Waste Recycling Centre, Stone Road, Hockering, , – Installation of a Recycling Plant with Aggregate Storage Bays, etc.

Landscape Mitigation Report on behalf of

Monk Plant Hire Limited

Planning | Issue 03 | August 2017

Status: Planning | Issue 03 Waste Recycling Centre, Stone Road, Hockering, Norfolk Landscape Mitigation Report

Contact: Simon Neesam Technical Director The Landscape Partnership The Granary, Sun Wharf Deben Road Woodbridge Suffolk, IP12 1AZ www.thelandscapepartnership.com

The Landscape Partnership Ltd is a practice of Chartered Landscape Architects, Chartered Ecologists and Chartered Environmentalists, registered with the Landscape Institute and a member of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment and the Arboricultural Association. The Landscape Partnership Registered office Greenwood House 15a St Cuthberts Street Bedford MK40 3JG Registered in No. 2709001

The Landscape Partnership Page i June 2017

Status: Planning | Issue 03 Waste Recycling Centre, Stone Road, Hockering, Norfolk Landscape Mitigation Report

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Landscape character and visual context 3 Potential landscape effects of views 4 Proposed landscape mitigation measures 5 Landscape Management

Appendices 1 Maintenance Schedule 2 Planting Plans

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1 Introduction 1.1 Background to the project 1.1.1 The Landscape Partnership has been commissioned by Monk Plant Hire Limited to provide broad commentary in relation to the integration of the proposed upgrade of the Stone Road waste recycling facility into the surrounding landscape and provide recommendations for appropriate mitigation measures to offset any adverse effects of the development ( Planning Application Ref: C/3/2017/3002).

1.1.2 The planning application proposes that the existing Stone Road facility is upgraded by the installation of a recycling plant and aggregate storage bays, together with revisions to the site layout. The purpose of the development is to improve the infrastructure used for the recycling and storage of inert waste materials in order to maximise their potential reuse and consequently minimise the amount being sent to landfill.

1.2 Landscape context 1.2.1 The site is located on a plateau of higher land with an elevation of c.58m AOD, c.1.75km to the north-east of the village of Hockering, and 8km from the eastern edge of . The approximate central grid reference is TG 0803 1514.

1.2.2 The site comprises an active recycling facility with a range of structures and buildings of disparate styles, heights and materials, together with various spoil heaps that currently reach heights of up to 20m.

1.2.3 The site is broadly triangular in shape. The south-western boundary fronts Stone Road, with a boundary provided by a solid 2.4m high fence, and a recently-planted native hedge on the road-ward side. The south-eastern boundary abuts an existing industrial yard, with the residential property Six Acres and associated gardens and paddocks beyond.

1.2.4 The western portion of the northern boundary abuts a mature belt of native woodland trees. These woodland belts effectively screen views of the poultry sheds within.

1.2.5 The eastern portion of the northern boundary comprises a ditch with a bund (c.1m high) on the site-ward side). A laurel hedge has been planted on the bund some three years ago and has reached a height of around 2m. The hedge is interspersed with occasional standard trees that have now reached heights of around 3m. The line of hedge and bund continues eastwards beyond the application site for c.105m before linking with a native mix hedge that continues in south-easterly direction. The laurel hedge has been well managed during the establishment period and has been protected by a rabbit proof fence.

1.2.6 The site is positioned on a plateau of higher land with an elevation of c.58m. With the exception of the uses noted above, the predominant land use is arable agriculture. The field

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pattern is of a medium to large scale. Although there is evidence of some amalgamation, many of the fields have an irregular shape and are bound by hedges.

1.2.7 A substantial block of woodland – Hockering Wood – is designated as Ancient Woodland and located 620m to the south-west. A further, smaller, block of Ancient Woodland – Day’s Grove – fronts Heath Road 490m to the south-east of the site. There are smaller blocks of woodland in the landscape surrounding the site, within fields and at the corner of fields, including a copse of trees in the centre of the field immediately to the north of the site.

1.2.8 There are few if any public rights of way in the vicinity of the site; however, the landscape is well traversed by a series of winding lanes. There is little residential settlement: the nearest properties are:

• Six Acres, c.40m to the south of the site.

• Heath Farm, c.325m to the south-west.

• Mill Fam, c.420m to the south-east.

• Cottages fronting Heath Road, c.500m to the south-east.

• Willows Farm, Grade II Listed, c.670m to the north-east.

1.3 The proposed development 1.3.1 The application site already has planning consents for:

• A recycling building with a footprint of 100.6m x 37.3m and a ridge height of 13.6m that will be constructed adjacent to the northern boundary of the site. The building will have a single pitch roof and will be finished in an emerald green colour.

• A workshop building 51m x 23m at its widest and with a ridge height of 9.5m that will be constructed adjacent to the south-eastern boundary and finished in a light grey colour.

1.3.2 The proposed recycling plant would be located on the eastern portion of the site. The apparatus would have an overall footprint of 73.4m x 19.2m. The tallest element would be the washing barrel, which would reach a height of 11.94m. This would be clad in a sheeting with a matt, light-grey finish. The main elevating conveyor would reach a height of 11.2m and would be an open, galvanised structure.

1.3.3 The water tank and buffer tank would have a top height of 7.0m and have a galvanised finish, and the holding bays would be up to 6m high and of concrete construction.

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2 Landscape character and visual context 2.1 Landscape typology 2.1.1 Reference to the Landscape Character Assessment, dated 2007, shows that the application site falls within Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) B6: Wensum and Tudd Settled Tributary Farmland. It is noted that:

The Wensum and Tud Settled Tributary Farmland is located in the north eastern part of Breckland District and represents a large area of boulder clay drift deposits which have resulted in a gently undulating arable farmland landscape interspersed with tributaries. The boundaries of the character area are determined by river valleys ( and River Wensum) and surrounding arable plateau character areas, with the landscape type extending beyond the District boundary into District to the north and District to the east.

2.1.2 Key Characteristics, as particularly relevant to this site/scheme are noted to include:

• till glacial deposits give rise to a gently undulating landform interrupted by occasional shallow dry valleys and tributaries. Topography ranges from 20-50 metres AOD.

• Views within the area are often to tree lined or wooded skylines, with the wooded skyline of Park being particularly distinctive.

• Arable agriculture represents the dominant land use, although pasture is also evident, particularly associated with the minor tributaries.

• Hedgerows and hedgerow trees bound fields of variable size. Occasional drainage systems on wetter land adjacent to tributaries create a smaller scale landscape pattern.

• Fields are characteristically medium to large in size, although small-scale fields adjoin the drains and tributaries e.g. surrounding at the head of the River Tud.

• Occasional woodland takes the form of small blocks (including wet woodland alongside tributaries), or larger woodland blocks associated with historic features e.g. Hockering Wood SSSI (Ancient Woodland) and woodland associated with parkland e.g. Bylaugh.

• Settlement pattern is characterised by frequent dispersed farmsteads and hamlets and larger villages clustered around the rural road network in both a linear (Clint Green) and nucleated () settlement pattern.

• A network of hedgerow lined rural roads characteristically connect the settlements. The A47 crosses east to west across the character area and is a major route into Dereham.

• This is a tamed arable landscape that generally retains a tranquil rural character.

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2.1.3 The supporting text provides commentary on the perceptual and visual qualities of the area:

Views are generally contained by the landform and field boundaries, but occasional glimpsed views into the river valleys are possible. Parkland at Bylaugh provides an attractive wooded skyline. The landscape is relatively colourful and textured due to the wet woodland, marshland and wetland associated with the tributaries.

2.1.4 Key inherent landscape sensitivities that are important to the character of the landscape are noted to include the occasional large woodland blocks, a number of which include ancient woodland.

2.1.5 Likewise, visual sensitivities are noted to include the wooded skylines: “The most significant woodland is associated with Bylaugh Park and the large blocks of ancient woodland, but the smaller scale woodland associated with tributaries also contributes to the generally wooded character”.

2.1.6 The landscape surrounding the application is considered to display many of the typical characteristics of the Wensum and Tud Settled Tributary Farmland. The main landscape sensitivities relevant to the site itself are thus:

• The setting of blocks of Ancient Woodland, in particular Hockering Wood and Day’s Grove.

• The character of the rural lanes.

• The hedges and trees that bound lanes and follow field boundaries.

2.1.7 The landscape character assessment includes a landscape strategy for the Wensum and Tud Settled Tributary Farmland LCA:

The overall management objective for the Wensum and Tud Settled Tributary Farmland is to conserve and enhance the landscape of the tributary valleys that thread through the agricultural land, with the aim being to conserve and reinforce the small scale wetland character associated with the minor watercourses to create stronger connections with the adjacent river valley landscapes. The rural, settled character should be conserved to provide a contrast with the more open, exposed plateau landscapes. Opportunities to improve biodiversity through field boundary hedgerow planting and set aside field margins should also be explored, in addition to seeking opportunities for grassland, heathland and woodland opportunities where appropriate.

2.1.8 Guidelines for landscape management include:

• Conserve and enhance existing field boundary hedgerows, trees and wooded strips through appropriate landscape management.

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• Create new, species rich field boundary hedgerows to enhance and reinforce the existing network and to provide opportunities for habitat connectivity.

2.1.9 Relevant identified development considerations include:

• Conserve existing small scale rural road pattern, resisting upgrade/calming measures which could have an urbanising influence.

2.2 Visual context 2.2.1 Views towards the site are relatively limited, and can be summarised as follows.

• Views from the south and Heath Road are blocked by Hockering Wood or the build-up of intervening vegetation.

• Views from Stone Road are blocked by the woodland belts immediately to the north- west of the site or limited by the alignment of the lane, leaving only occasionally close proximity views into the site. In future years, the site’s frontage will be softened by the recently planted native hedge.

• Views from north and north-west, including sections of Blind Lane, are screened by the woodland belts to the north-west of the site.

• Many potential views from Blind Lane are screened by vegetation in the immediate foreground. Elsewhere, some views of the site are interrupted by the copse of trees in the middle of the field to the north of the site. From short stretches of the lane (and from Willow Farm where not blocked by garden vegetation in the foreground), there are open views across the field to the northern boundary of the site. Here, the laurel hedge as a line of planting visible against a backdrop of the more distant woodland of Day’s Grove and Fir Covert.

• Views from points to the east are largely blocked by intervening hedges, leaving only the taller elements of the site visible. Views from residential properties are constrained by the limited number of windows affording views towards the site.

3 Potential landscape effects 3.1.1 The presence of the woodland belts to the north and north-west of the site, the trees bordering Stone Road and the build-up in hedges in the landscape to the south and south- east of the site is such that the proposed development would exert only limited influence on the character and visual amenity of the wider landscape. Likewise, there would be no significant effect on the setting of the Ancient Woodlands.

3.1.2 Glimpsed views of the taller of the proposed elements would be available from points to the east. Such views would be partly filtered by intervening hedges that would also screen the lower elevations of the plant. When extant planning permissions are built out, the new

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recycling plant (max height 11.94m) would be observed in the context of the end elevation of the recycling building (13.6m) which would be of greater substance and scale. Further, the existing spoil heaps, which are up to c.20m in height (and so substantially taller than the proposed plant), would be significantly lowered as part of the proposed works.

3.1.3 From localised sections of Blind Lane, the angle of view is such that many potential views would be blocked by the intervening copse of trees. When constructed, the consented workshop would provide a backdrop to the proposed development and the more distant woodland beyond would limit the opportunity for the apparatus to break the skyline. Again, the existing spoil heaps (substantially taller than the proposed development) are currently visible and these would be significantly lowered as part of the proposed works. From many of the points on Blind Lane, the consented recycling building will also be visible; this will be of a greater scale and substance than the recycling plant.

3.1.4 From the north, the lower elevations of the proposed development would be screened by the laurel hedge on site boundary. In future years, the existing trees, and proposed structural planting, will increasingly screen views into the site. As the native species trees and shrubs develop they will soften the effect of the laurel hedge within views.

4 Proposed landscape mitigation measures 4.1.1 To minimise the influence of the proposed recycling plant on the wider landscape, it is proposed that it is finished as follows:

• The sheet cladding of the washing barrels – light grey colour with a flat matt finish.

• The conveyors, water tanks, and buffer tanks – galvanised.

• The aggregate bays – concrete.

4.1.2 It is considered that such a colour scheme would better tone with the sky and the more distant woodland beyond the site, as well as with the consented workshop building. It would also provide some variation with the substantial recycling building (to be finished in green).

4.1.3 A landscape strategy has been prepared for the site which includes strategic planting proposals to lessen the visual effects of the proposed development in views from the surrounding landscape, and particularly from open countryside to the north. The mitigation proposals have been developed in consultation with the Green Infrastructure officer at Norfolk District Council and address the concerns of the council in relation to the potential landscape and visual impact of the scheme.

4.1.4 It is suggested that the existing laurel hedge and standard trees on the bund on the northern site boundary are initially retained. Whilst the species choice is not typical of the surrounding agricultural landscape, the hedge has been well maintained and provides an important

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contribution in screening views into the site, particularly to the lower elevations of features within.

4.1.5 An additional band on native tree and shrub planting will be planted on the southern slope of the bund. This would be managed as a band of native trees and shrubs and allowed to develop a natural form which will in time provide screening for the proposed structures. The species mix comprises tall canopy trees including alder, cherry and oak, and a shrubby understory layer made up of dogwood, hazel, hawthorn, privet, goat willow and guilder rose. The combination of canopy trees and a shrubby understory will in time create a band of vegetation with effective screening properties.

4.1.6 Further works will be undertaken in year 8. It is proposed that the western portion of the existing laurel hedge be removed, and replaced with a native species hedgerow, with standard oaks. The new planting of native trees and shrubs should also be assessed and suitably thinned at this point. The aim of the thinning would be to create an appropriate spacing between the canopy trees to allow light to reach the understory layer, to encourage the development of a dense screen. It may also be appropriate to thin the understory species, and to coppice the hazel and dogwood. The exact nature of the works required will depend on how the planting has developed, and the opinion of a competent landscape architect/arboriculturist should be sought at this point. The existing trees on top of the bund will be retained. An additional band of native trees and shrubs will be planted on the northern side of the bund. This will be allowed to develop a natural form, to provide additional screening to proposed plant, and to the laurel hedge. The overall aim of the proposals is to establish a block of predominantly native species vegetation, which will screen the lower elevations of the proposed plant, and make a positive contribution to the character of the area.

4.1.7 The proposals are shown on two separate Planting Plans as attached at Appendix 2.

4.1.8 The hedges within the landowner’s control, e.g. those bounding the site and fields to the south-east of the site would be managed at a greater height in order to increase the filtering properties of the intervening vegetation between Heath Road and the site.

4.1.9 The new native hedge planting along the site’s south-western boundary would continue to be managed to enhance the Stone Road frontage and help integrate the site into the surrounding rural landscape.

4.1.10 The new native trees and shrubs would be planted at a height of 60-80cm. By year 8, it is envisaged that they would reach heights of 2-3m. Such assumptions are made on the premise that any proposed tree planting would grow at a rate of approximately 250mm/year, mindful that the trees would be planted into a made bund. Predicted growth is also based on the

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assumption that no growth will take place in the first year, as the plants adjust to their new growing environments.

5 Landscape Management 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 The landscape management prescriptions are to be read in conjunction with the planting plans, which forms part of the proposed works. Responsibility for the implementation of the landscape works and ongoing maintenance/management associated with the existing and proposed vegetation shown on drawing no. E16882.400 and E16882.401 (refer to Appendix 2) lies with the applicant. It is anticipated that the applicant will appoint competent maintenance personnel to undertake maintenance operations on their behalf.

5.2 Site description 5.2.1 The site is broadly triangular in shape. The present surfacing features large areas of hardstanding and/or compacted ground. The western part of the site is occupied by buildings and hardstanding, as is the existing industrial yard in the southern section of the site.

5.2.2 The completed scheme would include various buildings and structures associated with the waste recycling facility. The main part of the site would consist of hardstanding, which would facilitate vehicle movements. Hedges and bunds are limited to the perimeter of the site.

5.2.3 The south-western boundary adjoins Stone Road. A 2.4m high fence separates the recycling facility from the road. A recently-planted, native-species hedgerow can be found to the road- ward side of the fence.

5.2.4 The eastern portion of the northern boundary comprises a ditch with a bund (c.1m high). A laurel hedge has been planted on the bund and has reached a height of around 2m. The hedge is interspersed with occasional standard trees that have now reached heights of around 3m.

5.2.5 This report includes prescriptions for new individual trees, hedgerows, blocks of native species trees and shrubs, and grassland areas.

5.3 Management Objectives New Trees 5.3.1 Trees are to be successfully established and allowed to develop a natural form, ensuring that the trees remain healthy and are of good form and shape.

Native tree and shrub planting 5.3.2 The key role of the native tree and shrub planting is to form an effective screen along the northern edge of the site. In addition, native trees and shrubs will strengthen the character of the wider landscape, help to prevent erosion, create habitat, and provide wider environmental benefits. Trees and shrubs would be maintained to ensure healthy growth and

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quick establishment. The proposed trees and shrubs would be allowed to develop their natural form without major management intervention. The band of native trees and shrubs will be selectively thinned in year 8, to encourage the formation of a dense screen.

Hedgerows 5.3.3 Recently planted native species hedgerows will be managed and maintained so as to develop a dense boundary feature which partially screens the fence immediately behind, and helps to integrate the site into its setting. The hedgerows along the Stone Road frontage will ultimately be allowed to reach a height of approximately 2.4m, to correspond with the height of the fence behind.

Grassland 5.3.4 Meadow grassland will be managed to successfully establish with a range of species. A suitable dense sward will be encouraged to establish to prevent more dominant and competitive weed species establishing and dominating. Grassland to be allowed to establish naturally, with the expectation that some wildflower species will become less prevalent whilst other wildflowers species will become more frequent. Naturally occurring species found locally to be allowed to establish where self-seeded, so long as these are not noxious weeds, non- native or species that are aggressive and competitive species that would result in a reduced species diversity. Timing of cutting, to coincide with the time when most species have flowered and seeded.

5.4 Location and Access 5.4.1 The site can be accessed from Stone Road. The bund, hedgerow and proposed tree planting on the northern boundary can be accessed from within the site. Care must also be taken to prevent damage by maintenance vehicles to landscape elements, such as grass swards and establishing trees and shrubs.

5.5 Scope of Operations 5.5.1 The operations would involve the management and maintenance of the new tree planting within the existing laurel hedge on the northern boundary of the site. Prescriptions for established hedgerows in the applicant’s control within the surrounding area are also included.

5.6 Noise Control 5.6.1 The maintenance team shall employ the best practical means to minimise noise produced by maintenance operations. Machines in intermittent use should be shut down on the intervening period between works or throttled down to a minimum.

5.7 Dust and Mud Nuisance 5.7.1 The maintenance team should take all necessary steps to eliminate dust and mud nuisance (including woody waste, grass and herbage clippings) during the carrying out of the works.

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The public highways and access routes should be kept clean and clear of dust, grass debris and mud dropped by maintenance vehicles.

5.8 Removal of rubbish Generally 5.8.1 Unless otherwise expressly stated, all non-green waste shall be removed from the site to a licensed disposal facility. The maintenance team should keep the site free from rubbish and debris as it occurs (pesticides and other hazardous materials shall be handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with the relevant statutory regulations).

Disposal of Green Waste 5.8.2 All green waste that has arisen as a result of non-chemical maintenance operations should be composted at the nearest licensed facility including young green arisings produced from the pruning of shrubs and young trees. Woody arisings produced from pruning operations are to be chipped and used for mulch within the native planting. All arisings produced as a result of herbicide operations are to be taken to a waste recycling facility.

Litter 5.8.3 Litter picking of the landscaped areas should be carried out during each maintenance visit. All grass areas should be litter picked prior to cutting. All non-green waste is to be removed from site to a local authority licensed general waste or waste recycling facility as appropriate.

5.8.4 Burning of arisings on site is not permitted.

5.9 Operations, legislation and use of herbicides Maintenance Generally 5.9.1 Maintenance is to include cutting grass, fertilising, watering, cutting, pruning, firming, adjusting stakes/ties/guards, applying approved chemicals to combat pests/diseases, keeping planting areas clear of weeds, and removal of all rubbish.

Watering 5.9.2 Ensure that sufficient water is applied to maintain healthy vigorous growth of trees/shrubs/plants and grass. Care must be taken not to over-water plant material and grass. The need for watering shall be left to the judgement of the maintenance contractor. It will be the responsibility of the maintenance contractor to ensure that plants thrive and to replace any plants if they die or are in a poor condition. If legislation is brought in to prevent the use of hose pipes for the irrigation of trees during periods of drought, the maintenance contractor is to obtain alternative supplies of water including grey water.

Grass Cutting 5.9.3 Care should be taken when strimming to avoid damage to the bark of tree stems and the need to avoid injury to people and damage to property, parked and passing cars by objects

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thrown up when strimming. Ensure stones and debris are removed from verge and only strim once a full coverage of grass has been achieved.

Relevant Legislation 5.9.4 As well as abiding by all relevant legislation for grounds maintenance, the maintenance team’s attention is drawn in particular to the following:

• Control of Pollution Act 1974;

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994;

• Control of Waste Regulations 1991; and

• Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Herbicides 5.9.5 Prior to the employment of any herbicide, the following information must be confirmed:

• trade name of herbicide;

• formulation;

• proposed rate of application to be adopted;

• proposed method of application to be adopted; and

• confirmation that the use of the herbicide has been cleared under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986, the herbicide is appropriate for the stated purpose and that the method of use will comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

5.9.6 The maintenance team must ensure that they are aware of their obligations in respect of the safe use of herbicides under all current legislation, including the following or most recently dated versions:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Health and Safety (Agriculture) (Poisonous Substances) Regulations;

• The Poisons Act 1972;

• The Control of Pollution Act 1974;

• The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 Part III; and

• The Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986.

5.9.7 The manufacturer’s instructions must be fully complied with in all respects, including the wearing of protective clothing. All operators should have received formal training in the use of herbicides and that they are:

• aware of the need to avoid damage to areas not being treated;

• able to dilute and mix herbicides correctly; and

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• able to operate and calibrate equipment and machinery properly.

5.9.8 Records must be kept of all herbicide application operations and presented, if requested.

Required Herbicides 5.9.9 Herbicides will be required for the treatment of weeds in the following situations:

• total weed control as part of site preparation;

• weed control around base of trees; and

• spot application of herbicide to all injurious weeds.

The Application of Herbicides 5.9.10 Herbicides shall not be applied when foliage is wet or under conditions when it is frozen, snow covered or waterlogged.

5.9.11 Strim or remove by hand all dead matter once herbicide application is successful. Should the use of herbicides result in any damage whatsoever to turf or plants other than those plants specifically to be controlled by the herbicide, within or outside the area to be treated, and then these damaged areas should be fully reinstated. The operator should ensure that the equipment for dispensing herbicide is properly designed and manufactured for the purpose, and that all such equipment is in good working order.

5.9.12 Herbicides are not to be stored on site. The maintenance team’s attention is drawn to the code of practice for the disposal of unwanted pesticides and containers on farms and holdings published by MAFF. If, on any part of the site, a complete kill is not achieved by the first herbicide application, for any reason, the operator shall carry out additional herbicide applications, hand weeding or weed cutting operations necessary to achieve a complete kill and to keep such areas in a clean and tidy condition until an acceptable kill has been achieved.

5.9.13 Subsequent herbicide applications should be applied to control secondary growth of persistent perennial weed and annual weeds.

5.9.14 List of noxious and pernicious weeds to be eradicated at all times, include:

• creeping thistle

• broad leaf dock

• couch grass

• ragwort

• spear thistle

• Japanese knotweed

• Himalayan balsam

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• Russian vine

• giant hogweed

5.10 Arboricultural works 5.10.1 All works to trees to comply with the Forestry and Arboricultural Safety and Training Council Safety Guides.

5.10.2 All aerial tree works and tree felling must only be undertaken by fully insured professional arboriculturists, holding a current NPTC Certificate. All tree works to be carried out by an ‘Arboricultural Association’ approved contractor known to work in accordance BS3998:1989 ‘Recommendations for Tree Work’.

5.10.3 Arboricultural work shall not be carried out in the bird nesting season, i.e. between the 1st March and the end of August, and may not disturb bats or bat roosts unless safety critical. Arboricultural work and maintenance operations must avoid harm or disturbance to ground flora, over-wintering bird habitat, bats or other protected species.

5.11 Proposed works Aim 5.11.1 The aim of the proposed works outlined in the following section is to ensure the successful establishment of the new landscape features within the site. The objective should be: to ensure the successful establishment and healthy growth of plants and grass areas; to provide an effective screen; create attractive boundaries that integrate with the surrounding area; and provide an ecological benefit.

New Individual Trees 5.11.2 Ensure trees are well maintained, and achieve vigorous growth, and that any dead or diseased specimens are identified and replaced in the next available planting season (November to March) in accordance with the original specification. The following tasks should be undertaken:

• Annual inspection by suitably qualified person to establish health of tree and identify any remedial measures which need to be undertaken and identify any safety risks.

• The maintenance team shall provide an adequate supply of water to all newly planted trees. Plant material is to be watered to achieve field capacity. This will mainly be a requirement in the first two years of establishment, with a progressive reduction during the remainder of the five year establishment maintenance i.e. longer periods of dry weather being tolerated before watering is required. Watering shall be undertaken via the irrigation pipe.

• Herbicide application around the base of the tree to remove weed growth, with herbicide being applied three times a year in the first five years, and progressively

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reducing thereafter, as canopy cover is achieved and weeds are supressed. Long term weed control to be limited to preventing noxious weed growth.

• All trees are to be formative pruned, once a year, to develop a good, well-balanced form with a single, central leader. Trees to be pruned in winter to remove any dead wood, crossing branches, competitive leaders and suckers, and to shorten side branches where appropriate. Pruning operations should seek not to affect the main vertical growth or spread of the establishing trees. Pruning to be undertaken during the dormant season i.e. November to March.

• All vandalised, damaged, dead, dying or diseased trees to be replaced after each growing season following planting, for a period of five years.

• Re-firming where necessary and ensuring trees are vertical.

• In Year 5, tree stakes should be carefully removed, if trees have established sufficiently to support themselves and disposed of to a licensed waste site for recycling if possible. If trees are not self-supporting after 5 years e.g. due to replacement planting, stakes to be removed in successive years, once they are self-supporting.

• An application of fertilizer is required in year five. Fertilizers will be applied as Sierrablen Flora or other approved slow release fertilizer at a rate of 75g per sq m.

Recently planted hedgerows to Stone Road frontage 5.11.3 Establish a continuous hedge along the site boundary. The hedges will be maintained from the road side. The hedges are to be maintained to create an A-shaped (topped) hedge to a maximum height of 2.4 metres and width of 1.0m wide. The following works shall be undertaken:

• ensure hedges are free from litter;

• hedge to be trimmed once per year for the road side. Hedges to be cut outside of the bird nesting season (March to August), preferably in January or February. The sides and top of the hedge should both be trimmed, to promote a dense form. The hedge should not be cut back to the same point each year, but should be allowed to expand slightly with each cut;

• the base of the hedge line will be kept weed free, for a width of one metre. The hedge line will be kept clear of weeds during the first five years, by using an approved trans- located herbicide at a rate of 3 applications per year or until the full intended height and width of hedge is achieved and weeds are supressed. Long term weed control to be limited to preventing noxious weed growth;

• the spiral guards are to be removed after 3-5 years, once plants have become established;

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• the mulch is to be topped up annually during the first five years. The maintenance company shall allow for adequate watering of all hedgerow plants, primarily in the first two years of the establishment period, by keeping the plant material well watered during dry periods to maintain their vigour; and

• all vandalised, damaged, dead, dying or diseased plants to be replaced after each growing season following planting for a period of five years.

Native Tree and Shrub Planting 5.11.4 Establish areas of native shrubs and trees to provide structure, screening and biodiversity opportunities and year-round interest. The following works shall be undertaken:

• ensure shrub areas are free from litter;

• the entire area of planting to be kept weed free through a combination of careful trans- located herbicide application at a rate of 3 applications per year in the first five years and through hand weeding where herbicide treatment would result in damage to new plants. Herbicide application to progressively be reduced thereafter, as canopy cover is achieved and weeds are supressed. Long term weed control to be limited to preventing noxious weed growth;

• allow for adequate watering in of all shrubs and keep the plant material well-watered within dry periods during the establishment period, primarily within the first two years of establishment, to maintain their vigour;

• mulch to planting beds shall be topped up annually to maintain a 75mm depth during the first 5 years;

• all vandalised, damaged, dead, dying or diseased plants to be replaced after each growing season following planting for a period of five years;

• undertake thinning of tree and shrub belts in year 8, to maintain healthy plants with good form and density, but still retain an effective screen. This is dependent on how successfully the planting has been in establishing, and the condition and health of the plants. The planting will be inspected in year 8 to decide on the extent of thinning required. The aim of thinning is to reduce the number of plants where they have become congested, and to retain a balanced mixture of species. The density of the canopy species should be reduced as necessary to allow light to reach the understory. Selective thinning to be undertaken throughout the planting block;

• Hazel and dogwood to be coppiced to ground level in year 8.

Grassland 5.11.5 Establish and maintain species rich grasslands of high biodiversity, creating ecologically valuable meadow areas of visual interest. The following works shall be undertaken:

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• Grassland shall be cut in July/August. Grass will be cut to a height of 75mm and all arisings removed and composted to prevent an increase in nutrient levels. The areas will be maintained to provide a weed-free, healthy grass, free of litter and debris; and • all pernicious weed species growing within the sward shall be removed through use of selective treatment with an appropriate herbicide.

Appendix 1: Maintenance Schedule

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Years (No. of Visits) after maintenance period

Description of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Works

New Individual Trees

Inspection 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 - 1 - - -

Spot Application of As As As 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 Herbicide req req req Re-firming trees and stakes, ensuring tree 2 2 2 1 1 ------is vertical and firm.

Remove tree stakes - - - - 1 1 1 ------

Pruning - - - - 1 - - - - 1 - - -

Replacement Planting 1 1 1 1 1 ------

As As As As As Watering ------req req req req req Top up mulch to 1 1 1 1 1 ------75mm depth Application of - - - - 1 ------fertilizer

Years (No. of Visits) after maintenance period

Description of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Works

Hedgerows

As As As As As Watering ------req req req req req Spot Application of As As As As As As As As As As 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 Herbicide/hand weed req req req req req req req req req req

Pruning/trimming - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

As As As As As Replacement Planting ------req req req req req

Top-up mulch 1 1 1 1 1 ------

Native Tree and Shrub Planting Areas

As As As As As Watering ------req req req req req Spot Application of As As As As As As As As As As 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 Herbicide/hand weed req req req req req req req req req req Thinning and ------1 ------1 - - - - coppicing

As As As As As Replacement Planting ------req req req req req

Top-up of bark mulch 1 1 1 1 1 ------

Years (No. of Visits) after maintenance period

Description of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Works

Grassland and Verges

Cutting and 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 spreading of arisings As As As As As Grass Repairs ------req req req req req As As As As As As As As As As As As As As As As As As As As Herbicide Application req req req req req req req req req req req req req req req req req req req req

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Appendix 2: Planting Plans