existing context of large scale built structures in this view. Views may however, include the crane during the construction of the stack.

Operational Phase: Low Moderate The main building, dust silos and stack gas filters would have limited visibility due to adjacent built form. The stack would be seen as a relatively small additional vertical element in the view that already contains the motion and form of the existing wind turbines at the Nissan factory as well as the pylons and overhead lines which cross the landscape. Whilst visually separated from the turbines, the proposed development, including the stack, would form part of the existing spread of industrial units visible from this location. It would not extend the width of industrial development across the view.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 2 Public footpath leading from the Penshaw Monument to Back Lane, Penshaw

Receptor Type Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site View Susceptibility Recreational Medium High High 3 km receptors

Existing View: This PRoW follows Hill Lane, which leads from Penshaw up the hill to the Penshaw Monument. Views towards Washington are open and large scale, with the residential areas of Washington, Barmston and Hertburn forming darker and lower level massing in the landscape, than the larger scale lighter colours associated with Hillthorn Park and associated industrial and commercial buildings. In these views electricity pylons form a strong vertical feature, with their height and form emphasised by the contrast with the simple and gently sloping topography of the arable field visible in the foreground. Some large scale built form in the Distribution Park is visible in the middle ground but the low lying landscape is cloaked with tree vegetation.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Minor The construction phase of the Proposed Development would have limited influence over this view due to the distance and screening provided by the intervening large scale buildings. General movement within the Application Site would not be perceptible but some taller elements such as scaffolding and cranes may be visible above the buildings to the south of the site, but these elements would be temporary and small scale when considered within the wider view.

Operational Phase: Low Moderate The slim and static form of the stack would form an additional vertical element in the view and would contrast with the more dynamic form of the turbines to the right of the view. The main would be to the rear of existing large scale developments and although taller, its smaller footprint would limit its visual massing. due to the distance and its relatively small diameter of the stack the introduction of the proposed built form would not change this view to a noticeable degree, being seen in the context of frequent vertical structures and built form with large visual massing.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 3 Back Lane, Penshaw

Receptor Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site Type View Susceptibility Road receptors Medium Medium Medium 3.2 km

Residential Medium High High receptors

Existing View: This view shares a similar direction of view to Viewpoint 2, albeit is located at a lower elevation to the previous viewpoint, and at a greater distance to the proposed development. The view is taken at a bend in the road where there are oblique views across the valley bottom towards Washington. Built form in Washington is visible, both in terms of the residential area and the larger massing of the Industrial zone associated with Nissan. The Nissan wind turbines form a strong vertical and moving element when viewed in combination with the overhead lines and pylons also present within the landscape. Due to their number, height and proximity they provide a contrast to the agricultural landscape in the foreground.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Negligible The movement and the majority of the construction activities within the Application Site would not be visible. Some taller elements such as cranes would be potentially visible but considering the distance of the receptor from the site, views of such Minor elements would be restricted to a considerable degree, and would be temporary in nature.

Operational Phase: Negligible Negligible The upper parts of the main building would be visible and seen to the rear of existing large scale buildings within the Washington industrial zone. The stack would be the tallest element yet due to the distance would form a small element in the view. Due to the distance and its comparatively small footprint, the introduction of the Proposed Development would not Minor change this view to a noticeable degree, being seen in the context of frequent vertical structures and buildings with a larger visual mass.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 4 Offerton Lane to the east of Offerton Hall Farm

Receptor Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site Type View Susceptibility Road receptors Medium Medium Medium 3 km

Residential Medium High High receptors

Existing View: This viewpoint is located along Offerton Lane, at the end of a cul de sac leading to residential properties. Residential development along Offerton Lane experience expansive views over the Rover Wear valley, whereas for vehicular users this viewpoint is an oblique one, experienced when exiting the cul de sac and heading west along Offerton Lane.

The view is characterised by grassland in the foreground and the Industrial Estate development of Hertburn and Washington beyond. The large scale light coloured buildings which make up the Washington and Hertburn Industrial zones form low level wide massed features within the landscape, and in the wider panorama, with the wind turbines at the Nissan plant form strong vertical elements visible against the dark background of development and vegetation.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Negligible Movement and activity on the site would be visible during the construction phase, with the most noticeable elements being associated with the crane and stack construction. Due to the distance of the view, it is unlikely that specifics of the Minor construction will be evident.

Operational Phase: Low Minor The Proposed Development would be seen in context with the surrounding industrial development, and would be of smaller scale and massing than many of the existing industrial buildings in the view. The stack would form an additional vertical element, however due to the distance and its relatively small diameter the introduction of such built form would not change Moderate this view to a notable degree. The Proposed Development would be seen in the context of existing vertical structures and buildings with a larger visual mass.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 5 Public footpath to the north of Wood House Farm, to the south of the A1231

Receptor Type Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site View Susceptibility Recreational Medium High High 2.4 km receptors

Existing View: This viewpoint is located to the north of Wood House Farm, and to the south of the A1231 along a public right of way. Views are characterised by the long, low, shape of the Vantec building immediately to the north of the A1231, and the vertical pylons and overhead lines in the foreground. Road noise is evident from this location. The horizon is formed by the massing of the industrial development associated with Washington and Hertburn, with electricity pylons which protrude above the development and from a feature on the horizon.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Minor The movement and the majority of the construction activities within the Application Site would not be visible due to intervening built form. Some taller elements such as cranes would be visible but considering the distance of the receptor from the site, the temporary visual effects would be limited.

Operational Phase: Low Moderate Those elements of the Proposed Development that are not screened by intervening built form, would be seen in context with the surrounding industrial development, and would be of smaller scale and massing to the existing buildings. The stack would be just visible above the horizon close to the existing line of pylons. However due to the distance and its relatively small diameter the introduction of such built form would not change this view to a noticeable degree, being seen in the context of frequent vertical structures which break the skyline and also large scale industrial buildings.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 6 Junction of Alexandra Avenue and A1231, Southwick,

Receptor Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site Type View Susceptibility Road Medium Medium Medium 5.9 km receptors

Existing View: This viewpoint is located on Alexandra Avenue when heading west off the A1231. The view is characterised by the low level industrial buildings associated with the Pavillion Industrial Estate, and will feature the landmark ‘New Sunderland Bridge’ once construction is completed. The New Sunderland Bridge breaks the skyline and forms the focus of the view, with the turbines at Nissan, and Durham House in the far distance also forming distinctive vertical features in the landscape.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Negligible The construction activities and traffic would not be readily perceptible from this viewpoint due to the distance of the site from the receptors and the intervening massing of built form.

Operational Phase: Negligible Negligible The main building, dust silos and stack gas filters would not be visible due to the presence of the intervening structures of the industrial buildings and the distance to the site (at almost 6km). The stack could potentially be glimpsed if it breaks the horizon, however due to the distance and its relatively small diameter the introduction of such built form would not change this view to a notable degree, being seen in the close context of the wind turbines and other vertical structures which break the skyline.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 7 River Wear National Trail and the B1405 European Way, Pavillion Industrial Estate

Receptor Type Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site View Susceptibility Recreational Medium Medium Medium 4.5 km receptors

Road users Medium Medium Medium

Existing View: This viewpoint is located on European Avenue (B1405) at the northern edge of the Pavillion Industrial Estate, adjacent to the railway line. The infrastructure of the railway line, the street lighting and the wind turbines form strong vertical elements in the landscape, supported by the characteristic lower level built form to the north of the railway and the River Wear at Castletown and . The wind turbines are evident in the middle distance and are characteristic of the view. Vehicular traffic is frequent, with noise from other nearby roads and the railway audible. This section of the River Wear Trail passes between industrial areas and the users of this section are considered to have a Medium susceptibility to the type of development proposed.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Negligible The movement and the majority of the construction activities within the Application Site would not be visible. Some taller elements such as cranes would be potentially visible but considering their temporary nature and the distance of the receptor Negligible from the site, such elements would be restricted to a considerable degree.

Operational Phase: Negligible Negligible The Proposed Development would be seen in context with the surrounding industrial development, and would be of smaller scale and massing to the existing large scale industrial buildings already visible. Views of the stack would be seen in the close context of existing vertical elements in the view which break the skyline. Due to the distance and its relatively small Negligible diameter the introduction of such built form would not change this view to a noticeable degree.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 8 St Lukes Road,

Receptor Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site Type View Susceptibility Residential Medium High High 3.7 km receptors

Road receptors Medium Medium Medium

Existing View: This viewpoint is characterised by an area of grassland in the foreground with woodland, housing and large scale industrial units in the middle ground on lower lying land The vertical structures of the wind turbines break the skyline between the Hertburn Industrial Estate and the Nissan Car factory.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Minor A limited extent of movement and activity on the site would be visible during the construction phase, where not screened by the adjacent Vantec building, with the most noticeable elements being associated with the crane and stack construction. Due Negligible to the distance of the view, it is unlikely that specifics of the construction will be evident.

Operational Phase: Low Moderate The Proposed Development would be seen to the rear of existing large scale development, and would be perceived as having a smaller scale and massing to the existing buildings due to its smaller footprint and more varied form. The stack would not Minor be visible above the horizon. Due to the distance and its relatively small diameter the introduction of the stack and associated built form would not change this view to a noticeable degree, being seen in the context of frequent vertical structures which break the skyline and also structures with a large visual mass.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 9 Barmston Lane (public right of way) to the west of the Vantec building and Turbine Business park

Receptor Type Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site View Susceptibility Recreational Medium High High 1.2 km receptors

Existing View: This viewpoint is located along a definitive footpath that crosses over the A1231 Sunderland Highway on a footbridge, heading north towards Washington. The presence of large scale buildings, such as the Vantec building (to the east of the receptor beyond the photograph) and the Hyperdrive Innovation centre in the middle distance and notable elements of the views from the footpath. The edge of the Pentland Distribution Services building on the Hertburn Industrial Estate is glimpsed to the rear of the Hyperdrive building. The foreground is formed by the access road to the Vantec building (beyond the right of the photograph) and scrubby vegetation. Lighting columns, an electricity pylon and a communications tower are noticeable vertical elements which break the skyline.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Low Moderate The proposed development would be clearly seen in the centre of the view from this location, with cranes being evident breaking the skyline and the stack gradually forming a tall vertical element in the landscape, which, whilst not uncommon in the local area, would be of a greater height than the existing vertical structures.

Operational Phase: Medium Major The Proposed Development would be seen in the centre left of the view and would be characterised by its strong geometric form and height, including the stack. Barmston Lane is associated with the Washington and Hertburn Industrial areas but there is limited perception of large scale buildings in this particular view, although the large Vantec building is to the right of the viewer. Such large scale built form is however present further east along the road and south associated with the Asda Distribution Centre. The Proposed Development would add to the existing influence of industrial development in views from the footpath.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 10 A1290, to the south of Elm Tree Farm Garden and Tearoom, Washington

Receptor Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site Type View Susceptibility Road users Medium Medium Medium 270 m

Existing View: This viewpoint is located on the A1290 at the entrance to the Elm Tree Farm Garden and Tearoom, looking south towards the Vantec building. The foreground is characterised by open scrubland and large electricity pylons which cross the landscape and form strong vertical elements in the view. The Penshaw Monument is evident in the distance occupying an elevated position on Penshaw Hill, and there are glimpses of traffic on the A1231 in between boundary vegetation to the south. To the left of the view a large area of space is laid out to house cars from the Nissan factory. This is an actively and rapidly changing area as various development parcels go through construction to completion, and the road network is upgraded to accommodate the changes.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Medium Moderate This is the clearest, albeit oblique, available view into the site and the entirety of the construction phase will be visible to receptors passing along the A1290, and those exiting the Tearoom. In this busy and rapidly developing area, the construction of the Proposed Development would not appear to be out of current context during the construction phase. The Construction effects will, necessarily, be of a temporary nature.

Operational Phase: High Major The operational Plant will be clearly visible from this location and from part of the A1290. The Proposed Development would be seen in the centre of the view and would be characterised by its strong geometric form and height, including the stack. It will add to the existing industrial development and activities visible within the existing view.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 11 Rotherfield Road, Hylton Red House

Receptor Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site Type View Susceptibility Road users Medium Medium Medium 4 km

Existing View: This viewpoint is located on the Rotherfield Road heading downhill towards the Washington Road, and looking south-west through a gap in the trees. The receptor is exiting a residential area of Hylton Red House and moving towards , which is just glimpsed amongst roadside vegetation. The view is characterised by long framed views towards the turbines at Nissan and Vantec, with the pale large mass of these associated buildings also visible behind and between the vegetation. The turbines form characteristic vertical elements in the wider view.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Negligible The movement and the majority of the construction activities within the Application Site would not be visible. Some taller elements such as cranes would be potentially visible but considering the distance of the receptor from the site, such elements would be restricted to a considerable degree and are temporary in nature.

Operational Phase: Negligible Negligible The Proposed Development would be seen in context with the surrounding industrial development, and would be of smaller scale and massing to the existing industrial buildings. The stack would be visible, however due to the distance and its relatively small diameter the introduction of the stack and associated built form would not change this view to a notable degree, being seen in the context of frequent vertical structures which break the skyline and also structures with a large visual mas.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 12 Hylton Lane adjacent to Kingsway Road, Downhill

Receptor Type Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site View Susceptibility Road users Medium Medium Medium 3.9 km

Recreational Medium High High receptors

Existing View: This viewpoint is located on Hylton Lane just after the junction with Kingsway Road, in the Downhill area of Sunderland. Receptors include road users and recreation users of the open space playing field in the foreground of the view. The viewpoint offers an elevated view to the west toward the Washington and Hertburn industrial area, with the large scale of the Nissan factory building providing a dominant feature. The turbines associated with the Nissan factory form vertical elements breaking the skyline, which is also punctuated by the Penshaw Monument to the left of the view, and by the distant Durham House in the centre.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Negligible The movement and the majority of the construction activities within the Application Site would be screened by the intervening industrial buildings. Some taller elements, such as cranes, would be potentially visible but considering the Minor distance of the receptor from the site, the scale of the temporary visual effects would be restricted to a considerable degree.

Operational Phase: Negligible Negligible The Proposed Development would be seen to the rear of and in the context of the existing large scale industrial development, and what is visible of the proposed buildings would be of smaller scale and visual massing to the existing buildings. T Due to the viewing distance from the stack and its relatively small diameter its introduction along with Minor associated built form would not change this view to a noticeable degree, being seen in the context of existing large scale industrial development.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 13 Follingsby Lane, to the east of Strother House Farm

Receptor Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site Type View Susceptibility Road users Medium Medium Medium 2.4 km

Existing View: This viewpoint is located on Follingsby Lane to the east of Strother House Farm where there is a gateway and gap in the otherwise dense roadside vegetation. The view is characterised by the agricultural foreground landscape dotted with clumps of trees and linear hedgerows dividing the fields. Penshaw Hill and the Penshaw Monument provide an elevated backdrop to this view on an otherwise flat horizon which is also punctuated with tall overhead lines and pylons, and by the Nissan wind turbines. The vegetation restricts clear views of the Hertburn Industrial area although glimpses of the upper parts of these pale coloured buildings are evident above the intervening foliage.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Negligible The movement and the majority of the construction activities within the Application Site would not be visible due to intervening vegetation. Some taller elements such as cranes would be potentially visible but considering the distance of the receptor from the site, the scale of the temporary visual effects would be restricted to a considerable degree.

Operational Phase: Low Minor The main building, dust silos and stack gas filters are unlikely to be visible due to the combination of the intervening vegetation and topography. The upper parts of the proposed stack would potentially be glimpsed above the tree line in close proximity to the line of existing pylons, which with the relatively small diameter of the stack and the intervening distance would limit the visual effect.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 14 Leam Court, to the south of Leam Lane, Staneway

Receptor Type Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site View Susceptibility Road users Medium Medium Medium 3.8 km

Recreational Medium High High receptors

Existing View: This viewpoint is located where the public right of way running along the disused railway crosses over Leam Court, the access drive leading to a small cluster of dwellings. The view is characterised by agricultural fields in the foreground and heavy vegetation associated with the George Washington Golf Course in the middle distance. The Penshaw Monument is evident to the right of the view in its elevated position, and the industrial elements of the Nissan factory and Vantec turbines are clearly visible to the left of the view, although partially screened by dense vegetation.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Negligible Negligible The movement and the majority of the construction activities within the Application Site would not be visible due to intervening vegetation. Some taller elements such as cranes would be potentially visible but considering the distance of the receptor from the site, the scale of the temporary visual effects would be restricted to a considerable degree. Minor

Operational Phase: Low Minor The main structures are not anticipated to be visible due to the presence of the intervening vegetation and the flat landscape. The stack would potentially be glimpsed above the tree line. However due to the distance and its relatively small diameter, the introduction of such built form would not materially change this view, given the context and the extent of the Moderate Nissan buildings and turbines already visible.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 15 Entrance to Marlborough Primary School, Sulgrave

Receptor Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site Type View Susceptibility Residential Medium High High 850 m receptors

Existing View: This viewpoint is located within the Sulgrave residential area, adjacent to the entrance to Marlborough Primary School. To the rear of the deciduous trees in the foreground is a five storey residential block. Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: No Effect No Effect The intervening vegetation and built form prevent all views of the Proposed Development.

Operational Phase: No Effect No Effect The intervening vegetation and built form prevent all views of the Proposed Development.

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL

Viewpoint 16 Glover Road, Sulgrave, adjacent to Washington Community Fire Station

Receptor Value of Receptor Receptor Sensitivity Distance to Application Site Type View Susceptibility Road users Medium Medium Medium 280 m

Residential Medium High High receptors

Existing View: This viewpoint is located close to the residential properties on Glover Road and represents the views of both residents and road users. The large scale Fendor building occupies much of the foreground to this view and is seen against the skyline, to the rear of the adjacent roundabout and an area of shrub planting. Further large scale commercial/industrial buildings are visible to the right of the photograph and beyond its left extent. A lighting columns, overhead lines and associated pylons are noticeable vertical elements and are seen against the sky throughout this view. The Penshaw Monument and housing elsewhere in Sunderland are seen on the distant wooded hillside.

Predicted Visual Impacts of Proposed Development Description of Predicted View / Change Magnitude of Nature and Change Significance of Effect Construction Phase: Medium Moderate The movement and the majority of the construction activities within the Application Site would not be screened from view by the Fendor building, although as the building construction progresses, their upper parts will become visible. Construction cranes would be visible when they are in use. Major

Operational Phase: Medium Moderate The upper parts of the new development would be visible above the Fendor building and would form notable elements in the view. These would add to the existing views of industrial elements which characterise the foreground to this view. Major

K.0178 Land at Hillthorn Farm, Washington