SKYERS FARM, EWHURST ROAD, RAMSDELL, HAMPSHIRE. RG26 5RF.
LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Prepared by: ACLA Ltd
For: Skyers Farm Development Ltd
Ref: ACLA/BDW
Date: 17th December 2015
Landscape Architects & Designers 9 Hungerford Rd, East Grafton, Marlborough. SN8 3DG T: 01672 810516. E:[email protected] W:acla-ltd.com
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
CONTENTS:
Page No:
1. INTRODUCTION 3. 2. METHODOLOGY 4. 3. BASELINE CONDITIONS 6. 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSALS 12. 5. PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 13. 6. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER 22. 7. VISUAL AMENITY 32. 8. EFFECTS ON LANDSCAPE FEATURES 46. 9. MITIGATION STRATEGY 47. 10. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 53.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 Plans 01-06
ACLA/BDW 01 Site Location ACLA/BDW 02 Site Context & Viewpoints ACLA/BDW 03 Planning Context ACLA/BDW 04 Landscape Character Areas ACLA/BDW 05 Visual Analysis ACLA/BDW 06 Proposed Layout & Mitigation
APPENDIX 2 Photo Viewpoints 1-15
APPENDIX 3 Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment Methodology
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Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 ACLA Ltd has been instructed by Skyers Farm Development Ltd to prepare a revised Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) relating to a planning application for the re-development of Skyers Farm near Ramsdell, Hampshire. A previous LVIA was prepared by ACLA Ltd to support a planning application for the demolition of the existing modern buildings on the site and the erection of a replacement dwelling together with a new pool house, ancillary buildings, parking and landscaping. The scheme also includes the retention of a listed barn and the return of eastern sections of the site to farmland. The scheme was approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in October 2014 (planning reference 14/020996/FUL). This revised scheme includes changes to the design of the proposed farmhouse, site layout and ancillary buildings, together with the introduction of a proposed tennis court. The key elements of the retention of the listed barn, demolition of the existing modern buildings and return of sections of the site to farmland will remain within the revised application.
1.2 The application site is located in open countryside approximately 200m west of the village boundary of Ramsdell and is accessed from Ewhurst Road (Lloyds lane), which is located at 100m to the north of the site. The Ordnance Survey grid reference for the site is SU58607 57154.
1.3 Ramsdell is a small rural village with the village of Charter Alley located at 500m to the east. The closest town is Tadley at 4.5km to the north and the large town of Basingstoke is located at 7.0km to the southeast. Other nearby settlements include; Monk Sherborne at 2km to the south east, Wootton St Lawrence at 4km to the south and West Heath at 1.2km to the north. The area is administered by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
1.4 The purpose of this report is to assess the baseline qualities and value of the existing landscape resource and the visual amenity of the site and its surrounding area; to describe the outline development proposals in their landscape context and to predict the landscape and visual effects (impacts) that may arise from the proposed development. The report also may considers appropriate mitigation strategies for the site, in order to reduce or minimise any negative effects caused by the development and to put forward initiatives for landscape and visual enhancement.
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1.5 Landscape impact assessment aims to determine the likely changes in the physical landscape resulting from a given development and to evaluate the significance of these changes in relation to their effects upon both the quality and character of the landscape. Visual impact assessment predicts the appearance of these physical changes within the landscape and their effects upon specific viewpoints or visual receptors, such as the occupants of residential properties and the users of roads, public rights of way or other public open spaces.
1.6 In order to seek consensus and to minimise subjectivity in the assessment of the existing landscape, wherever possible, this report makes reference to published landscape character assessments and other authoritative publications, in order to seek consensus and to minimise subjectivity in the assessment of the existing landscape.
1.7 The landscape and visual assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’ (Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, 3rd Edition 2013) and ‘Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland’ (The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage – 2002). For a full description of the assessment methodology refer to Appendix 1 at the end of this report.
1.8 This report has not been prepared a stand along appraisal to support the new planning application. The cumulative impacts of other similar proposals in the area has not been assessed.
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Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
2. BASELINE CONDITIONS
Description of the Existing Site
2.1 The application site covers an area of approximately 1.4 ha and currently contains the following elements;
Skyers Farmhouse, a 1970’s red brick dwelling in the western sections of the site. The garden area to the farmhouse covers the far western sections of the site over an area of approximately 0.39 ha.
A Grade II Listed timber framed and clad barn on the north-western application boundary. An open fronted timber cart shed adjoins the eastern gable end of the barn.
A farmyard with four modern larger scale steel clad and open fronted barns and ancillary agricultural buildings and associated infrastructure in the eastern sections of the application area. The barns are finished in grey with corrugated grey roofs and set within concrete and gravel hardstanding.
2.2 The farmhouse is currently vacant and the modern agricultural barns and buildings in the eastern sections of the application site do not appear to be in use.
2.3 Significant vegetation is mainly located in the western sections of the site and along the site access leading to Lloyds Lane. A more substantial group of ash and yew trees are located on the southern central boundary to the south-east of the farmhouse garden. The farmhouse gardens in the far west of the site are laid to lawn. The property is accessed from a track running through the farmyard to the south of the listed timber barn. Three mature oak trees are located on the south-western site boundary. There are low-level views into the site below the canopies of the trees.
2.4 Groups of native, none-native and evergreen trees and shrubs are located on the western and north-western site boundary. The vegetation provides a moderate level of screening to the farmhouse from local views. Other sections of the western boundary are relatively open allowing localised views into the site towards the farmhouse and the listed timber barn. A screen belt of mature evergreen trees is located between the farmhouse and areas to the south of the listed barn. A small domestic orchard is also located to the south of the barn.
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2.5 There is no substantial vegetation in the eastern sections of the site allowing open views towards the modern agricultural buildings and barns at close distance. Elsewhere the site boundaries are generally demarcated by stock fencing. The vehicular access from Ewhurst Road has a row of mature willow trees on its eastern boundary. There are no tree preservation orders on or adjacent to the site.
2.6 Open fields with intact hedgerows are located to the south, west and east of the site. Ewhurst road is located at approximately 100m to the north of the site and bounded by mature and well-maintained native hedgerows with occasional trees.
2.7 The application site and surrounding area is located within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The eastern boundary of the AONB is located on the western boundary of Ramsdell, at approximately 200m to the east of the site.
The Study Area
2.8 The initial area of search for the LVIA was determined by drawing a circle offset by 5km from the proposed development. The extent was set to enable a general understanding of the wider landscape context within which the site is located, while limiting information to that which is most relevant and avoiding excessive analysis which does not directly benefit the appraisal. As such it conforms to best-practice guidance.
2.9 These findings were assessed through field observations on the 21st of May 2014. The weather clear with bright sunshine and the visibility was good. The containment by woodlands and tree belts to the north & east and ridgelines to the west & south resulted on the potential ‘Zone of Visual Influence’ considerably reduced to approximately 500m to the north, 300m to the east and up to 2km to the south and west.
2.10 At close distance, lower level views are often screened by intervening woodland blocks, together with hedgerows and vegetation associated with the western boundary of Ramsdell. May’s Copse and Skyer’s Wood are significant blocks of woodland creating visual barrier from many potential viewpoints from publicly accessible locations within the southern sections of the study area. Lloyd’s Copse, Boathouse Copse and Park Copse are significant woodland blocks screening close distance views from the north and north-west.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Description of the Surrounding Area
2.11 The predominant characteristic of the study area is tranquil semi-rural landscape with narrow county lanes and scattered settlements and rural villages.
2.12 There is a distinct change in character between the northern sections of the study area and the southern sections. The northern areas are representative of a lowland landscape with a small-scale patchwork of settlement, mixed farmland, woodland belts and enclosure by larger woodland blocks. The area has an intimate landscape scale. To the south, the landscape is more open with larger scale fields with occasional woodland blocks. The land rises to a chalk ridgeline at around 2km south of the application area. The site is located on the transition between the two typical landscape types.
To the South.
2.13 The area is predominantly large-scale farmland with a relatively consistent landscape character. A visual corridor contained by Skyer’s Wood and May’s Copse allows longer distance views to the ridgeline from the application site. A PRoW runs past the southeast corner of the site and open views to the agricultural buildings in the eastern sections of the application area are possible. There are also partially screened views towards the existing farmhouse on western sections of the PRoW, at close distance.
2.14 At close distance elsewhere, hedgerows tend to be relatively intact and well managed with occasional trees. This vegetation partially screens, filters and frames views to the site. Hedgerows and vegetation becomes increasing less prevalent in the southern sections of the study area as the land rises to the ridgeline. The scattered settlements and properties to the south of the site tend to be screened by intervening woodland blocks and tree belts. Therefore there is little evidence of development and settlement within views from the site southwards and the predominant character is rural and tranquil. Views towards the site from PRoW and roads are relatively few and limited to closed distance or partial and glimpsed views set in a wooded context or from longer distance higher elevations on the ridgeline to the south.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
To the West.
2.15 Views to the site are contained by a ridgeline at approximately 1.5km and closer distance intervening woodland blocks and tree belts associate with Lloyds Lane generally screen low-level views to the site. A parkland landscape and modern large scale country estate development is located at Ewhurst Park House, which is a prominent local building set in recently planted formal parklands. There are some limited views out from the site to the parkland and Ewhurst House. A woodland belt associated with Lloyd’s Copse runs along the western perimeters of Ewhurst Road screening many of the more distant views.
To the North
2.16 The site is accessed from Ewhurst Road (Lloyds Lane) at approximately 100m north of the main site. Lloyd’s Lane to the north of the single-track road is relatively well contained by hedgerows. There are however occasional gaps, allowing for localised glimpsed views towards the site and existing buildings. Lloyd’s Copse and Boathouse Copse are substantial blocks of woodland associated with Ewhurst Park to the north of Ewhurst Road which screen more distant views from the north-west. Numbers 4 and 5 Ewhurst Road are semi-detached properties located at 80m north-west of the site. There may be filtered views through dense garden vegetation to the existing farmhouse and the listed timber barn. There is also the potential for glimpsed views from properties on the eastern boundaries of Ramsdell towards the agricultural barns, in particular from the rear of 2 Ewhurst Road. However, these views tend to be partially screened and framed by intervening vegetation.
2.17 Other properties on the perimeters of Ramsdell tend to be relatively well screened by surrounding mature trees and understorey vegetation. The rooflines of the farmhouse and timber barn on site are also evident from the vicinity of the cricket ground (at approximately 500m to the north) and potentially from adjacent properties on Baughurst Road. At longer distance, views from the north are screened by substantial woodland blocks on the northern boundary of Ewhurst Road.
To the East.
2.18 A small-scale field provides a buffer between the application site and properties on the western perimeters of Ramsdell. Properties in Ramsdell tend to be relatively well screened and contained by trees, mature garden vegetation and dense understorey. The western boundary of Ramsdell at approximately 250m east of the application site
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contains a particularly strong landscape structure consisting of mature trees and shrubs. The field hedge close to the eastern site boundary contains a number of mature native trees, however the hedge itself is in poor condition and absent along sections and therefore close distance views to the eastern sections of the site are more open. The most prominent views from properties associated with Ramsdell are from the rear of Brookside Cottage at 150m south-east of the site boundary. There is also the potential for glimpsed views from other outlying properties to the south-east of the site. Longer distance views from other areas within Ramsdell and beyond are screened by the prevalent vegetation.
2.19 Views from properties, PRoW and other publicly accessible areas will be discussed in more detail in chapter 7 of this report.
Settlement and Transport
2.20 Settlement in the southern sections of the study area is sparse and limited to occasional farmsteads and associated buildings, such as Lower Farm on Basingstoke Road. The northern sections of the study are has a higher density of settlement comprising of the village of Ramsdell, Charter Alley and scattered properties and farmsteads. Due to the high proportion of tree cover and intimate scale, the settlement pattern is not prominent in the wider landscape and the northern sections of the study area retains a rural and semi-rural character. Ewhurst Park house is a prominent development set in an elevated location in the western sections of the study area.
2.21 Minor roads near the site link the network of small settlements and villages. Ramsdell is located the crossroads of Lloyds Lane (Ewhurst Road), Monk Sherborne Road and Baughurst Rd. Lloyds Lane is a single track road, running in an east to west direction at approximately 100m north of the site. The A339 is a busy road corridor linking Basingstoke and Newbury. It is located at approximately 1.8km to the south of the site and crosses the southwest section of the study area. However, it not visible or apparent from within the site or within the local landscape due to the intervening chalk ridgeline. Therefore the study area remains predominantly tranquil and rural.
Topography
2.22 The highpoint of the study area is approximately 173m Above Ordnance Data (AOD) on the ridgeline at approximately 1.9km south of the application site. A further ridgelines is located in the western sections of the study area at Ewhurst park at
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approximately 135m AOD. The topography in the remainder of the study area falls gently in a north easterly direction to approximately 85m AOD near Charter Alley, in the north eastern corner of the study area. The site itself is located between approximately 110 to 112m AOD and falls gently in an easterly direction.
Historic Landscape
2.23 The Ramsdell Conservation Area Appraisal states: ‘Ramsdell appears to have emerged as a settlement at a relatively late date. It is known that, at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the land around the present settlement was owned by Pamber Priory, Winchester Cathedral and Queen’s College. The land at the periphery of these holdings was sold to create the site of the village today….. The village has developed around the crossroads and the three farms originally to be found in the area, creating a dispersed settlement pattern. …… The prevailing use in and around the Conservation Area was originally an agricultural one, including both arable and sheep farming. Historic references survive today – for example Sheepwash Lane and Sheepwash Cottage. Physical vestiges of agricultural use can also be seen around the pond. Although the origins of the development of the village can be traced back to the sale of the ecclesiastical land, it was not until the construction of a brickworks on the edge of the village, during the 19th century, that any significant growth took place. A church was not constructed in the village until 1867.’
2.24 The current red brick farmhouse on the application site is not of any particular architectural interest and was probably constructed in the 1970s. It replaced a larger former farmhouse and a courtyard surrounded by agricultural building which are likely to have been of some stature and historic interest. The timber-framed barn on site has survived and is Grade II listed. There are a number of other listed cottages and farmhouses within the study area, the closest of which is May’s Farmhouse at approximately 185m south of the site. The remains of a Roman villa are located at approximately 1.7km to the south-west.
2.25 In the west of the study area, Ewhurst Park House has recently been substantially re- built on the remains of a much larger house. The large-scale parklands and grounds remain, including woodlands and ornamental lakes. The parklands cover a substantial area in the north-west of the study area and are a significant local feature. However they are not on the English Heritage list of ‘Registered Parks and Gardens’. The stable block, church and walled garden are listed structures adjacent to Ewhurst
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Park House. The potential impacts on listed buildings & scheduled monuments will be assessed later in this report.
Public Rights of Way (PROW)
2.26 Although there are no public footpaths, permissive routes or other rights of way across the application site itself, however the study area is crossed by a number of PRoW. The closest of which runs from Ramsdell towards Skyer’s Wood and passes close to the south-eastern site boundary. Other PRoW are located on, and within, the western and north eastern boundaries of Ramsdell. Two further PRoW run across the ridgeline in the south of the study. Where views are possible from PRoW they will be discussed later in this report. See plan ACLA/DBW 02 for the location of PRoW within the study area.
Soils & Hydrology
2.27 The site is located within low grade agricultural land and the underlying rock is identified as London Clay on the British Geological Survey ‘Geology of Britain Viewer’. Shallow drainage ditches are located along the northern site boundary to the north of the listed barn and also along the perimeters of the site access. The site and surroundings drain in an easterly direction and localised areas to the north of Lloyds Lane have been identified as an area at risk of flooding on the Environment Agency ‘Flood Map for Planning’ (see plan ACLA/BDW 03).
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Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSALS
3.1 The proposals have been prepared on behalf of Oakley Planning and Conservation Ltd. For details see plan (ACLA/BDW 06). The proposals consist of the following elements arranged around a central yard;
The replacement of the existing farmhouse.
The retention of the grade II Listed timber barn and adjacent open fronted cart shed.
The erection of a pool house to the south-east of the new farmhouse.
A bar and cinema building to the north of the new farmhouse.
New garages, workshop and games room to the west of the pool house.
The demolition of the modern agricultural structures in the east of the site and the erection of ancillary accommodation and store/home office.
3.2 It will be necessary to remove the evergreen screen and adjacent fruit trees to the east of the current farmhouse to necessitate the construction of the new dwelling and ancillary buildings. It will also be necessary to remove three fruit trees within the footprint of the proposed garage and adjacent hardstanding. Some other areas of shrubs, trees and herbaceous planting and fruit trees to the south of the current farmhouse and west of the pool house may also be removed to provide a more suitable setting to the proposals. See plan ACLA/BDW 06 for the location of vegetation to be removed.
3.3 Primary mitigation has been undertaken as part of the initial design with consideration of the design, scale, layout and building materials within the proposals. A secondary mitigation is likely to be necessary to further reduce residual visual and landscape impacts remaining after the primary mitigation measures. The mitigation measures will include the retention and enhancement of the remaining significant vegetation on site together with a comprehensive landscape scheme to assist in integrating the proposals into the local landscape. Mitigation will be discussed later in this report.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
4. PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT (See plan ACLA/BDW 03)
National Planning Policy
4.1 National planning guidance was completely revised with issue of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in March 2012. This single document supersedes all previous Planning Policy Statement and Guidance documents. The government advises that this major revision was implemented to form “… a key part of our reforms to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, to protect the environment and to promote sustainable growth. …”.
4.2 The Conserving and Enhancing the Natural Environment section of the NPPF outlines the way the planning system should ‘contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment’. The relevant key objectives are to enhance networks of green infrastructure, protect and enhance valued landscapes, minimise impacts on bio-diversity and provide net gains where possible. Opportunities to incorporate bio- diversity in and around developments should also be encouraged.
4.3 At the heart of the National Planning Policy Framework is a ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development, which should be seen as a golden thread running through both plan-making and decision-taking’. However of particular relevance to the proposed development, paragraph 115 in the NFFP states ‘Great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, Broads and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which has the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty’.
Regional Planning Policy
4.4 The Localism Act provided for the abolition of the regional planning framework. In 2013 the Department of Communities and Local Government revoked the Regional Strategy for the South East (with the exception of policy NRM6) and any saved structure plan policies. This now gives local authorities the responsibility for making strategic planning decisions.
Local Planning Policy
The study area is administered by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. The council is currently preparing the ‘Revised Pre-Submission Draft local Plan’. In the mean time saved polices in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Local Plan (1996-2011) will be used as the basis for making planning decisions.
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Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Local Plan (1996-2011)
4.5 The following saved landscape related polices which are relevant to the site have been discussed below:
Policy D6 – New Residential Accommodation in the Countryside
4.6 The policy relates to residential development within the countryside. and states: ‘development will only be permitted where it ….is a one-for-one replacement of an existing dwelling which has been continuously occupied and is not the result of a temporary or series of temporary permissions and the building is not derelict or no longer in existence ‘
4.7 The local plan further expands on the policy and states ‘In assessing these applications, particular regard will be had to whether the site lies in a sustainable location and if the proposal will protect and maintain the rural and landscape character of the locality…… Replacement dwellings should not significantly change the siting, scale, setting and character of the existing dwelling in order to protect the rural character of the area’
Policy E1 – Development Control
4.8 ‘Proposals for new development will be permitted provided that they are of a high standard of design, make efficient use of land, respect the amenities of neighbouring occupiers, and do not result in inappropriate traffic generation or compromise highway safety. All development proposals should therefore:
Respond to the local context of buildings in terms of design, siting, density and spacing, reinforce attractive qualities of local distinctiveness and enhance areas of poor design; extensions should respect their host building
Provide a comprehensive landscaping scheme, where appropriate, enabling the development to successfully integrate with the landscape and surrounds, and not result in the loss of or have a potentially adverse impact on protected trees;
Policy E2 – building of historic or Architectural Interest -
4.9 ‘Proposals for development that would affect a listed building, structure or its setting will be determined against the following guidelines:
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i. The demolition of a listed building or structure will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
ii. Alterations and extensions that preserve the character and/or setting of a listed building and any features of architectural or historic interest will be permitted
iii. Developments within the curtilage of or adjacent to a listed building which do not detrimentally affect their setting will be permitted.
Development will not be permitted if it would harm a building or feature of local historic or architectural interest or adversely affect its setting.’
Policy E3 – Areas of Architectural or Historic Interest
4.10 A conservation area lies within Ramsdell at approximately 200m to the east of the application boundary. Policy E3 states: ‘Development within Conservation Areas, or on sites outside where development would affect the setting of the Conservation Area, will be permitted provided that the proposals preserve or enhance their special character or appearance.’ ‘
Policy E6 - Landscape Character
4.11 ‘Planning permission will only be granted where it is demonstrated that the proposals will be sympathetic to the landscape character and quality of the area concerned.
Development proposals should contribute to the regeneration, restoration, repair or conservation of any landscape likely to be affected. In particular they should respect, and improve the following:
4.12 i. the particular qualities of the relevant Landscape Character Area as defined in the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Assessment;
visual amenity and scenic quality;
the setting of a settlement, including important views to, across and out of settlements; and
the local character of buildings and settlements, including important open areas;
trees, hedgerows, water features and other landscape elements and features;
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historic landscapes, features and elements
4.13 Consideration will also be given to the impact that development would have on sense of place, sense of remoteness or tranquillity, and the quiet enjoyment of the landscape from public rights of way.
4.14 The designation of the North Wessex Downs AONB reflects the national importance of that landscape. In addition to the other requirements of this Policy, applications for development in the AONB will be determined in accordance with the policy in PPS7 also having regard to the setting of the AONB.’
Policy E7 – Nature/Biodiversity Conservation
4.15 There are a number of woodland identified as Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats and ancient and semi-natural woodland within the study area the closest of which is located at 150m to the west of the application site. Mature vegetation is also present on site in the form of trees and wildlife habitats/corridors. The policy states ‘Development or a change of land use will be permitted where it will not have an adverse effect on protected species or the conservation status of priority species, harm the nature conservation interest of a statutory or non-statutory wildlife nature conservation site or lead to the loss or deterioration of a key habitat type or harm the integrity of linkages between such sites and habitats.
Proposals will be expected to conserve and, where possible, enhance the biodiversity of the receiving environment, taking into account the aims and targets of the UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plans. Where appropriate, planning conditions and obligations will be used to secure these requirements. In particular, the opportunity will be taken to secure the creation and management of features of the landscape that, by virtue of their linear and continuous structure or their function as ‘stepping stones’, are of major importance for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species.
The weight given to the protection of nature conservation interests will depend on the national or local significance and any statutory designation or protection applying to the site, habitat or species concerned. Where the public interest in favour of a proposal is deemed to outweigh harm to biodiversity, the local planning authority will require the use of the best practicable mitigation/compensation measures, which will be secured through planning conditions and planning obligations, as appropriate. Applications for development must include adequate information to enable a proper
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assessment of the implications for biodiversity. It should be noted that adverse effects on nature conservation interests are not necessarily limited to the proposal site.’
Basingstoke and Deane Landscape and Biodiversity – Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
4.16 The key principles of the SPD are:
Landscape and biodiversity issues must be considered from the pre-planning stage onwards.
There must be adequate information to allow the impacts of the proposal on landscape character, landscape quality and on biodiversity to be assessed in accordance with planning policies and legislation.
The design must be led by the inherent constraints and opportunities of the site and its context.
Significant landscape and biodiversity impacts must be avoided, wherever possible, through careful design. Mitigation measures must only be used where avoidance through design is not achievable.
Where there are remaining impacts that cannot be satisfactorily mitigated, compensation must be provided through the creation of new features.
All proposals should aim to enhance the landscape and biodiversity of the receiving environment and, where possible, these enhancements should result in a net improvement.
Scheduled Monuments
4.17 A scheduled monument is located at 1.7km to the south east of the application site, where there is the potential for intervisibility with the proposals. Policy E4 related to the protection of ancient monuments. The policy was not saved in the local plan due repetition in national guidelines. NPPF paragraph 129 states ‘Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal (including by development affecting the setting of a heritage asset) taking account of the available evidence and any necessary expertise. They should take this assessment into account when considering the
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impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the proposal.’
Compliance with Planning Policies
4.18 The NPPF ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ ‘needs to be considered against the ‘great weight given to conserving landscape the scenic beauty’ within the AONB. Any development should therefore take account of all other material considerations such as the Local Plan Polices, guidelines and the management plans which aim to conserve the scenic and landscape integrity of the AONB.
4.19 The NPPF policies also aim to ‘contribute and enhance the natural and local environment’ and to minimise impacts on biodiversity and provide net gains where possible and incorporate bio-diversity within developments.
4.20 Policy D6 in the Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan aims to ensure that development protects and maintains the rural landscape character locally.
4.21 Policy E1 aims to ensure development responds to the context of local buildings and where appropriate a comprehensive landscape schemes to successfully integrate proposals into their surroundings.
4.22 Policy E6 aims to contribute to and restore landscapes likely to be effected by development. In particular reference is made to the quality of the landscape as referred to in relevant Landscape Character Areas, which will be discussed in the next chapter. The policy also emphasises the potential impact development could have on sense of place, remoteness or tranquillity.
4.23 The landscape and Bio-diversity –SPD aims to ensure that landscape and bio- diversity is considered at an early stage in the planning process and that significant landscape impacts must be avoided through careful design and mitigation measure must only be used where avoidance through design is not achievable and where net gains in landscape and bio-diversity should be achieved.
4.24 To ensure that the proposed development meets the requirements of the policies and guidelines above at the early stages of the design, measures could be incorporated within the masterplan aimed primarily at the scale, mass, vernacular construction and location of the development to reduce any potential adverse impacts on the setting of
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listed buildings, landscape and visual impacts on the AONB and the local landscape setting.
4.25 At a secondary level careful consideration could be given to providing substantial green infrastructure and provide a strong framework to further contain, absorb and reduce any potential residual adverse impacts from the proposed development on the landscape character, wildlife habitats and the visual amenity within the study area. Landscape proposal could be strategically located and of a scale and design to reflect the character of the local landscape within the AONB. There is the opportunity for native woodlands, tree, shrub and hedgerow planting on and around the site. Other key areas within the site could also be identified for creating additional habitats to enhance bio-diversity on and around the application site.
Summary of Effects on Specific Landscape Designations
4.26 This section will assess the potential impacts on specific landscape designations within the study area as identified on plan ACLA /BDW 03
Listed Building – The Setting of Skyers Farm Timber Barn
4.27 The Grade II listed barn is set within the context of the modern farmhouse, agricultural structures and functional spaces within the farm development. Although the character of the modern structures preserves the farmstead context of the site overall, the nature of the surrounding developments do not respond sympathetically to the historic character, scale and setting of the barn. The modern farmhouse has been located within gardens in the western sections of the site and it has a predominantly western and southern aspect to open countryside with visual separation form the barn by a mature belt of planting. The agricultural barns to the east do not have any architectural merit, have not been located to relate to the setting of the barn, have an inward facing aspect and predominant functional design.
4.28 The sensitivity of the timber barn to change is expressed through its listed status and although the farmstead context of the barn is retained, the modern influences of surrounding unsympathetic development detract from its setting overall. Sympathetically designed proposals could contribute locality and it is likely it could accommodate a degree of change to its surroundings by replacement or substitution without affecting its overall integrity. Therefore the sensitivity to change is likely to be medium.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
4.29 The proposed development has the potential to change the overall character of the farmstead and create closer relationship with the proposed farmhouse. The development will be constructed on a sympathetic scale and with material reflection the historic context of the barn. Therefore the proposed changes are likely to represent a high to medium alteration the key characteristic of the immediate setting of the barn. The magnitude of change as a result of the proposals is likely to medium and the degree of impact as a result of the proposal on the setting of the listed barn are likely to be moderate/substantial to moderate. If sensitively designed the impacts could be seen as positive on the immediate setting of the listed timber barn.
4.30 Listed Building – May’s Farmhouse
4.31 The farmhouse is located at approximately 230m south of the application boundary. The building is enclosed by mature vegetation surrounding the property. However, there is the potential for some glimpsed or filtered views to the application site. The farmhouse is likely to have a medium sensitivity to change as it could accommodate a partial loss without effecting the over integrity of the building. The proposed development is at some distance and relatively well screened, therefore the immediate setting of May’s Farm will not be affected. The development would represent a minor element in the wider landscape and other properties are more prominent within May’s farmhouse immediate setting. The proposed development is likely to represent a very minor alteration to the setting of the listed buildings in the wider landscape context and therefore the magnitude of change is likely to be negligible with a negligible degree of effect.
Listed Buildings associated with Ewhurst Park House
4.32 The stable block, church and walled garden are listed structures at an elevated location at approximately 1.5km to the west of the proposed development, which may be visible as a partially screened new element in the wider landscape. As above the sensitivity of the setting of the listed buildings is assed as medium. The proposed development is likely to represent a very minor alteration to the setting of the listed buildings in the wider landscape at this distance, and therefore the magnitude of change is likely to be negligible with a negligible degree of effect.
Other Listed building in the Study Area.
4.33 Other listed buildings at located at Lower Farm, Digweeds Farm and within Ramsdell. Views towards the proposals are unlikely due to intervening vegetation, structures
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
and substantial woodland blocks and the degree of change on these listed buildings is likely to be negligible.
Ramsdell Conservation Area
Policy E3 in the local plan aims to ensure development preserves or enhances the special character or appearance of the conservation areas. The western boundary of the Ramsdell Conservation Area is located at approximately 170m to the east of the application boundary, running along the western boundary of Ramsdell.
4.34 The conservation area covers the majority of Ramsdell which has essentially a semi- rural character with irregular arrangement of buildings reinforced by substantial tree/shrub belts and hedgerows creating a sense of enclosure. The western boundary of Ramsdell is also reinforced by mature vegetation screening and filtering views to the application site from many places, with only occasional views outwards to open countryside. Therefore development outside the boundaries is less likely to be readily perceived from within the conservation area. It is likely that it can accommodate a moderate degree of change to its setting without a substantial impact on its inherent characteristics, particularly when taking into account the level of screening on the western boundaries. The sensitivity to change is therefore likely to be medium.
4.35 The proposed development is located outside, but close to the boundary of, the conservation area. The proposals will be smaller in scale and less visually intrusive the current agricultural buildings on the eastern boundary of the site. It will also replicate the current local vernacular architectural style and the close relationship of the buildings on site. Therefore it is likely that the proposals will represent a very minor alteration to the key characteristics of the local built form and will not physically or substantially diminish the aims of the conservation area. Therefore the magnitude of change as a result of the development is likely to be low. The significance of the effect is therefore likely to be slight. Visual impact will be further reduced if secondary mitigation measures are implemented to integrate the development in its local landscape setting.
Scheduled Monument
The remains of a Roman villa are located at approximately 1.7km to the south west of the site in open fields. There are no obvious above ground features and the setting is devalued through modern agricultural practices and there is no public access.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Therefore it is likely that moderate to substantial change could be accommodate to the setting of the scheduled monument without effecting its integrity and the sensitivity to change to its setting are assessed as low. Intervisibility with the application site is limited by intervening trees, hedgerows and woodland blocks and at a distance. The magnitude of the potential change is likely to represent a negligible alteration to its setting and the degree of impact is therefore likely to be negligible.
Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland & Bio-Diversity Action Plan Priority Woodlands
4.36 The woodlands are identified as a priority habitat and are likely to be able to accommodate a moderate degree of change (positive or negative) without a substantial effect on their integrity and therefore its sensitivity is assessed as medium.
4.37 The closest woodlands to the application site are at 170m to the west and 180m to the east, on the western boundaries of Ramsdell. The development will not have a direct effect on the integrity of the woodlands and there will be no direct impacts as a result of the development. The development therefore will represent a minor alteration to the setting of the woodlands only. Therefore the magnitude of the change is likely to be negligible and the degree of effect is also likely to also be negligible.
North Wessex Downs AONB
4.38 The sensitivity of the AONB to development is high as reflected in the weight given to its national, and local planning polices and the inherently high sensitivity of the landscape. The development would represent a very minor alternation to a key characteristics of the AONB with a relatively localised area. The magnitude of change borough about as a result of the proposals on the character and integrity of the wider AONB is likely to be negligible.
4.39 However, the proposed development will require careful consideration to comply with the policies and management strategies aimed at protecting the landscape. An assessment of the published landscape character areas and an assessment of impacts on the local landscape character within the study area have been undertaken in the following chapter.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
5.1 Landscape character assessment is a technique used to develop a consistent understanding of what gives a landscape its character to ensure future development is well situated, sensitive to its location and contributes to environmental, social and economic objectives. The assessment identifies distinctive features, recognisable and consistent patterns of elements and natural and/or human features in the landscape that makes one area distinctive from another. An assessment of pressure for change, the ability of a given landscape to accommodate change, landscape sensitivity or key issues to change may also be undertaken. The assessment can also include strategies and guidelines for future development and management to retain and enhance particular inherent characteristics of the landscape.
National Character Map of England
5.2 The National landscape character is set out in Natural England’s ‘Character Map of England.’ The new National Character Area (NCA) profiles update the previously published Joint Character Area (JCAs) and Countryside Character Area descriptions (1998-1999 by the Countryside Agency).
5.3 The study area is located in the southern sections on NCA 129 - ‘Thames Basin Heaths’, a character areas stretching from Newbury in the west to Esher in the east. Basingstoke in located on its southern boundary. Some of the relevant key characteristics of the NCA which are evident in the wider landscape of the study area have been extracted from the published document and include:
‘Plateaux of Tertiary sands and gravels in the London Basin, with intervening river valleys floored by London Clay. In the far west, Chalk forms the Hampshire Downs escarpment and the river beds of the Kennet and Pang.
High woodland cover, offering an array of colour in the autumn. Conifers and large plantations on former heathland are dominant features in the east, while the west is scattered with small, semi-natural woodlands on ancient sites.
Acid, leached soils mean that farming on the plateaux is limited to rough pasture, and that alternative land uses (such as forestry, golf courses and horse paddocks) have emerged. Heather, gorse, oak and birch all thrive here. Arable land and improved pasture are found in the valleys, on alluvium.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Beyond the large areas of heathland and woodland, there is a patchwork of small to medium-sized fields with woods. The legacy of historic hunting forests includes veteran trees, ancient woods, ancient hedgerows and parklands. Historic meadows remain as fragments along watercourses.
Prehistoric earthworks such as barrows and hill forts mark promontories on the plateaux. Archaeology is well preserved on historic heathland. Mosaics of open heathland and grassland with scrub, secondary woodland and plantation. Valley bogs, ponds and streams enhance diversity. Large, continuous mosaics are found in the east: they include Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and Chobham Common National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Historic commons offer tranquillity and unenclosed views, while other rights of access are enjoyed across farmland, canals and downland. Ministry of Defence ownership restricts (but does not entirely prevent) public enjoyment.
Valley floors are wet with ditches, numerous watercourses, ponds, waterfilled gravel pits, reedbeds and carr. Historic features include mills, relict water meadows, and canals such as the River Wey Navigations.
20th-century conurbations, including Camberley, sprawl along the Blackwater Valley, with associated roads (including the M3) dissecting heathland and woodland into blocks. Elsewhere, there are winding lanes and historic dispersed villages and farmsteads of traditional, locally-made brick and tile.’
5.4 NCA 130- ‘Hampshire Downs’ lies within the southern sections of the study area covering the chalk escarpment. The key characteristics in the published document and observed during the site survey relevant to the site area are:
‘The rolling elevated, chalk arable downland has an open, exposed character that provides open skies and long-distance views.
Elevated plateaux and upper valley slopes are characterised by extensive open tracts of large, low-hedged fields with thin chalky soils, shelterbelts, and ancient semi-natural woodland blocks on clay-with flint caps on some of the steeper slopes.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
A network of distinctive and ancient droving roads and trackways is a particular feature across the Downs.
There is widespread evidence of prehistoric settlement on the open downlands, including burial mounds with visually prominent ironage hill forts. In the valleys, there is evidence of Roman estates and nucleated medieval village settlement patterns, and fieldscapes and farmsteads across the downlands evidence the gradual and planned enclosure from the medieval period.
The area’s distinctive appearance derives from the use of chalk cob (in the west), weatherboarded timber frame and small, handmade local brick with flint in traditional rural buildings and walls surrounding farm courtyards, with thatch surviving in many places.’
5.5 Due to the large scale of the character areas in relation to the limited scale and visual influence of the proposals within it, potential impacts on the key landscape characteristics and elements and overall integrity are likely to be negligible. Therefore the Thames Basin heaths and Hampshire downs NCAs will not be taken forward as a landscape receptor in this report. Character changes are more appropriately discussed on a regional and district level below.
Regional & District Landscape Character
There are a number of comprehensive landscape character assessments and guidelines covering the study area and application site published by Hampshire County Council the local authority and the North Wessex Downs AONB Council of Partners.
Hampshire County Council Integrated Landscape Character Assessment
5.6 Hampshire County Council carried out an Integrated Character Assessment primarily aimed at large scale planning at a strategic level across the County.
5.7 The application site and northern sections of the study area are located in character area 2b ‘North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic’. This character area is further sub- divided into two character types, ‘Lowland Mosaic – Medium Scale’ on and around the site and ‘Lowland Mosaic – Small Scale’, to the North of Ramsdell. Character area 8b ‘Basingstoke Open Downs’ covers the elevated chalk land, south of Skyers Wood, in the southern sections of the study area. Character area 7b
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
‘Hannington and Dummer Downs’, a ‘Large Scale downland Mosaic’ landscape type is located in the south western sections of the study area, south of the A339.
Character Area 2b ‘North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic’
5.8 The location and boundaries of the character area are described as ‘This character area is located in the north of the County and comprises an area of lowland well wooded landscape which is bounded to the west by a transition into a smaller scale farmland landscape and to the east by a transition into a more ordered landscape influenced by estate management. The southern boundary is defined by the distinct change in geology and relief of the chalklands and upper greensand. To the north the area is defined by the higher occurrence of acidic soils and heath as well as the River Enborne and the Hampshire County Boundary.’
5.9 The key characteristics of the North Hampshire Lowland Mosaic identified in the Integrated Character Assessment area;
Gently undulating landform dissected by small chalk fed streams, in small valleys running south to north.
• Medium and small scaled mixed farmland and woodland mosaic.
• Blocks of broadleaved and mixed woodland often sinuous in shape which contain views and create wooded horizons.
• Woodland coppice and old hedge banks are reoccurring features.
• Juxtaposition of habitats, including woodland, pasture, remnant heathland, grassland and wetlands creates biological richness.
• Pockets of predominantly arable farmland comprising medium scale regular fields defined by a strong structure of hedgerows and shaw woodlands.
• Smaller scale fields of pasture along stream valleys.
Dispersed settlement pattern – villages to the south are more substantial whilst those to the north comprise a loose collection of buildings associated with exploitation of woodland.
High concentration of timber framed buildings and use of mellow red brick, clay roof tiles and decorative use of blue brick in Flemish bond patterns.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Narrow rural lanes defined by high hedgerows.
Ancient woodland (often associated with historic deer parks) contributes to rich biodiversity.
5.10 A key quality of the area in the published document of particular relevance to the site is described as: ‘An enclosed and generally tranquil landscape comprising a medium- small scale mosaic of farmland and woodland defined by a strong hedgerow structure. In the south, views of rising land associated with the chalk contribute to the sense of place.’
Character Area 8b- Basingstoke Open Downs
5.11 The location and boundaries of the character area are described as ‘This character area comprises an area of downland which forms a shallow bowl, within which the settlement of Basingstoke is located at the head of the River Loddon. It is the topography and settlement that unify this area. The northern boundary of this character area is particularly marked as a result of a dramatic change in geology to the lower lying heaths and clays. To the south the change is more transitional as the land rises onto an elevated and often wooded chalk plateau. The western and southern boundaries are marked by a gradual transition to a more enclosed mosaic of farmland and woodland.’
5.12 The key characteristics of the Basingstoke Open Downs character Area are:
Rolling chalk landform with broad sweeping undulations, forming a bowl around the head of the River Loddon and north facing slopes which extend down to the lower lying heaths.
Extensive tracts of intensive arable cultivation defined by well trimmed hedgerows or ancient tracks and footpaths.
Visible framework of winding ancient lanes and tracks which formed boundaries to extensive open field systems and lead up to higher ground.
Generally low woodland cover with scattered blocks of woodland and stronger hedgerow structure in southern parts of the area.
An archaeologically significant area, with settlement and exploitation going back to prehistoric times.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Extensive areas of mid to late 20thC. urban development of Basingstoke which is visible, mainly from within the character area.
Major transportation routes include a Roman road, Basingstoke Canal, railway and M3.
Remote and quiet landscape outside of built up areas.
Beyond the major settlement of Basingstoke the landscape is lightly populated with low density nucleated villages and occasional farmsteads.
Sense of openness, space and emptiness, especially when climbing up out of the bowl shape landform where Basingstoke sits.
Character area 7B – Hannington and Dummer Downs
5.13 Character Area 7b ‘Hannington & Dummer Downs’ character area is located in the far south western sections of the study area with localised intervisibility with the site. The key characteristics of this character area is:
High elevated open chalk plateau covered by a thick and continuous clay with flints cap giving rise to a gently undulating topography.
Large open arable farmland enclosed with low hedgerows, trees and extensive woodland blocks.
Varied field pattern with medieval assarted fields in association with woodland, and formal enclosures set between older origin ladder system of droveways and tracks.
Varying intervisibilty due to areas of extensive semi-natural woodland blocks and small linear plantations on more open slopes.
Historically, a frontier landscape between the more intensively farmed downs to the west and the less intensively exploited landscape to the east.
Notable areas of parkland landscape.
Settlement consists of nucleated, small hamlets and scattered farms located on hilltops or within valleys.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Intricate network of narrow winding lanes contrasts with major transportation corridors.
Quiet and unspoilt rural character with a sense of openness and space, the northern part of which is designated AONB
5.14 The key characteristics outlined above are broadly in line with on site observations within the study area.
Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Assessment
5.15 The Basingstoke and dean Landscape assessment was undertaken in May 2000 by Landscape Design Associates. The main purpose of the assessment was to provide a more detailed understanding of the landscape resource in the Borough to assist with local plan polices and development control. The report also assesses the key issues relating to the landscape character in each area.
5.16 The site is located in the North Sherborne character area. The Basingstoke Downs character area is located to the south of the application site at close distance. The Hannington Downs character area is located in the far south western sections of the study area. There was no identifiable intervisibility with the application site and the Hannington Downs character will not be taken forward as a landscape receptor.
North Sherborne Character Area
The key characteristics of the North Sherborne character area in the landscape assessment are:
gently undulating, subtle landform dissected by a network of minor tributary valleys;
pattern of predominantly arable farmland and improved grassland with occasional well-managed parkland, enclosed within an established woodland and hedgerow structure with many hedgerow trees;
south-west corner lies within North Wessex Downs AONB, and overall landscape typically has a rural character, except near Tadley and Mortimer to the north and Basingstoke/Chineham to the southeast. Generally quiet, apart from areas along the busy A340;
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
predominantly assarted and small parliamentary fields, giving way to large wavy, small wavy and parliamentary fields to the east;
two pockets of more open arable farmland towards the south-east, characterised by parliamentary fields with infrequent woodland cover and low, well-cut hedgerows, notably between The Vyne and North Chineham and to the north-west of Bramley;
variety of woodland, including small predominantly broadleaf copses and larger woodland such as Morgaston Wood and Carpenters Down Wood. Also Pamber Forest, which has placed a crucial role in the historical development of the area;
remnant areas of scarce habitat types including ancient semi-natural woodland, heathland (notably part of the Pamber Forest and Silchester Common SSSI), and neutral/acidic unimproved grassland. The latter includes Ron Wards Meadow with Tadley Pastures SSSI, one of Hampshire’s finest surviving hay meadow/pasture complexes;
three distinctive areas of parkland, 'The Vyne' (Grade II), Beaurepaire Park and Ewhurst Park, contributing a well-managed element to the landscape;
moderate intervisibility across the area, with vegetation and low-lying nature of the landscape containing distant views;
apart from the larger settlement of Tadley, a settlement pattern dominated by small villages, hamlets, isolated farmsteads and individual properties distributed throughout the rural landscape, reached through a network of narrow, winding roads;
remarkably preserved Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester) and its associated earthworks, together with many other Scheduled Ancient Monuments, reinforcing the historic richness of the landscape.
Location and Boundaries
This character area lies in the north of the Borough and stretches from the more wooded Wolverton character area to the west, to the Loddon and Lyde valley system to the east. The northern boundary is marked by the settlement of Tadley, the enclosed plantation and heathland landscape of the North Silchester character area,
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
and the Borough boundary. Its southern boundary is defined by the distinct change in geology between the clay/Bagshot Beds of the lowland mosaic and the chalkland to the south.
Overall Landscape Character
‘In common with much of the lowland landscape to the north of the Borough, this area is a patchwork of mixed farmland and woodland, which forms the setting for a diversity of other landscapes including managed parkland, minor valleys, and more extensive areas of woodland. Despite its diversity, the overall effect is a unified and balanced landscape, with the low-lying and gently undulating landform linking the various landscape types into one distinct character area. A small southern part of the area, between Wolverton and Ramsdell, lies within the North Wessex Downs AONB.
In many areas the landscape has retained a quiet, rural character, with a network of narrow, winding roads linking the dispersed villages, hamlets and isolated farmsteads. The quietness of the area is disrupted, however, in those areas along the A340 corridor, and the rural character affected near the larger settlements…’
Key Issues
poor species and structure diversity and ecological value within coniferous plantations;
under-management of the numerous ancient semi-natural woodlands, including hazel coppice woods;
loss of broadleaf woodlands;
relatively weak landscape structure, primarily within more open arable landscapes, and resulting need to encourage hedgerow planting;
management of hedgerows and field patterns of historic significance, and retention of hedgerow tree saplings;
management of road verges and hedgebanks, and damage from scrub encroachment, road improvements and legacy of agrochemical use on adjacent farmland;
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
lack of permanent grass field margins, including uncultivated buffer strips next to rivers, streams and other sensitive habitats;
loss of heath associated vegetation through inappropriate management and more intensive agricultural use;
management of unimproved neutral grassland and areas of neutral/acidic unimproved/semi-improved grassland, to maintain or enhance biodiversity;
some adverse impacts of horse grazing (e.g. rank grassland with weeds, poorly-managed boundaries or inappropriate styles of fencing etc.);
localised suburban influence of some built development and roads, including suburban styles of fencing, signage, lighting and planting, and impacts on quiet, rural character in immediate areas.
5.17 The assessment focuses on the character of the wider North Sherborn character area and the application site is located on its southern boundaries where the character changes from the more enclosed landscape to the north to the open landscape of the chalk downs to the south where the landscape is more typical of the Basingstoke Downs character area outlined below. Despite the relatively high number of properties and other developments in the local area, the area has retained its quite, rural character overall due to the intimate landscape scale and high level of enclosure by woodlands and mature vegetation. Skyers farm is not a readily apparent development in the wider character area. The area has a strong sense of place and where open views to the south are possible, there is a relatively strong landscape character. Any development strategy or potential mitigation measures should aim to retain the existing character and minimise visual intrusion in the wider landscape. The scale and choice of construction materials should be sympathetic to the character of the landscape surrounding Ramsdell.
Basingstoke Downs Character Area
The key characteristics of the Basingstoke Downs character area in the landscape assessment are:
rolling landform to the north, becoming more undulating and northward sloping to the south;
predominantly large-scale farmland, lacking a distinctive sense of place;
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
provides landscape setting for the western and southern parts of Basingstoke, whilst the western third of the area lies within the North Wessex Downs AONB. Urban influences affect much of the area, with hospital and golf course development north of Basingstoke, further golf courses south-west of Basingstoke, and significant noise intrusion from M3 and A-roads;
open character formed by large-scale, arable fields, the mix of track-bound fields, large wavy-edged fields and parliamentary fields reflecting enclosure from post-medieval to 19th century times;
low, well-cut hedgerows and very few woodland blocks, although shelter belt planting exists north of Basingstoke, and very occasional remnants of ancient semi-natural woodland exists, especially concentrated in the south of the area;
high intervisibility within the area due to the lack of woodland or strong hedgerow structure, enabling views of Basingstoke from many parts of the character area;
limited settlement outside Basingstoke, with scattered isolated farmsteads and small villages/hamlets, linked by relatively small, narrow roads, contrasting with effective but intrusive road network linking Basingstoke with surrounding areas via the M3 and A-roads. Roman road defines the abrupt, straight, western built edge
to Basingstoke, and the M3 corridor marks a similar sharp edge on the southern side;
various Scheduled Ancient Monuments, including Woodgarston ring motte, and a Roman site north-west of Woodgarston Farm.
Location and Boundaries
This irregularly-shaped area lies in the centre of the Borough, taking its form from the settlement of Basingstoke, which defines its eastern boundary and, for a part to the south, its northern edge. Most of its northern boundary is defined by the distinct change in geology, relief and vegetation characteristics between chalkland and lowland mosaic landscapes. The western and southern boundaries mark a transition
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
to a more enclosed mosaic of farmland and woodland characteristic to the surrounding character areas.
Overall Landscape Character
This is an area of relatively consistent landscape character, the urban form of Basingstoke creating a unifying element within a landscape of varying landform. The area is characterized by a large-scale pattern of arable fields with low, well-trimmed hedges that have become weak and broken in places. These elements, together with the fact that woodland blocks are infrequent and very small-scale, bring a feeling of openness to the area. Urban influences, such as golf courses and main roads/motorway development, affect the character of parts of the landscape. The major settlement of Basingstoke, and its associated infrastructure, exerts a strong influence on the character of the immediate surrounding landscape, affecting its original rural character. In terms of settlement pattern, however, development outside Basingstoke is limited to a scattering of isolated farmsteads and small villages/hamlets.
Key Issues
under-management of some ancient semi-natural woodlands;
weakened hedgerow structure across the more extensive, open landscape types, resulting from previous hedgerow removal;
inappropriate general over-management of hedgerows (including ‘gapping up’) and field patterns of historic importance;
decline in extent of unimproved chalk grassland and sheep pasture through scrub encroachment and agricultural improvement, particularly conversion to arable farmland;
areas of intensive farming with low biodiversity levels;
management of grass field margins, road verges, hedgebanks, and uncultivated buffer strips adjacent to sensitive wildlife habitats to maintain or increase biodiversity;
intrusion of built development, urban land uses and major roads on the landscape.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Urban settlement and Basingstoke is not apparent within the study area due to intervening topography and therefore the southern sections of the study area retain its predominantly rural character. This open landscape character contrasts with the semi-enclosed nature of the area surrounding the application site. Skyers farm is located on the transition between the two contrasting landscape types and longer distance views are more readily apparent in the wider landscape. In particular the agricultural structures in the eastern sections of the site are a readily noticeable, particularly the light colour of the cladding in context with mature woodlands and elevated views.
North Wessex Downs AONB Integrated Landscape Character Assessment (March 2002)
5.18 The North Wessex Downs landscape is of national significance and was designated as AONB in 1972. It covers a 1,730 sq km and stretches from Devizes, in Wiltshire, in an arch towards Swindon, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire in the east. The application site is located within approximately 200m of the south east boundary of the AONB. The assessment builds upon the previous Landscape Character Assessment and other Local Authority assessments to develop a consistent approach across the AONB. It will therefore be used as an illustration for a more detailed assessment of the landscape character within the study area.
The sit lies with the AONB character area Ewhurst Parklands whilst the southern sections of the study area lie within the AONB Hannington Downs AONB character area.
8F - Ewhurst Parklands Open Downlands
5.19 The application site is located close to the northern boundary of this character area. The relevant sections of the character area have been extracted below.
‘The character of this small lowland area is derived largely from the underlying geology with gently undulating clay slopes extending from the base of higher chalk upland to the south west. Land cover comprises medium sized arable and grass fields contained within intact hedgerow boundaries. There is abundant woodland cover in a series of small irregular copses forming part of Ewhurst Park. These ,together with the hedgerows provide a strong landscape structure and visual enclosure. The area includes several ponds and minor streams emerging onto the impermeable clay base and includes two designed lakes at Ewhurst Park, making
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
water a particular feature compared to the dry chalk uplands. Ewhurst Park, located at the foot of the slopes, with its Home Farm, estate cottages, lakes, parkland planting and wooded copses, is the most prominent feature within the area. The well maintained estate landscape of intact hedgerows, uniform building style and local vernacular creates a strong unifying character.
Key Characteristics
a small character area at the base of the chalk downs, formed by the change in geology to heavier clays with sands and gravels. The character area extends beyond the AONB;
water is a particular feature of the landscape with several ponds and minor streams and two designed lakes at Ewhurst Park;
land cover comprises small-medium sized arable and grass fields contained within intact hedgerow boundaries. There is abundant woodland cover in a series of small irregular copses in Ewhurst Park;
medieval deer parks are characteristic, with lengths of bank and ditch pales still evident in the landscape, for example at Wolverton Common (just outside the AONB);
heathland commons (wooded) are characteristic of the wider area and were once managed as part of the Royal Forest of Pamber;
Ewhurst Park, is the most prominent feature. The well maintained estate landscape of intact hedgerows, uniform building style and local vernacular creates a strong unifying character.
Key Issues
management of the parkland landscape with its lakes, pasture, woodlands and built features;
appropriate management of woodlands particularly ancient and semi natural woodlands formerly managed by coppicing; • maintenance of the hedgerow network; • decline in heathland in the wider landscape (not a feature within the AONB boundary).
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Key Management Requirements
5.20 The overall management objective is to conserve and enhance the parkland character, with its lakes, woodlands, buildings and permanent pasture. Within the wider landscape there are opportunities for restoration and management of the mosaic of heathland and woodland.
5.21 The findings of the AONB integrated assessment where confirmed to be in line with a field survey. The requirements to conserve the character of the area will need to be reflected in the design of the proposed development to ensure that visual intrusion in the wider landscape is minimised. If mitigation measures are required these should ensure that they are appropriate and respect and enhance the local character and prevent unacceptable visual intrusion in this relatively small character area of the AONB.
2G – Hannington Downs
This character area is located in the south of the study area on the chalk downs. The relevant sections of the character area have been extracted below.
Landscape character is largely derived from the continuous clay deposit, which has created the elevated open plateau landscape of the Hannington Downs. The internal landform is varied with a number of indentations formed by dry valleys, and hills to the north of the area, which add to visual diversity. Cottington’s Hill (225m AOD) and high points on the plateau at Hannington (200m AOD) provide panoramic views, which are reduced in slightly lower lying, more enclosed areas.
Land cover is a mix of open and semi-enclosed arable farmland/woodland mosaic, resulting in a changeable degree of intervisibility. The plateau top and western parts of the area are predominantly open with large arable fields, sometimes divided by low hedgerows and occasional small linear plantations. Within the more open exposed area, north of Hannington, long views are a feature and the mast at Cottington Hill and line o pylons are visually intrusive elements. Gallops are also a prominent feature on the northern slopes near Kingsclere. Mature hedgerow trees and woodland create a more enclosed landscape on the slopes to the east which are characterised by blocks of seminatural woodlands of varying size and shape. These include a number of extensive woodland blocks, such as Hay Wood and Great Deane Wood.9.97. Settlement consists of the nucleated village of Hannington, centrally located on the plateau top. There are in addition a number of small hamlets
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
such as North Oakley and Ibworth with scattered farms. An intricate network of narrow winding rural lanes connects Hannington and the smaller outlying settlements to the larger towns outside the AONB boundary. The A339T, cutting across the north- eastern edge of the area, is the only major road that runs through the area. The absence of new development also helps the area to retain a quiet unspoilt rural character.
Key Characteristics
a distinctive area distinguished by a thick and continuous clay capping forming a high plateau with landform dropping away to either side. Elevated points provide panoramic views;
large open arable farmland on the plateau top, becoming more enclosed with hedgerows, trees and woodland on the slopes;
varied field pattern with medieval assarted fields in association with woodland, and piecemeal enclosures between droveways and tracks;
extensive semi-natural woodland blocks on the slopes to the south and east, with small linear plantations on the more open slopes to the west, resulting in a changeable degree of intervisibility;
isolated round barrows, located on prominent ridges and hilltops are a subtle feature;
settlement consists of the nucleated medieval plateau top village of Hannington and a number of small hamlets with scattered farms;
an intricate network of narrow winding lanes;
a quiet and unspoilt rural character, with a sense of openness and space.
Key Issues
intensive arable farming leading to loss of biodiversity plus damage to archaeological features;
changes in farming practices - including loss of livestock so that some areas of pasture are no longer grazed - with scrub encroachment or managed by
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
horse grazing with associated visual impacts (rank grassland, poorly managed boundaries and inappropriate fencing);
some weakening of the hedgerow structure - loss of boundaries and mature hedgerow trees, plus poor management of remaining hedgerows;
lack of appropriate woodland management particularly ancient and semi natural woodland blocks formerly managed by coppicing;
localised visual intrusions, e.g. pylon lines and large scale farm buildings, plus potential future demand for tall structures on the open summits e.g. for wind turbines/masts, which would have a major impact on the quiet rural character of the area;
increased traffic levels on the narrow rural lane network;
loss of tranquillity.
Key Management Requirements
The overall management objective is to conserve and enhance the quiet rural character of the Hannington Downs, with its sense of openness and space. Key features to be conserved and enhanced are the open plateau and long views, archaeological features and the field patterns. The woodland pattern on the lower slopes is an important characteristic and should be maintained. There are opportunities for woodland creation and hedgerow restoration to link isolated small sites. The sparse settlement pattern comprising the nucleated hill top village and a small number of scattered hamlet and farms connected by a network of rural lanes should be maintained.
5.22 As with the Basingstoke and Deane landscape assessment for the Basingstoke Downs, the open landscape character contrasts with the semi-enclosed nature of the area surrounding the application site and the agricultural buildings of Skyers farm are a readily noticeable feature set in a wooded context. Any development should be of a sympathetic scale and design and ideally accompanied by a strong landscape framework to absorb and enhance the development within the wider landscape and preserve the quite rural character of the area overall.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2014-19
5.23 This document is the statutory Management Plan for the North Wessex Downs AONB. The North Wessex Downs Council of Partners and relevant local authorities have approved the plans and it was submitted to Parliament in December 2014. It sets out objectives and policies for AONB partners over the next five years.
5.24 The primary purpose of AONB designation is ‘conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area’ ‘In pursuing the primary purpose of the designation, account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry and other rural industries and of the economic and social needs of local communities’.
5.25 The Management Plan 2014-19 will ‘seek to support a viable rural economy, so as to provide resources for those who manage the area’s landscapes’ and ‘outline the principles of our response to development that may affect the beauty and tranquillity of the North Wessex Downs’
5.26 Some of the relevant potential key issues relating to the landscape in the plan state:
‘Maintenance and, where possible, extension of chalk grassland habitat.
Conserving and enhancing the remoteness and expansive open scale of the downland landscape.
The need for viable agriculture to continue to contribute to AONB purposes.
Conserving and enhancing the remote, secluded and relatively undeveloped character of more enclosed and intimate landscapes, including the character of the lanes.
The dominance of roads, in particular the impact of traffic noise, external lighting, road signs, insensitive materials and clutter on landscape character and people’s experience of the landscape as they travel through it.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Maintaining the pattern of discrete villages set within a quiet rural landscape and ensuring that the views to the surrounding dramatic scarps are undamaged.
Intense pressure for development throughout the AONB and its setting that threatens the character and quality of its landscape and risks merging of small settlements or encroachment by larger settlements.’
5.27 Some of the relevant North Wessex Downs AONB Policies are:
‘Encourage all partners and other stakeholders to have regard for AONB purposes across all relevant policies, programmes and activities.
Wherever possible seek to identify and address the main factors that threaten the special qualities of the AONB landscape: e.g. water abstraction, agricultural practices; woodland neglect; damage to historic sites, built development.
Use the North Wessex Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment to inform policy and decision making across the AONB and its setting.
Support, encourage and promote good practice across all sectors that conserves and enhances the character and qualities of the North Wessex Downs landscape.
Support and encourage efforts to conserve and explain the rich heritage of the North Wessex Downs, including archaeological sites.
Ensure that all development in or affecting the setting of the AONB conserves and enhances the character, qualities and heritage of the North Wessex Downs landscape.’
5.28 Some of the relevant development key issues are;
‘The loss of rural character through suburbanising influences from new development (new fencing, lighting, signage, parking areas, paved footpaths, loss of native hedgerows and creation of new garden areas).
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The threat of incremental housing development outside settlements from unwarranted conversions and redevelopments; or unjustified rural workers accommodation.
Impact on dark skies and tranquillity of high-powered external lighting, especially where poorly directed or in an exposed location (not usually subject to planning control).
Impact from equestrian uses and structures generally where new development is expansive in area, in greenfield locations, poorly designed and/or located on exposed sites.
Substantial new farm buildings where unjustified, poorly designed and or located in exposed locations.
Development that results in a material loss of tranquillity and / or impact on the dark night skies within the North Wessex Downs or its setting.
Development, where relevant, that does not provide for or support existing Green Infrastructure.
Development where appropriate, that does not provide for appropriate mitigation
Large-scale new commercial uses or inappropriate farm diversification projects.
Impact of road signage, street lighting and other highway clutter on landscape character, including within settlements. Measures which have an urbanising effect on AONB character and are thus generally inappropriate include: oversized, multiple and yellowbacked road signs; new street lighting in previously unlit locations; lighting that allows spillage or glare; road markings; concrete kerbing; illuminated bollards; fencing; and elaborate traffic-calming schemes.’
5.29 Some of the development objectives are:
‘To encourage appropriate sustainable development to jointly achieve economic, social and environmental benefits through the planning system in the context of a nationally protected landscape.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
To ensure that the formulation and implementation of planning policies across the North Wessex Downs takes full account of the purposes of designation and the character and quality of the AONB and its setting.
To promote a sustainable rural economy.
Encourage all proposals for new development, redevelopment and re-use to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the North Wessex Downs. Oppose forms of development that fail to conserve and enhance the character and quality of the AONB and its setting and to make reference to the AONB’s published guidance.
Encourage high standards of design, comprehensive landscaping where required, traditional building styles, energy conservation and innovation that respect historic settlement patterns and the distinctive character of the North Wessex Downs.
Encourage Local Plans, Supplementary Planning Documents and other policies to take account of the statutory protection of the AONB, in terms of location of development affecting the AONB and its setting, and specific AONB policy.
Support the need for Local Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents and other policies to address issues such as landscape impact, local character, materials and historic structure and scale of settlements.
Encourage the consideration of landscape impacts at the earliest opportunity in the planning process and the provision of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments where required.
Resist noise-generating developments and activities both within the AONB and its setting.
Avoid and reduce light pollution, including control of lighting schemes or other developments that threaten the integrity of dark night skies within the North Wessex Downs.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Encourage, support and promote good practice in the design and management of roads in the AONB and its setting that conserves and enhances the character of the landscape and settlements.
Support appropriate and sustainable farm diversification activities where planning applications are supported by a whole farm plan and linked to design guidance.
Encourage the use of planning briefs or master plans which guide developments within and on the edge of the North Wessex Downs and take account of AONB purposes.
Encourage the retention of existing and provision of new ‘Green Infrastructure’. Ensure that ‘Green Infrastructure’ (including new or enhanced biodiversity assets) is incorporated within the area of all “major developments”, both within and near the AONB.
Support the development of strategies and integrated projects to manage the pressures and opportunities presented by the AONB’s close proximity to its surrounding urban centres.’
5.30 To comply with the policies and address key issues of the North Wessex Downs Management Plan (2014-2019) measures should be incorporated within the proposals aimed at reducing the impacts on the rural character of the landscape. The built form will not be located in an overly prominent position and will take advantage of screening by existing vegetation. The close cluster of buildings will be retained and the application site will retain much of its agricultural character. The new buildings will have a high standard of design using vernacular materials. Surface finishes will be low key with the aim of retaining the rural character. Comprehensive landscape proposals will also be included with the aim of strengthening the local landscape structure, integrating the proposals within the local landscape and screening key rural views. The visually intrusive barns in the eastern sections of the site will also be removed which will have a positive impact across the wider landscape. This should ensure the quality and character of the wider landscape is preserved and any potential impacts are minimised.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The Local Landscape Character
5.31 At a local level, within up to between 100-400m of the site, Skyers Farm and associated buildings are a prominent development where views are possible. The majority of other local buildings are constructed in a traditional and vernacular style and the agricultural character of the farmstead contrasts with the more domestic, intimate and smaller scale of nearby properties. The farm is a nucleated development physically distinct from the village of Ramsdell. The open aspects and lack of enclosure in the eastern sections of the site also contribute to the prominence in the local landscape.
5.32 As pointed out earlier, the existing site contrasts with the high level of enclosure by a strong landscape framework surrounding other properties in the local area. This enclosure by woodlands limits the visual influence of Skyers Farm to the north. The more open landscape and semi-enclosure by woodland blocks to the south however allow for the visual influence of the site to be more prominent locally.
5.33 The overall character of the site itself is of a functional farmstead set in a rural location with a moderate level of enclosure to the north & west and open pleasant views to the south. The relationship with Ramsdell, although only 200m to the east, is not strong due to the containment on the western boundaries of the village by significant vegetation. The buildings on site, despite containing a listed barn, have an overall modern agricultural character that is dominated by the modern agricultural structures and barns in the eastern sections of the site. The farmhouse itself is a relatively modest dwelling and is screened and separated from the other site buildings by an evergreen tree belt. As the farmhouse is not occupied and the agricultural barns are not currently in use the farmstead has a slightly derelict quality.
5.34 Although the farmhouse itself does not have any particular architectural merit, the gardens at the time of the visit have been well maintained with ornamental and native planting and pleasant views to open countryside.
5.35 A notable view from the site is towards the chalk ridgelines to the south, where the views are framed by Skyer’s Wood and May’s Copse. There is very little visual evidence of other properties or development to the south of the site whilst there is some limited intervisibility with properties on the western boundary of Ramsdell through mature vegetation.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5.36 Given the overall quiet rural quality of the landscape set against the contrasting character of Skyers Farm with its intrusive modern agricultural structures, the sensitivity of the local area and site to change is assessed as medium.
Summary of Effects on Landscape Character
5.37 The sections of the study area over which the development has the potential to have an impact is predominantly rural, tranquil and devoid of obvious significant settlement. Overall it has a quite rural character where the visual influence of the village of Ramsdell and other development is not prominent in the wider landscape due to the enclosure by vegetation and intimate landscape scale. It is at more distant views, from elevated areas to the south, that development on the southern edge of the Hampshire Lowlands and North Sherborne character area is more prominent. In particular Ewhurst Park House and the agricultural barns in the eastern sections of the application site are noticeable developments set within, and against, the backdrop of a well wooded landscape context.
5.38 The County Integrated Character Assessment states that the areas surrounding the proposed development are generally tranquil, enclosed and small a scale farmland and woodland mosaic, where views of rising land contributing to a sense of place. The Basingstoke and Dean Landscape Assessment states that areas to the north have a unified and balanced character. The area to the south is assessed as having a unifying character with and a feeling of openness.
5.39 The AONB Integrated Character Assessment states that the overall objective is to conserve and enhance the character of the study area. Reflecting local landscape character and using local materials is also considered vital to maintain the essential character of the AONB.
5.40 North Hampshire Lowlands, North Sherborne & Ewhurst Parklands Open Downlands Character Areas
5.41 These character areas are located in the northern sections of the study area where the application site is located. The character areas are relatively large in scale in relation to the proposed development. These sections of the study area have retained the rural character, primarily due to the high level of enclosure by woodlands and mature vegetation. The sensitivity of the landscape character is therefore assessed as medium as it is likely that a moderate changes could be accommodated to the character area without a significant loss of overall value. This is primarily due
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
to the strong sense of enclosure, which has ensured that the area retain its rural integrity whilst being able to accommodating a moderate level of development and settlements.
5.42 The proposals would represent a minor alteration and minor element contributing to the character of the wider landscape, partly due to the high level of enclosure limiting intervisibility. The large-scale agricultural barns and farmhouse are proposed to be replaced by vernacular buildings with a smaller overall scale, which could result in a positive character impact and less intrusive development. As such, the magnitude of the impact on the wider character area is likely to be low. The likely degree of change as a result of the proposed development on the character areas to the north of the study area is likely to be slight, and potentially positive.
Basingstoke Open Downs, Basingstoke Down & Hannington Downs Character Areas
5.43 The open chalk downlands in the south of the study area has a unified open character and a strong relationship with the character areas above, which could be considered as part of the character area’s setting. The simple landscape character and open views are likely to have a high sensitivity to development as it would only be able to accommodate a minor change without having an impact on its overall character. The proposals however would represent a minor alteration to a key characteristic of the setting on the boundaries of the character area. Therefore the magnitude of the change is likely to be low. With the removal of the modern barns and replacement with less intrusive development in the eastern sections of the site there is the potential for the development to have moderate positive impact on the wider landscape to the south of the site.
The Site Character and Immediate Setting
5.44 The sensitivity of the site and surrounding areas have been assessed as having a medium sensitivity to change earlier in this chapter.
5.45 The proposals are likely to bring about a high level of change to the site itself with the replacement and alteration of structures across the site. The farmstead character of the site is likely to be substantially changed with the introduction of lower level vernacular architectural structures in the east of the site. The replacement of the farmhouse, with a larger vernacular dwelling, will also significantly alter the character on the western sections of the site and the relationship to the retained listed barn.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
The character impacts of the proposed development on the site and immediate setting are therefore likely to be moderate/substantial.
5.46 On balance there is the potential that the development could contribute positively to the local landscape character if sympathetically designed. Appropriate mitigation measures incorporated into the design will integrate the development on the local landscape setting and reduce potential impacts on the local character. The retention of existing vegetation and a strong landscape framework typical of the local area will also further minimise character impacts on and around the site.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
6. VISUAL AMENITY
Introduction
6.1 This section examines the influence of the landscape on the visual amenity in the area, focusing on landform, vegetation and visual key features and characteristics which link back to the previous landscape character descriptions as appropriate. Existing visibility of the site and key viewpoints are illustrated on plans ACLA/BDW 02 and 05. Key viewpoints selected for the LVIA are included on photo sheets in Appendix 2. These views have been selected to represent key visual receptors which may also illustrate effects on landscape receptors and character areas as appropriate.
The Existing Zone of Visual Influence (see plan ACLA BDW 05)
6.2 The potential ‘zone of visual influence’ of the proposed development is relatively limited owing to the high degree of tree cover in the study area. The topographical study in combination with field observations, set the distance boundaries at:
Up to 500m Close Distance – the development and associated proposals are likely to be recognisable and prominent new element where views are possible;
500 to 1km Middle Distance – the development and associated proposals are likely to be a recognisable but not a prominent new element in views;
1km and over Long Distance – the development may be noticed in clear conditions but without perception of detail;
6.3 A varied combination of topography, settlement patterns and vegetation types will also determine the overall zone of visibility of the site within the study area in varying degrees. Visual containment by the chalk ridgelines to the south and west of the site and screening by woodlands and other vegetation resulted in the potential ‘Zone of Visual Influence’ of the development restricted to approximately 1.8km to the south, 1.6km to the west, 600m to the north and 300m to the west. At longer distances of up to 2.5km the development is unlikely to be perceptible as a new element in the wider landscape. Many of the potential views from closer distance are partially screened by intervening woodland blocks, hedgerows and mature garden vegetation.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Brief Description of Key Viewpoints
6.4 The key views for the appraisal were selected from a number of viewpoints assessed in the field based on an initial desktop evaluation of the topography. They have been selected to provide a typical range of receptors, distance and directions of views. Those areas visited but omitted included the A339 road corridor, Charter Alley and Ramsdell. The potential open views to the site are from close distance to the south. Filtered and partially screened views where identified from Lloyds Lane, a property to the west, Ewhurst Park House, properties on the western boundary of Ramsdell and longer distance views for the chalk ridgeline to the south.
6.5 At close distance views are limited to:
The PRoW close to the southern site boundary.
Potential views from the properties on the western perimeters of Ramsdell, including the Vicarage, Brookside, property to the west of Church Close and areas on and adjacent to the cricket club on Baughurst Road.
Views from Lloyds Lane (Ewhurst Rd) to the north of the site,
The semi detached property on Lloyds lane at 170m west of the site (numbers 4 & 5 Lloyds Lane).
Potentially from May’s Farmhouse at 185m south of the site.
6.6 At middle distance views are limited to PRoW at low-level to the south and south west.
6.7 At long distance there are potential, partially screened, views from elevated areas in and around Ewhurst Park House, the PRoW to the south of Skyer’s Wood and the PRoW south-east of Lower Farm. There are also occasional and filtered views from the PRoW on the chalk ridgeline and Basingstoke Road, up to approximately 1.8km to the south-east of the site.
6.8 No other longer distance views could be identified due to the enclosure by ridgelines to the west and south and the wooded character of the landscape to the north and east.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Selection of Representative Viewpoints
6.9 The selected viewpoints (Appendix 2) are not intended to cover every single possible view but are intended to be representative of a range of views at a range of distances to the site. The photographs where taken on the 21st May 2014.
Viewpoint 1 – From Lloyds Lane (Ewhurst Road)
6.10 This photograph is taken from approximately 235m north of the proposed development from Lloyds Lane (Ewhurst Rd) close to the boundary of Ramsdell. The view is south-west over an existing field gate towards the north eastern site boundary. The views tend to be intermittent and transient and partially screened. The listed barn and farmhouse in the western sections of the site are not readily visible from this location. The viewpoint was selected to illustrate typical close distance views from the western perimeters of Ramsdell and the open nature of the eastern site boundary.
Viewpoint 2 – From the PRoW 500m west of Lower Farm viewing north.
6.11 The photograph has been taken from approximately 950m south of the site. May’s cottage is visible against the backdrop of trees. The site itself is largely screened with partial views to the agricultural buildings on the eastern sections of the site, set with the context and backdrop of woodlands. The views tend to be localised due to intervening vegetation and the western sections of the site are not visible. The view has been selected to represent occasional partial and glimpsed low level and close/middle distance views to the south.
Viewpoint 3 – From the PRoW on the chalk ridgeline to the south of the site.
6.12 The photograph was taken from an elevated open location at approximately 1.6km south of the site, viewing north. The agricultural buildings in the eastern sections of the site are noticeable due to the light colour of the cladding contrasting with the darker colour of the surrounding trees. The upper storeys of Skyers Farmhouse are just visible behind May’s Copse. The viewpoint has been selected to represent localised elevated views towards the site from the chalk ridgeline. The view also illustrates the contrast between the densely wooded landscape in the northern sections of the study area and the more open landscape character to the south.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Viewpoint 4 – From the PRoW between the site and Ramsdell, to the east.
6.13 The viewpoint is a close distance view at approximately 120m east of the site towards the agricultural buildings. It illustrates the relatively open eastern site boundary. The view has been selected to represent typical views at close distance to the east of the site.
6.14 Viewpoint 5 – From the PRoW to the south east of the site.
6.15 The viewpoint is at close distance approximately 40m from the eastern site boundary and viewing north-west. The photograph illustrates the large-scale agricultural barns in the eastern sections of the site and the relatively open views. The viewpoint has been selected to represent localised close distance open views from the south-east.
Viewpoint 6 – From the PRoW to the south of the site.
6.16 The viewpoint is a close distance view at approximately 45m south of the site. The modern agricultural barns are a dominant element in this view. Skyers Farmhouse is also partially visible to the left of the photograph. The viewpoint has been selected to represent close distance open views from the south.
Viewpoint 7 – From the PRoW to the south of Skyers Farmhouse.
6.17 The viewpoint is a close distance view at approximately 110m south of the site. Skyers Farmhouse is partially screened by vegetation on its eastern boundary. The relatively open nature of the southwest site boundary is also illustrated. The viewpoint has been selected to represent typical close distance views of the farmhouse from the south
Viewpoint 8 – From the PRoW in open fields to the south-west of the site.
6.18 The viewpoints is a close distance view at 330m to the south-west of the site, close to the north-east boundary of Skyers Wood. Properties numbers 4 & 5 on Lloyds Lane are visible to the right of the photograph. Skyers Farmhouse is partially screened by site boundary vegetation and there are open views to the agricultural barns in the eastern sections of the site. The viewpoint has been selected to represent close to middle distance views form the south-west and illustrates the open and semi-enclosed southern site boundary
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Viewpoint 9- From the PRoW south of Skyer’s Wood, viewing north.
6.19 This is a long distance viewpoint at approximately 1.2km south of the site. The western sections of the site and Skyers Farmhouse and screened by hedgerow trees and the agricultural barns in the eastern sections of the site are partially screened by intervening hedgerow trees. The viewpoint has been selected to represent long distance views from the south-west and also illustrates the level of woodland cover to the south of the site.
Viewpoint 10 –From the PRoW on the eastern boundaries of Skyer’s Wood
6.20 Middle distance view at approximately 550m south-west of the site. The site is partially screened by intervening hedgerow trees. The viewpoint has been selected to represent the changing degree of screening when viewing the site at close to middle distance views from the south and south-west.
Viewpoint 11- From the site access off Lloyds lane (Ewhurst Road)
6.21 Close distance views south towards the northern application boundary. The listed barn is more prominent in this view. Skyers farmhouse and the barns in the eastern sections of the site are partially screened by intervening vegetation. The viewpoint has been selected to represent occasional glimpsed and filtered views to the site through the boundary vegetation and roadside hedgerows to the north of the site.
Viewpoint 12 – From Lloyds lane (Ewhurst Road) adjacent to property Nos. 4 & 5.
6.22 Close distance views at approximately 70m from the western site boundary, partially screened by gappy roadside hedgerows. The view represents occasional, filtered and transient views from the road corridor towards Skyers Farmhouse, and partially filtered views to the listed barn. It also illustrates the potential nature of the views from property numbers 4 & 5 located nearby. The partial screening by garden vegetation on the western site boundary is also illustrated.
Viewpoint 13 – From west of property nos. 4 & 5 on Lloyds lane (Ewhurst Road)
6.23 Close distance at approximately 230m west of the site. Occasional transient and glimpsed views from the road corridor where the hedgerow is gappy. Skyers farmhouse is partially visible through vegetation on the western site boundary. The viewpoint has been selected to represent transient and occasional partially filtered views to the west.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Viewpoint 14 – Baughurst Road close to the south east corner of the cricket ground
Middle distance view at approximately 510m north-east of the site. A low ridgeline screens low-level views to the site. The roof of the listed barn is visible and the upper sections of Skyers Farmhouse is partially screened by site boundary vegetation. The viewpoint has been selected to represent potential typical views from roads and properties at close distance to the north of the site
Viewpoint 15 –From Basingstoke Road tot the south of the site, viewing north.
Long distance views from the chalk ridgeline at approximately 1.75km south of the site. Glimpsed and filtered views to the rooflines of the agricultural barns in the eastern sections of the site. The viewpoint has been selected to represent typical long distance views from the south- east. It also illustrated the relatively high level of screening around the site and the contrast between the wooded landscape in the north of the study area and the more open landscape to the south.
Effects on Visual Receptors
6.24 Visual receptors with potential views to the development site have been assessed in terms of their sensitivity and the nature, extent and magnitude of the change. A conclusion on the overall significance of the visual effect brought about by the proposals is then assessed.
Some receptors may not be included if other nearby key receptors have been discussed or are similar in view. Key receptors include roads, properties, recreational areas and PRoW within the visual envelope of the development. These have been selected by professional judgement during site work and the desk study. The aim is to present a thorough and reasoned evaluation of the whole study area whilst keeping the amount of information at a reasonable and accessible level.
6.25 Table 1 – Visual Effects (see the Detailed Assessment Methodology in appendix 3)
Receptor Distance Predicted Change Sensitivity Magnitude Effect
1. <5 to 500m The replacement of the large High High to Substantial scale agricultural barns by adjacent to Medium to Moderate Users of the
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Receptor Distance Predicted Change Sensitivity Magnitude Effect
PRoW at smaller scale ancillary the site. close accommodation & office & store Medium at distance to in the eastern sections of the longer the south & site. Potential views to the new distance. east of the garage and pool house. The Directly site removal of the existing related to the farmhouse and replacement degree of with larger scale property intervening slightly to the east. The new vegetation development will be a prominent in the view. The magnitude of the change is likely to be greatest close to the south eastern site boundary.
2. 0.5-1.2km The replacement of the Medium Medium Moderate agricultural barns and Users of the farmhouse with a larger scale PRoW at property and smaller scale middle/long ancillary buildings. The views distance to are partially screened by the south intervening vegetation west of the site
3. 0.7-1km The removal of the partial views Medium Low Slight to the agricultural barn and Users of the replacement by smaller scale PRoW at development. The lower level of middle the proposals may result in the distance to proposals being less intrusive in the south of the wider view. the site
4. 1.3-1.6km The removal of the agricultural Medium Low Slight barns and replacement by Users of the smaller scale less intrusive PRoW at buildings. The replacement of long on the the farmhouse with a larger chalk scale property which of which ridgeline to the upper storeys may be more the south of prominent in the wider view the site although at distance in a wide panoramic view.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Receptor Distance Predicted Change Sensitivity Magnitude Effect
5. 85m The replacement of the existing Medium Medium Moderate farmhouse with a larger property Residents of in the western sections of the property site together with the new nos. 4-5 smaller scale new bar/cinema Lloyds Lane building, although partially at close screened by intervening distance to vegetation. the west of the site
6. 300m Possible filters of glimpsed Medium Low Slight views of the replacement new Residents of development through substantial the Vicarage intervening vegetation. at close distance to the north west of the site
7. 170m Possible filtered or glimpsed Medium Low Slight views of the replacement new Residents of development through substantial May’s intervening vegetation. Farmhouse at close distance to the south of the site
8. 140m Possible filtered or glimpsed Medium Low Slight views of the replacement new Residents of development through substantial Brookside at intervening vegetation. close distance to the south east of the site
9. 250m Possible filtered or glimpsed Medium Low Slight views of the replacement new Property to development through substantial
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Receptor Distance Predicted Change Sensitivity Magnitude Effect
the east of intervening vegetation. Church Close on the western boundary of Ramsdell
10. 300-400m The removal of the agricultural Medium Low to Slight to barns and possible partial, negligible Negligible Other glimpsed or filtered views tot the properties in new development in the eastern Ramsdell sections of the site
11. 1.3km The removal of the large scale Medium Low Slight agricultural barn and Ewhurst replacement by smaller scale Park House buildings and the replacement of and the farmhouse with a larger associated property. Views partially properties at screened by intervening long vegetation distance to the west of the site
12. 100-300m The removal of the large scale Low Medium to Slight to agricultural barn and Low negligible Users of replacement by smaller scale Lloyds Lane buildings and the replacement of (Ewhurst the farmhouse with a larger Road) property. Views partially screened by intervening vegetation, filtered and transient
13. 1.7km The removal of the large scale Low Low Negligible agricultural barns and Users of replacement by smaller-scale, Basingstoke less intrusive structures in the Road eastern sections of the site. The views are substantially screened by trees.
14. 400-600m Glimpsed views to the rooflines Low Low Negligible of the replacement properties,
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Receptor Distance Predicted Change Sensitivity Magnitude Effect
partially screened by intervening Users of vegetation and transient views Baughurst Road
15. 400-600m Views to the upper sections the Medium Low Slight replacement farmhouse partially Users of the screened by site boundary cricket vegetation ground at close/middle distance view to the north-east
Summary of Visual Effects
6.26 The highest degree of change has been assessed for recreation users or walkers on the PRoW at close distance to the south of the site. From these locations the proposed development will be seen as prominent new elements in the view. The magnitude of the change is likely to be greatest close to the site boundary and reduce at greater distance, where intervening vegetation filters and breaks up views to the proposals. Therefore visual effects are assessed as substantial and fall to moderate at greater distance from the site.
6.27 Visual impacts for the residents at 4-5 Lloyds lane (Ewhurst Road) have been assessed as moderate as the development could form a recognisable new element in the view from key living areas, although there is a level of screening by intervening vegetation. Moderate visual impacts have also been assessed on sections of the PRoW to the south west of the site, where the proposed farmhouse will be a more prominent development in a rural landscape.
6.28 Elsewhere, visual impacts are assessed a slight to negligible. A primary factor contributing to the lower visual impacts is the substantial screening by woodland vegetation and mature vegetation forming the setting to residential properties.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
6.29 Although there will be some close distance views from Lloyds Lane (Ewhurst Road) is assessed a having low sensitivity to change and therefore this results in a slight visual impact.
6.30 Based on the visual impact assessment mitigation, measures should primarily be aimed at reducing visual impacts on the PRoW at close distance to the east and south and middle distance views to the south. Mitigation measures should also address the impacts on views from the properties on Lloyds lane (Ewhurst Road) to the east of the site
6.31 The impacts will be addressed in the mitigation section of this report and will primarily take the form of primary mitigation inherent within the layout, design and scale of the proposals.
6.32 A secondary level of mitigation is also proposed to further mitigate and reduce and adverse effects as a result of the development. This will primarily be in the form of native hedge and woodland planting as green infrastructure to integrate the proposals in the wider landscape and screen identified key views. The proposals will also aim to enhance the landscape structure and character of the area and extend and create habitats in line with the current planning polices and management guidelines.
6.33 With the removal of the large scale barns, restoration of farmland in the east of the site and the introduction of a high quality development with a strong landscape framework there is the potential for the proposed development to have a positive effect of the visual amenity of the area overall.
Ref ACLA/BDW December 2015 7. EFFECT ON LANDSCAPE FEATURES
7.1 With the re-development of the site the impacts on the existing buildings and surrounding areas on site are likely to be high.
7.2 The proposals aim to retain existing significant trees and other vegetation where possible. With the exception of the trees and hedgerow along the access, the site itself does not appear to have any other notable landscape features.
7.3 There will be a loss of an evergreen screen, small trees and fruit trees to the east of the existing farmhouse to necessitate the construction of the new dwelling, pool house and garage. There may also be the loss of some ornamental shrubs, small fruit trees and herbaceous planting close to the existing farmhouse to provide a more suitable immediate setting to the new dwelling. Removed and retained trees and shrubs are shown on plan ACLA/BDW 06. The removed vegetation appears to be low grade and substantial areas of appropriate new planting will compensate for any loss.
7.4 As part of the primary mitigation measures the development has been located away from significant boundary vegetation, which will be incorporated into the sites landscape infrastructure. Root protection zones will be established around retained trees and protected with temporary fencing during the construction phase.
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
8. MITIGATION STRATEGY
Primary Mitigation
8.1 The primary mitigation measures have been included at the initial design stage through consideration of the sites layout, scale, mass and construction materials.
8.2 The farmstead and site access currently occupy approximately 1.4 hectares (ha) in area. It is proposed to reduce the overall area of development to approximately 1.0ha. This will be achieved by restoring approximately 0.4ha of land in the eastern sections of the site to farmland (currently occupied by the visually intrusive modern agricultural buildings). Although the residential curtilage of the site will increase the built form on site will be reduced overall. This will have the effect of reducing the potential character impacts on the local landscape setting. The removal of the barns will also contribute significantly to reducing the visual impacts on close distance views from the south and east and longer distance view to eastern sections of the application area from the south.
8.3 The reduced area covered by the development will represent a loose cluster of building around a central courtyard. The arrangement of ancillary buildings aims to draw reference to the historic layout of the farmyard. The current farmhouse does not have and particular architectural merit and will be replaced by a larger dwelling. The aim will be to restore the architectural hierarchy on the site. The proposed ancillary building will be of a smaller scale and designed to be subservient to the main dwelling and to not compete visually with the listed barn. Building materials will be in line with other traditional buildings in Ramsdell such as stone, brick flint and clay tiles. The proposals therefore have been located and designed so they do not appear visually intrusive or dominate the local landscape character.
8.4 Overall the built form should provide a positive and sympathetic and attractive development that references the historic character of the site and surrounding areas.
8.5 The aim of the primary mitigation is to integrate the development within the local character area and reduce the perceived scale of the development and reduce visual, landscape and character impacts as far as possible.
ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Secondary Mitigation
8.6 The secondary mitigation strategy outlined in this section of the report has been designed to reduce and prevent potential residual adverse visual impacts resulting from the development and also seeks to enhance the landscape structure and bio- diversity of the site. The landscape mitigation proposals aim to conserve where possible, and enhance boundary vegetation. It also aims to introduce new planting and habitats to assist in enhancing the character of the proposals, create local distinctiveness and integrating the development within the local landscape framework.
8.7 Additional native tree and hedge planting will also screen and filter views and break up the mass of the proposals from key areas identified in this report. Where views are currently available they tend to be limited and partially screened by existing vegetation and the barns in the eastern section of the site are more visually intrusive than the existing farmhouse. The new farmhouse will be partially screened by the proposed boundary hedgerows and trees to reduce any additional visual intrusion across the local landscape. The hedgerow and trees will also substantially screen the proposed lower level buildings in the east of the site and the tennis court fencing. The native hedgerows and tree planting can be designed and managed to create a variety of boundary structural planting, such as formal field boundaries with hedgerows and trees and more substantial screens where hedgerows are allowed to grow out and screen key views.
8.8 A long-term management plan should also be agreed to ensure the landscape infrastructure and a range of habitats are established successfully.
Construction Phase Mitigation
8.9 Advanced planting and boundary management can be undertaken at an early stage and protected from construction works. This will allow the vegetation and additional habitats to establish more quickly to provide earlier visual and landscape mitigation. It will also provide an additional buffer to construction works.
8.10 An arboricultural survey should be undertaken to identify any existing trees that may need attention. Retained vegetation should be protected in accordance with Trees in Relation to Construction BS5837: 2012 prior to work on site.
ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
8.11 The site access for construction vehicles and deliveries, site compounds and working hours should all be agreed to prevent undue disturbance to neighbouring properties and other areas.
Mitigation Measures (see plan ACLA/BDW 06)
Retention and Enhancement of Existing Vegetation
8.12 This relates to the retention of existing trees and shrubs in the western sections of the site and along the site access. The vegetation should be managed in accordance with an arboricultural report to ensure long-term health.
8.13 Objectives:
Filter and screen close distance views to the site and retain a degree of screening for more distant views.
Maintain and enhance the current landscape structure.
Provide a mature landscape setting to the development and retain the current level of screening at close distance.
Boundary Tree Planting
8.14 Plant standard native trees in key locations on the site boundary. The trees will create more immediate visual mitigation and substantially screen views over time. Tree species to be selected from following species:
Acer campestre (Field Maple)
Alnus glutinosa (Alder)
Prunus avium (Wild Cherry)
Prunus padus (Bird cherry)
Quercus robur (Oak)
Salix (Willow species)
8.15 Objectives:
ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
To screen, break up and filter close and long distance views from the north, south, west and east.
To contain and absorb the development within the wider landscape.
Reinforce the intimate medium and small scale, semi-enclosed landscape character of the area.
Create a more immediate landscape setting and partially screen the new farmhouse.
Native Hedge Planting
8.16 To comprise of native shrubs and trees to the site boundary and access. Typically planted as whips or transplants in a double staggered row at 450mm between rows. To be managed as field hedges initially and over time can be allowed to grow out in key areas to the eastern boundaries to provide enhanced structure and screening. Tree and shrub species to be comprise of a selection of the following species:
Shrubs
Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)
Cornus sanguinea (Dogwood)
Corylus avellana (Hazel)
Ilex aquifolium (Holly)
Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn)
Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet)
Rosa canina (Dog Rose)
Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose)
Trees
Acer campestre (Field Maple)
Alnus glutinosa (Alder)
ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Prunus avium (Wild Cherry)
Prunus padus (Bird cherry)
Quercus robur (Oak)
8.17 Objectives
To screen low-level close distance views from the south, north, east and west.
To contain the development in the wider landscape.
Reinforce enclosed landscape character of the area.
Create wildlife corridors linking to off-site areas.
Amenity Tree, Shrub and Herbaceous Planting & Garden Hedges
8.18 Domestic character planting adjacent to the new courtyard and house. This should be a selected combination of native and none native planting as part of a detailed landscape proposals plan at a later date.
8.19 Objectives
To soften the built form, provide additional enclosure, define spaces and create an attractive internal landscape setting to the development.
Species Rich Grassland
8.20 Flowering lawn seeding areas along the eastern site boundaries.
8.21 Objectives:
To enhance bio-diversity on-site and create foraging areas for insects.
ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
9. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
9.1 The proposed development is located within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty at approximately 200m west of the village of Ramsdell. The surrounding area is predominantly rural with a network of small villages and settlement in a woodland and farmland mosaic landscape character. The landscape to the south of the application site has an open downlands character.
9.2 The site contains a farmhouse and gardens covering an area of approximately 0.4 ha in the west of the site. The farmyard in the eastern sections the site contain a listed barn and a group of modern agricultural structures and barns covering an area of approximately 1.0 ha.
9.3 The proposals are for a new dwelling, pool house, cinema/bar, ancillary accommodation, home office/store, garage and tennis courts across a reduced site area of approximately 1.1ha, arranged around a central yard. The listed barn on the site will be retained and integrated into the grouping of the new buildings. The modern barns in the eastern sections of the site will be demolished and the land returned to agriculture. A tennis court will be located in the southern sections of the site.
9.4 Existing vegetation is located across the western sections of the site which provides a moderate to high degree of containment and screening, particularly to the existing farmhouse. The areas surrounding the eastern sections of the site, which currently contain large-scale agricultural barns, are relatively open, allowing localised close and longer distance views from the east and south.
9.5 It has been assessed that there will be no impacts on the setting or integrity of scheduled monuments, ancient woodlands or other areas of conservation interest within the study area.
9.6 As the proposals are to substantially re-develop the site, the impacts on the setting of the listed timber barn has been assessed as moderate/substantial to moderate. Therefore the proposals have been sympathetically designed to have a positive effect on the immediate setting of the barn. Impacts on listed buildings elsewhere in the study area have been assessed as negligible due to intervening vegetation and distance to the site.
ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
9.7 The effect on the setting of the Conservation Area in Ramsdell has been assessed as slight. The village is contained by substantial trees, shrub belts and hedgerows and the site is a physically distinct development at approximately 200m from the conservation area boundary. With the reduced size of the development area and removal of the modern agricultural barns, together with a strong landscape framework, the proposals could represent a positive effect on the setting of the conservation area.
9.1 The degree of change as a result of the development on the published landscape character areas in which the proposals are located is assessed as slight due to the high level of enclosure which limits intervisibility. The degree of change in the open downlands to the south is also assessed as slight. The effects on the local landscape character and site is assessed as potentially moderate/substantial due to the relatively open nature to the east at a local level and the high degree of change to the site itself.
9.2 The highest visual impacts on properties are assessed as moderate on the isolated semi-detached properties to the west of the site where there is the potential for close distance views from key living areas and gardens.
9.3 Impacts on views from the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) immediately to the south of the site have been assessed as potentially substantial to moderate, primarily due to the close distance and open views to the site boundary. With the removal of the agricultural barns in the east of the site together with sympathetically designed buildings, it is likely that the development may have a positive effect on the visual amenity of the area overall.
9.4 To further ensure that the proposed development; (a) complies with national and regional planning policies; (b) takes into account of the sensitivity of the landscape character of the AONB and (c) reduces the visual impact of the development; the following mitigation measures have been proposed:
9.5 Primary mitigation measures have been included within the initial design of the site. This has been achieved by taking into consideration the scale, mass, layout and construction materials. The aim is to reduce the perceived scale of the development and integrate it into the local landscape setting and the setting of the listed barn. A key mitigation measure is the reduction of the application area by approximately 0.4ha with the removal of the modern agricultural barns in the east of the application
ACLA/BDW December 2015
Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
area and the land returned to agriculture. Although the residential curtilage of the site will increase, the area covered by built form will be reduced. This will have the effect of reducing the character impacts on the local landscape setting and reduce visual impacts overall. The agricultural and historic character of the site will be referenced with the retention of the listed barn and the introduction of a traditional farmstead layout around a central yard with a larger farmhouse and subservient ancillary buildings. Construction materials used in the development will also reference the local vernacular to further integrate the proposals within the local area.
9.6 The high level of screening by mature vegetation is typical of properties within and adjacent to Ramsdell. Where practical mature trees and other vegetation on site will be retained to maintain the current level of screening. A secondary level of mitigation utilising native hedgerows and trees will further screen the proposals from identified key views, integrate the development in its landscape setting and provide enhanced habitats and linkage to off-site hedgerows and screen/filter views to the proposed buildings. Species rich grassland will also be established around the eastern perimeters of the site.
9.1 Taking account of the mitigation measures, on balance there the development could contribute positively to the local landscape character. Appropriate mitigation measures incorporated into the design will integrate the development on the local landscape setting and reduce potential impacts on the local character and views. A strong landscape framework typical of the local area will also further minimise character impacts on and around the site and screen and filter views to ensure the development is not visually intrusive.
9.2 This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment concludes that with a sympathetically designed layout and built form, together with the recommended mitigation measures, the proposals can be successfully incorporated within its surroundings without causing significant harm to the character, the overall visual amenity or landscape features within the study area. The proposed planting and green infrastructure would mature over time to further integrate the development within the local setting and the wider landscape character.
9.3 With the removal of the large-scale barns and the restoration of eastern sections of the site to agriculture, impacts are likely to be positive on completion of the development. Together with the successful implementation of structural planting to filter, screen and reduce views into the site, impacts upon the visual amenity are
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Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
predicted not to exceed slight significance within 10 to 15 years. Over time, impacts will be reduced further as the green infrastructure develops. Impacts upon visual receptors in the wider landscape tend to be negligible or of slight significance.
9.4 The proposals are in line with national, regional and local planning guidelines and policies relating to enhancement of bio-diversity, green infrastructure and ensure that the development respects and enhances the environment in its scale, location and design. Upon implementation of the primary mitigation measures, together with the structural elements of the secondary mitigation strategy, the proposals will represent a high quality development with a high proportion of green infrastructure and over time the development can be integrated into the local landscape character.
9.5
Anthony Clarkson (BA Hons Dip LA) - ACLA ltd 17th December 2015
ACLA/BDW December 2015
APPENDIX 2
Plans
ACLA/BDW 01 Site Location
ACLA/BDW 02 Site Context & Viewpoints
ACLA/BDW 03 Planning Context
ACLA/BDW 04 Landscape Character Areas
ACLA/BDW 05 Visual Analysis
ACLA/BDW 06 Proposed Layout & Mitigation
Ref ACLA/BDW July 2014
APPENDIX 3
Photo Viewpoints 1-15
ACLA/BDK July 2014