Short Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment for Solar PV Array At Higher Trenhayle, Hayle, Cornwall

6th July 2012

Final Report

Prepared by: Cornwall Environmental Consultants (CEC Ltd)

For: The Green Company (TGC)

Assessor: Anthony Clarkson BA Hons Dip LA

Reviewer: Birgit Höntzsch CMLI/Lucy Wilson-Richards CMLI

Ref: CEC2014

Contents 1. Introduction 1 1.1. The Commission 1 1.2. The Proposals 1 1.3. The Site 2 1.4. Initial Area of Search and Study Area 3 1.5. Scope of the Assessment 4 1.6. Sources of Information 5 1.7. Consultation 6 2. Baseline conditions 7 2.1. National Planning Policy 7 2.2. Regional and Local Planning 11 3. Landscape and Visual Baseline Conditions 13 3.1. Landscape Designations 13 3.2. Landscape Character 16 3.3. Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity 22 3.4. Visual Amenity and Views 29 3.5. Visual Key Features and Characteristics 33 3.6. Brief Description of Key Viewpoints 34 3.7. Potential Landscape and Visual Receptors 40 4. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 49 4.1. Predicted Landscape and Visual Effects 49 4.2. Mitigation Strategy 53 5. Conclusions and Recommendations 55 Appendix 1: Glossary of Technical Terms and Acronyms 57 Appendix 2: Impact Assessment Tables 59 Appendix 3: Figures 71 Appendix 4: Photo Record 73

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Appendix 5: Methodology 75 LVIA 75 Receptors 75 Sensitivity of Receptors 76 Impacts 80 Magnitude of change 80 Effects 83 Nature of Effects 83 Degree of Effect 83 Phasing 84 Guidelines for PV Solar Plant assessment 84 ZTVS and Landform Models 86 Appendix 6: References 89

CEC2014 Land at Higher Trenhayle PV Solar Array

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Final Report – 6th July 2012

1. Introduction

1.1. The Commission CEC were commissioned in June 2012 by The Green Company (TGC) of Bristol (the Client) to prepare a landscape and visual impact assessment to accompany proposals for a Solar PV Array development (the development) at Higher Trenhayle, Hayle, Cornwall (the site).

1.2. The Proposals A full description of the proposals can be found in the Design and Access statement, the following are points of particular relevance to the LVIA:

The proposals are for a small scale (1-5ha, in line with Cornwall Council Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Study) static PV array achieving 3.84 MWp output with an array area of approximately 4.54ha, within a site of approximately 6.36ha. The PV modules will be angled at 30 degrees from horizontal and orientated to the south. The installation would comprise a series of photovoltaic modules encased in an aluminium frame and mounted on an aluminium or galvanised steel frame.

There will be two operational buildings for transformers and inverter stations as part of the proposals sited centrally within each of the application fields as shown on the PV layout plan. These structures will be 3.635m x 9760m length x 3.060m depth located on a concrete plinth. and painted moss green (RAL 6005), to aid their blending into the landscape. A 2.4m high paladin fence with mesh panels, installed close to the array modules, will separate the grazed array area from the hedges and buffers. The fence will be painted moss green and will incorporate gaps to the ground to allow the passage of small mammals including badgers. The buffer strips are intended to be managed for biodiversity benefits around the site perimeters.

Access to the site will be off Wheal Alfred Road and show on the PV layout plan. The gate will be a standard double gate 2.43m high by 3.0m in length, painted moss green to match the paladin fencing. There will be no permanent internal roads and maintenance for vehicular access will be across the grass. A temporary hardcore track is proposed to allow for construction. This will subsequently be removed. A hardcore-surfaced temporary compound is proposed of sufficient size

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to accommodate up to five containers. The design proposals also include CCTV as show on the PV layout plan prepared by the client as part of the planning application. There is no permanent lighting associated with the proposals.

Landscaping consists of seeding and natural regeneration. Areas disturbed during the construction stages will be seeded for grazing and it is intended to manage those areas through grazing by sheep.

1.3. The Site The proposed site covers 6.36ha centred at grid reference SW58274 36231. It is located approximately 2.0kms south east of Hayle and 2.4km northwest of the villages of Leedstown The surrounding area also contains isolated settlements. St Erth Praze is located 1.1kms to the south west. Rosewarne & Reawla is located approximately 2km to the east and Gwinear is at 1.6kms to the north east.

The proposals are located below a ridgeline with a southerly aspect (between 85- 98m AOD) in a predominately rural location. Land use in the immediate areas surrounding the site consists of small to medium scale arable fields, some horticultural production, pasture, occasional copses, scattered farms and isolated properties. Current access to the site is at the southern most point at the Wheal Alfred Road and Dannack Mill Lane junction.

The application area boundaries comprise of two adjoining offset fields surrounded by dense Cornish hedges. The two application fields are currently maintained as semi improved pasture. A field access between the two application fields is also located at the northern end of the site’s internal Cornish hedge. The hedges generally screen views into the site and range in height from approximately 2-5m. In places hedges have matured into localised tall shrubs/tree belts. Locally field patterns ‘off site’ range from small to medium in scale, with some localised hedge removal or degeneration, particularly when associated with arable and horticultural production to the south and west of the site at lower levels.

Land on higher ground in and around the site tends to be more open in character (the site being located on the slopes below a ridge line) compared with lower farmland in the local area. The lower elevations adjacent to the site are more visually enclosed due to associated tree belts and mature hedges, often associated with scattered farmsteads and dwellings.

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Dannack Mill Lane (byway open to all traffic) runs west to east along and close to the southern site boundary at a lower level. Wheal Alfred Road runs along the western application boundary over the ridgeline and is separated from the site by a dense native roadside hedge.

An overhead power line runs close to the north eastern site boundary and a new wind turbine is currently under construction in the field immediately adjacent to the north east boundary (see Figure CEC2014/05 – Site Appraisal). A further wind turbine has been constructed within a new plantation area at approximately 80m from the eastern site boundary. Two communication masts on the higher ridgeline to the north of the site are a distinctive feature that helps in identifying the site location from more distant views.

Photographs looking into the site from the site boundaries can be found in Appendix 4 illustrating the character of the site.

1.4. Initial Area of Search and Study Area The initial area of search for the LVIA was determined by drawing a circle to include all points within the site boundary and offsetting this by 5km. 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 with interim distance boundaries included to aid interpretation.

A Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) was modelled, including main woodlands and main settlements, to show the theoretical visual envelope of the site over the 5km initial area of search. The methodology for production of the ZTV is outlined in Appendix 2. The ZTV was used as a tool to identify potential viewpoints and to direct field study.

The desk study and ZTV were clarified and ratified through field observations. Following verification of the initial area of search on site, the study area was retained at 5km as there are a number of locations at which middle and long distance views are possible, however they tend to be localised and from the most elevated and open areas to the south and east. As the site is located below a ridgeline with a southerly aspect the majority of potential views tend to be from the south west and east. Northern views are generally screened by the ridge line

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to the north (100m AOD).

Within the 5km study area centred at grid reference SW58274 36231, all national and local landscape designations and landscape character areas were reviewed. Individual PRoW were identified to a distance of 1km with an overview of PRoW within the wider study area, but users only assessed as visual receptors if likely to experience views towards the site. Individual residential properties and farms as visual receptors that may experience views have also been identified within a 1km radius only.

The 5km study area extends from St Ives, Hayle and Gwithian in the north to Godolphin Hill in the south, and from Praze-an-Beeble in the east to St Erth in the west.

Traglisson Cottage is located on Drannack Mill Lane, approximately 100m from the site boundary. Other scattered properties and farms are at Higher Treglisson Farm (approximately 250m to the north of the site), Trethingey Farm (approximately 260m to the west of the site) and Bandowners (360m to the south of the site). Other residential properties and farmsteads within the 1km radius from which residents may potentially experience views of the solar panels and or ancillary structures are identified in Table 1.2.

1.5. Scope of the Assessment The landscape and visual assessment methodology is in accordance with industry standard guidance set out in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, see Appendix 2. Essentially it is a two stage process consisting of; firstly, a baseline desk study to identify key landscape and visual receptors within the study area with fieldwork in order to clarify and ratify the desk study findings and eliminate receptors unlikely to experience effects. Secondly, an objective evaluation of the likely effects of the proposals on the remaining receptors, if appropriate.

The LVIA considers historic landscapes in the study area in terms of their role in defining contemporary landscape character as described in Cornwall Council’s landscape character and landscape sensitivity studies (see Section 3.3). Where individual historic features such as Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings or Conservation Areas are indicated as having potential intervisibility with the proposed solar arrays impacts on their setting will be considered. This

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appraisal is concerned only with the landscape or visual aspects of heritage landscapes and setting of historic features and is not intended to form, or replace the need for, a full archaeological assessment.

In response to the guidance set out in the above documents, the baseline section has been written to include references to existing developments as appropriate, and landscape character and landscapes of special value have been addressed.

The LVIA does not consider cumulative impacts. There are however a number of approved and current PV planning applications within the 5km study area.

Note: These PV site locations below have not been identified as having intervisibility with the proposals on the ZTV study, or are located within areas on which the proposals have negligible visual impacts. The sites are as follows:

PA11/09226 – 3kms north west. Small scale.

PA11/09687 – 2.4kms south west. Medium scale.

PA12/00827 – 4kms west. Under construction.

PA11/00751 – 4kms north. Under construction.

PA11/10185- 4kms south. Small scale.

PA11/10624- 3.5kms north west. Small scale

1.6. Sources of Information Landscape and visual receptors were identified by searching online information including:

www.magic.gov.uk – national landscape designations and character areas

www.cornwall.gov.uk – local landscape designations and character areas

Penwith District Council – Local Plan Saved Policies

The ZTV models and OS base mapping were analysed to identify visual receptors such as local residents, users of public rights of way and visitors to open spaces and areas of countryside. This report contains standard landscape and visual impact assessment tables outlining the likely sensitivity of certain receptors to development; this is intended to assist in interpretation of the findings by others.

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The Cornwall Landscape Sensitivity Study for Renewable Energyi and Cornwall Council’s ‘Technical Paper E4 (b) Annex 1: Landscape sensitivity & Matrices for each landscape Character Area –January 2012’ is also reviewed as part of the baseline study (Section 3.3).

1.7. Consultation No consultation has been undertaken by CEC Ltd as part of this assessment. The planning and landscape officers were not consulted by CEC directly. The proposed development site has been discussed by the client with the planning officers at Cornwall Council. TGC have also held a community consultation event which was open to the public to gain their views and it was generally positive.

The screening opinion was reviewed stating that EIA is not required.

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2. Baseline conditions

2.1. National Planning Policy 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. It is accompanied by a letter to the chief planning officer, a separate document dealing with traveller sites and a technical guidance document dealing with flood risk and minerals policy. 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. …”.

The NPPF has a presumption in favour of sustainable development and defines sustainability in line with the internationally acknowledged broad definition provided by “…Resolution 42/187 of the United Nations General Assembly defined sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. …”. The favour in sustainable development principle is as follows:

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.

For plan-making this means that:

local planning authorities should positively seek opportunities to meet the development needs of their area;

Local Plans should meet objectively assessed needs, with sufficient flexibility to adapt to rapid change, unless: any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in this Framework taken as a whole; or specific policies in this Framework indicate development should be restricted. For decision-taking this means:

approving development proposals that accord with the development plan without delay; and

where the development plan is absent, silent or relevant policies are out

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of date, granting permission unless: any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in this Framework taken as a whole; or specific policies in this Framework indicate development should be restricted. After stating the presumption in favour of sustainable development, the NPPF goes on to outline 12 core planning principles, summarised below:

1. To be genuinely plan lead with focus on local people 2. Encourage creativity and improve places 3. Proactively drive and support sustainable economic development 4. Encourage high quality design 5. Local distinctiveness and Green Belt protection 6. Transition to a low carbon future 7. Conserving and enhancing the natural environment 8. Reusing previously developed land 9. Mixed use developments and multi-functionality of spaces and land 10. Conserving heritage assets 11. Manage patterns of growth and concentrate development in places that can be made sustainable 12. Local strategies to improve health, social and cultural well-being

The principles are to be applied to delivering sustainable development by addressing the following topics as part of proposals as appropriate:

1. Building a strong, competitive economy 2. Ensuring the vitality of town centres 3. Supporting a prosperous rural economy 4. Promoting sustainable transport 5. Supporting high quality communications infrastructure 6. Delivering a wide choice of high quality homes 7. Requiring good design 8. Promoting healthy communities 9. Protecting Green Belt land 10. Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change 11. Conserving and enhancing the natural environment 12. Conserving and enhancing the historic environment 13. Facilitating the sustainable use of minerals

The only topic directly relevant to renewable energy development is topic 10 -

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Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change. It also refers to the National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure (July 2011), but this is not relevant for the proposals under consideration as it only applies to large biomass, offshore and onshore installations, with onshore capacity of >50MW. It is stated that planning has a key role in supporting the delivery of renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure. Local planning authorities are asked to (in order to increase use and supply of renewable and low carbon energy):

“…recognise the responsibility on all communities to contribute to energy generation from renewable or low carbon sources. They should:

have a positive strategy to promote energy from renewable and low carbon sources;

design their policies to maximise renewable and low carbon energy development while ensuring that adverse impacts are addressed satisfactorily, including cumulative landscape and visual impacts;

consider identifying suitable areas for renewable and low carbon energy sources, and supporting infrastructure, where this would help secure the development of such sources;

support community-led initiatives for renewable and low carbon energy, including developments outside such areas being taken forward through neighbourhood planning; and

identify opportunities where development can draw its energy supply from decentralised, renewable or low carbon energy supply systems and for co-locating potential heat customers and suppliers. …”.

Other statements with potential relevance to this landscape and visual impact assessment are included in some of the other topics.

In Topic 8 Promoting healthy communities it is stated that “…Planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and access. Local authorities should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails. …”.

In Topic 11 Conserving and enhancing the natural environment it is stated that “…The planning system should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils;

recognising the wider benefits of ecosystem services;

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minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible, contributing to the Government’s commitment to halt the overall decline in biodiversity, including by establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures;

preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability; and

remediating and mitigating despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land, where appropriate. … Great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. The conservation of wildlife and cultural heritage are important and their impact within the planning system.

… Planning permission should be refused for major developments in these designated areas except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated they are in the public interest. Consideration of such applications should include an assessment of:

the need for the development, including in terms of any national considerations, and the impact of permitting it, or refusing it, upon the local economy;

the cost of, and scope for, developing elsewhere outside the designated area, or meeting the need for it in some other way; and

any detrimental effect on the environment, the landscape and recreational opportunities, and the extent to which that could be moderated. …”. Topic 11 also deals with noise and tranquillity:

“…Planning policies and decisions should aim to: …

identify and protect areas of tranquillity which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value for this reason. Noise is unlikely to be an issue for a solar PV installation during operation, but may have to be considered during construction subject to construction methods used. Tranquillity is also associated with landscape character and quality and will be briefly discussed in this assessment as part of the landscape character evaluation.

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2.2. Regional and Local Planning All Local Councils in Cornwall are now incorporated into Cornwall Council. This includes Penwith District Council, which previously administered the site and study area. These changes include the replacement of Local Plans with a system of Local Development Documents (LDD) that collectively form a portfolio of documents called a Local Development Framework (LDF).

The new Coalition Government’s intention not to proceed with the adoption of the Regional Spatial Strategy and instead to provide more local control over decisions has affected not only the documents that will be taken forward, but their nature. Critical within this is the decision of Cornwall Council to use the Core Aspirations. Until the New Planning Policy and the Cornwall Core Strategy have been developed, policies with the local plans are ‘saved’ and will be used for the determination of planning Cornwall Local Development Scheme (February 2011). Until they are replaced by new policies in the relevant Development Plan Document all ‘saved’ development plan policies, guidance and other material considerations, are still relevant.

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3. Landscape and Visual Baseline Conditions This section outlines the baseline conditions for landscape and visual character. Landscape designations have been considered if directly relevant to the appraisal of landscape character or visual amenity.

3.1. Landscape Designations Designated areas and features present in the 5km study area are illustrated on Figure CEC2014/03 Landscape Designations in Appendix 3 and are described in more detail below.

3.1.1. On-site Designations The site does not lie within a designated landscape. However, there are a number of designated areas within the study area and the vicinity of the site, as detailed below.

3.1.2. Off-site Designations The following designations are located within the 5km study area and are discussed further below:

Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV)

World Heritage Site (WHS)

Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM)

Registered Parks and Garden (RPG)

Area of Great Historic Value (AGHV)

Conservation Area

Listed Buildings and Structures

Areas of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) Policy CC4 in Penwith Local Plan (adopted 2004) states that “…their character is safeguarded by Policy ENV 1 of the Structure Plan (Policy 2, 2004) which states ‘within Areas of Great Landscape Value and other areas or sites of county-wide significance for their biodiversity, geodiversity or historic interest, development proposals will be required to respect those interests. …”. The following AGLVs are within the study area:

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Godolphin and Tregonning Hills approximately 4.5km south of the site with intervisibility to the proposals from higher locations on the western hillside. Users will also be considered as visual receptors in the assessment if they are in areas indicated as having theoretical visibility.

St Ives, Carbis Bay and Lelant located 4.5km at its closest point to the west of the site, with limited isolated views to the western boundary hedge only. Intervisibility is limited and would be with the proposed development at a distance of 4.8km and setting changes are therefore unlikely to occur. The route will not be included as a landscape receptor. The area is not carried forward as a landscape receptor however users will be discussed as visual receptors if they are in areas indicated as having theoretical visibility.

Upton Towans at 3.5 to 5km north of the site is screened by intervening topography and vegetation. There is no intervisibility and therefore no potential effect on its setting. The area in not carried forward as a landscape receptor and users will not be considered as visual receptors.

World Heritage Site (WHS) The WHS is located at 1 to 5km south of the site and covering a large proportion of the southern study area. World Heritage Sites are designated by UNESCO as sites of outstanding universal value, selected for either cultural or natural criteria. The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site (WHS) covers parts of Cornwall and the Tamar Valley which were mined for copper and tin in the period 1700 to 1914. DCLG circular 07/09ii states that the setting of World Heritage Sites should be protected from inappropriate development. The ZTV shows that the proposals will have very limited intervisibility with the site from isolated and elevated locations at a distance of 3 to 5km.

There will be no direct impact on the WHS and therefore no damage to the; ‘integrity of the site as a result of direct damage to features associated with the exploitation of metalliferous minerals or interference with the appreciation of the mining landscape - (for example if areas of disturbed land were to be obscured by solar arrays)’. Solar PV developments could potentially damage the ‘Authenticity’ of the site if development is not informed by sufficient regard to the historic character of the landscape. This might include the introduction of inappropriate and unsympathetic materials and forms to the site or to the loss of

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legibility of characteristic patterns of enclosure, settlement or industrial activity.

3.1.3. Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM) Three Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) are located in the area of Treeve Farm and Pennance, approximately 3.5km – 4.5km to the north of the application. PRoWs dissect or run adjacent to those by Treeve Farm through the monuments themselves are not publically accessible. The areas have no intervisibility with the proposals and therefore not carried forward as receptors.

An earthworks on Tragembo Hill has not been identified on the ZTV plans as having intervisibility with the site and has therefore not been carried forward as a receptor.

Castle Kayle is an Iron Age earthworks located 330m to the south of the site adjacent to Wheal Alfred Rd. Castle Kayle Farm is also located on the site and partially covers the scheduled feature and is not accessible to the public. Although the proposals do not have a direct impact, there is the potential for the proposals to have an impact on the setting on the monument and it is considered further as a landscape receptor.

Godolphin House is a SAM located to the north east of Godolphin Hill, approximately 4.8kms to the south of the site. The SAM has not been identified as having intervisibility with the site on the ZTV plan and is not carried forward as a receptor.

3.1.4. Registered Parks & Gardens (RPG) The only RPG identified in the study area is associated with Godolphin House discussed previously as a SAM. Whilst the House was excluded from further assessment due to the lack of intervisibility, there may be views from the RPG area to the site from its western section and it is carried forward as a receptor.

3.1.5. Area of Great Historic Value (AGHV) Located on the northern study area boundary at 5km to the north of the site containing PRoW. It was not identified on the ZTV plans has having intervisibility with the site and has therefore not been included as a receptor.

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3.1.6. Conservation Areas Four conservation areas have been identified within the study area. Gwinear, at approximately 1.6kms to the north east, is the only conservation area identified as having potential intervisibility with the site and has therefore been included as a receptor.

3.1.7. Listed Buildings & Structures Five listed buildings & structures have been identified within 1km of the site. The proposals will not have a direct impact on listed buildings but there is the potential to impact on the setting of the buildings and/or structures. The listed buildings/structures are:

Trethingey Farmhouse & Front Walled garden,

Treglistian Farmhouse,

Court House Farmhouse,

Taskus Farmhouse

Trelean.

Tuskus and Trethingey Farmhouses have been identified as having potential intervisibility with the proposed site and therefore will be carried forward as receptors.

3.2. Landscape Character Landscape character is illustrated on Figure CEC2014 – 04.

3.2.1. National Joint Character Areas (JCA) National landscape character is set out in Natural England’s Character Map of England(iii). The 5km radius study area and site are covered by JCA152 ‘Cornish Killas’. Key characteristics evident in the landscape of the study area include:

Undulating slate plateau with little woodland and few hedgerow trees.

Numerous broadleaved wooded valleys, varying greatly in size. Northern valleys generally narrow and densely wooded. In the south there are drowned valleys (rias) with wide estuaries.

Outstanding historic parks, mainly in the sheltered valleys in the south.

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Generally a dispersed settlement pattern of hamlets, farmsteads and small fishing villages.

Variable field pattern dominated by stone-built Cornish hedges.

Important archaeological and industrial-archaeological sites.

Due to the large scale of the character area 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. JCA 152 will not be taken forward as landscape receptor in this report as character changes are more appropriately discussed on a local level.

3.2.2. Local Landscape Character Areas (LCA) Local landscape character is defined in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Landscape Character Studyiv. The site and majority of the study area is located within Landscape Character Area 06 ‘Mounts Bay East’.

The study area also includes parts of LCA28 - North Coast-Reskeage Downs (to the north east) and LCA 05 St Ives Bay (to the north). These LCAs cover small areas around the outer regions of the study area. There is no direct impact and little or no intervisibility, with a resulting unlikely scope for setting changes. The outlying LCAs above will not be discussed further in this report.

LCA 04 Mount’s Bay has limited, isolated lower levels views within the far north east section of the character area. The character area is influenced by the inclusion of Penzance and Newlyn, on the south coast. Intervisibility is limited with the proposed development and at a distance of 4.5 to 5kms. Therefore any potential impacts on the setting and integrity of the area are unlikely to occur and the LCA will not be discussed further in this report. A typical viewpoint from a public right of way within the area will be discussed as a visual receptor.

LCA06- Mount’s Bay East The following relevant information has been extracted from ‘Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Landscape Character Study’.

General Description

Inland there are river valleys with scattered farms with small stream-intersected fields enclosed by woodland, and open, slightly undulating farmland on the valley

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sides. There are few buildings except farms and barns. Much of this landscape on the higher elevations within and surrounding the application area is of medieval origin. There are also substantial areas of former rough ground enclosed in the post-medieval period into straight-sided fields evident locally close to the site. Mullion village have thatched cob and stone houses, hidden green spaces and many trees and hedges, awash with wildflowers, and lies within a more open area where views are framed by field boundaries rather than landform. The evidence of former mining activity is evident to the east of the site along Drannack Mill Lane and throughout much of the northern and western portion of the Landscape Character Area, with mine remains, mining settlements and miner’s smallholdings. Small areas of Lowland Heathland survive in and around the former mine sites, and in localise areas to the south and east of the site boundary.

Key Landscape Characteristics

• Very strong topography of high cliffs on coast, backed by gently undulating plateau intersected by distinctive flat-bottomed valleys.

• Distinctive natural hills at Godolphin and Tregonning Hills, with important relict prehistoric and later landscapes.

• Semi-natural vegetation on coastal strip, backed by anciently enclosed pastoral farmland and some woodland in valleys, with substantial areas of more recent enclosure.

• River valleys enclosed by woodland and wetland habitats, but dominated by agricultural use.

• Generally pastoral farming on small farms with improved pasture and well wooded, including estate plantations.

• Mix of improved and semi-improved grassland and occasional arable on plateau, with neutral grassland in valleys.

• Well vegetated hedges with some trees on boundaries. Some hedges very high and dominant with

• wealth of wildflowers.

• Extensive areas of mining remains over much of the central and northern portion of the LCA, part of the Tregonning and Gwinear

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WHS mining district.

• Mix of and contrast between Anciently Enclosed Land – medieval landscapes of dispersed farm hamlets and traditional church towns and widespread post-medieval settlement and enclosure.

Topography and drainage

A gently undulating low plateau inland, dissected by shallow valleys and rising in the centre to the twin peaks of Godolphin Hill (162m AOD) and the elongated Tregonning Hill (194 m AOD). The site is located below a low ridgeline, which is a typical landform within the central study area.

Biodiversity

The site is located in semiimproved grassland with a high proportion of arable adjacent to the site. Semi-natural habitats are varied, and in places associated with former mining activity, notably in the valley to the east of the site adjacent to Drannack Mill Lane. Cornish hedges are generally in good condition in and around the application area and provide a wildlife link to nearby woodland blocks and other hedges.

There are also small areas of Wet Woodland within or part of linear broadleaved woodland along the other stream valleys in the LCA linking to small fragments of wetlands with Fens, Lowland Heathland, bracken, scrub and neutral grassland within adjacent valleys. There are some recent conifer plantations to the perimeters of the study area. Inland there are some small areas of Lowland Heathland, remnants of formerly larger areas, and some have survived or have developed on former mining sites. The network of Cornish hedges, those in the valleys usually with trees, form ecological corridors between the semi-natural habitats in the valleys.

Land Cover

The farmed areas are mostly pastoral with a large proportion of arable land, making up the majority of land cover within the study area. There is generally a variable pattern of woodland and trees, with woodland mostly in the valleys. There are areas of rough ground along the coast, and small fragmented areas inland, especially around areas of former mining activity.

Land Use

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The area is one of mixed farmland, mainly improved pasture, arable and estates, with some recreational use. Horticultural crops are evident to the west of the application area.

Field and Woodland Pattern

A small to medium field pattern with sinuous Cornish hedge boundaries with trees within the areas of Anciently Enclosed Land. Essentially medieval in origin, and rectilinear fields with straight boundaries where areas of rough ground were enclosed in the post-medieval period, particularly around mining areas. Cornish hedges with visible stone facing are a feture witihoin and surrounding the application area. Woodland is almost entirely linear and along valleys. A number of historic estates add richness to the landscape with their extensive plantations and parkland particularly in the south of the study area at Godolphin Hill

Settlement pattern

The pattern of settlement throughout the majority of the Landscape Character Area is generally one of dispersal but with a greater density of settlement in former mining areas, and with many of the hamlets and small villages interconnected on a network of minor roads. The medieval churchtown settlements Mullion, Cury, Sithney, Gwinear, St Erth, St Hilary, Perranuthnoe, Breage, Germoe tend to be in sheltered folds in the land. Most of these have remained small. Most of the nucleated settlement in the LCA is of nineteenth- century origin and associated with mining; examples include Trew, Carleen, Godolphin Cross, Townshend, Leedstown and Praze-an-Beeble. Several such settlements are focused on crossroads, as at Townshend, Leedstown, Godolphin Cross and Praze-an-Beeble. Others have a more linear landscape character, set along axial roads.

Historic features

The rough ground on Godolphin and Tregonning Hills accommodates important, well-preserved archaeological landscapes including prehistoric and medieval field systems, prehistoric enclosures and industrial remains; Tregonning Hill is known as the first place in which china clay was exploited. There are numerous traces of later prehistoric defended farmsteads (rounds) throughout much of the Landscape Character Area. Prominent Bronze Age barrows are a feature of the cliff tops in several places along the coast. The remains of former mining activity

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are widespread (except in the portion of the LCA south east of Helston) and this LCA included some of the oldest, richest, deepest and most technologically innovative mines in Cornwall. These former mining landscapes include not only the industrial structures and sites but also distinctive settlement patterns and large areas of post-medieval enclosure of rough ground as smallholdings and small farms. Although mining activities do not have a direct influence on the application areas character.

Condition

Low-key intrusion from recreational use and built development in places, but open unenclosed landscape pattern remains. In the river valley, tree cover and general vegetation is in a positive condition with a widespread balanced age structure to the woodland, intact ecological corridors and low-intensity land use.

The pastoral farmland is generally well kept, but with some local replacement of field boundaries with fences, field enlargement for horticulture and some patchy boundaries in areas of ranch farming. Hedges are often intensively managed around horticultural crops. The scatter of buildings throughout this Landscape Character Area is very much part of its landscape character and any large scale development potentially constitutes a visual intrusion, for example as the large industrial unit adjacent to Leedstown. The Cornish hedge in and around the application area are generally in good condition. Although in places, just off site, hedges have become overgrown and the associated walling is in poor condition or absent.

Pressures

• Changes in agricultural land management, with consequent loss of field boundaries.

• Change from farmland to amenity.

• Lack of financial incentives to maintain stock on heath.

• Inappropriate management of hedges.

Aesthetic and sensory

Small scale inland, confined by landform, especially 'secret' upper river valley on the edge of Helston, contrasting with open coastal zone.

Distinctive Features

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Mining and other industrial remains throughout.

Visions and Objectives

On the whole tranquil, this Landscape Character Area stretches across the mid part of West Cornwall and has a high visual quality especially along the coast. Inland there are extensive mining relics set in an agricultural setting. The objective must be to maintain and enhance the visual qualities of the landscape whilst integrating the expansion of settlements and the tourist industry.

Planning and Land Management Guidelines

Develop a woodland and forestry strategy to improve existing woodlands and enable the creation of new ones.

Support the implementation of the World Heritage Site Management Plan.

Support the use of agri-environmental schemes especially along the coast. There site also lies within Landscape Description Unit 290 described as hard rock plateau with shallow brown soils, clustered with small farms and settle pasture.

The above landscape characteristics accord well with observations made during the site surveys. Given LCA06 covers the site it is likely that its overall character may experience effects as a result of the proposals and it has been considered as a landscape receptor.

3.2.3. Historic Landscape Character The application area is identified as lying within a medieval historic landscape type from Cornwall Council’s Interactive Map and described as “…The agricultural heartland, with farming settlements documented before the 17th century AD and whose field patterns are morphologically distinct from the generally straight-sided fields of later enclosure. Either medieval or prehistoric origins. …”.

3.3. Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Landscape sensitivity to solar energy and its capacity to accommodate future development is outlined in the Cornwall Council Landscape Sensitivity Study (CCLSS) concluded with a final report in April 2011, and contains an evaluation and guidelines for each LCA.

Whilst not an adopted planning document, consultation with the Council

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confirmed that they would expect the information contained in the study to be used for large-scale solar PV developments in Cornwall as a technical evidence base. Therefore, the study has been reviewed as part of this report and an outline of the information relating to the site and study area is below.

Within the range of solar developments addressed in the study, proposals would fall within the small category 1 to 5ha. This relates to the area taken up by PV panels and not the overall application area. The document identifies a number of considerations which need to be taken into account in relation to large scale solar photovoltaic installations:

Height/shadow

Security/fencing

Glare

Orientation

Screening

Grazing

Landscape sensitivity For comparison, the study lists a number of other features in Cornwall which cover a range of areas similar to the proposed development:

Average field size on West Penwith (western edge) 0.5-1ha

Football pitch 0.6 to 0.8ha

Mediterranean biome (Eden Project) 1ha

Average field size on the fringes of Bodmin Moor 1.5-2.0ha

Polytunnels in a field near Godolphin Cross /

Leedstown (see Figure 4.1 below) 2.7 ha

Average field size for areas in Cornwall here planning applications for solar farms have been submitted 3.5 ha

Wheal Jane settlement lagoons, Truro 3.88 ha

St Michael’s Mount (National Trust property) 9 ha

Truro Park and Ride (Threemilestone) 9.9 ha

Trebah Gardens, Falmouth 10 ha

Truro College 13.5 ha

Eden Project (whole pit) 15 ha

Lanhydrock Estate 350 ha

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Landscape sensitivity is defined to be “… the extent to which the character and quality of the landscape is susceptible to change as a result of solar energy … development…”.

The study area comprises of 4 landscape character areas which are assessed individually within the CCLSS. As stated earlier in this report only landscape character area St Mount’s Bay East (LCA 06) will be carried forward as a receptor and therefore is considered in more detail below.

A set range of criteria was used in the assessment to arrive at average ratings for each area. Those include:

Landform – LCA 06 has moderate sensitivity assigned for this criterion.

A rolling landscape, dissected by shallow (flat-bottomed) valleys and rising in the centre to the twin peaks of Godolphin Hill (162m AOD) and the elongated Tregonning Hill (194 m AOD). The hills stretch to the coast in the south, ending in steep cliffs, rocky headlands and beaches. The study area comprises of rolling farmland surrounded by higher ridgelines to the south east and west.

Sense of openness/enclosure - LCA 06 has moderate sensitivity assigned for this criterion.

This is a landscape with contrasting levels of enclosure. The coastline is open with little tree cover, whilst the inland valleys are enclosed by woodland, contrasting with open slopes and hill summits. The site is located below a more open slope with southerly aspect containing and surrounded by Cornish hedges. Well- vegetated and sometimes very high hedges are found across the area and there are larger scale fields in the east.

Field Pattern & Scale – LCA 06 has moderate sensitivity assigned for this criterion.

Fields are generally small-medium scale and irregular (of medieval origin) with some larger, rectilinear fields with straight boundaries on the fringes of the mining areas and higher hill slopes (mainly of post-medieval origin). The majority of the coastal strip is open rough ground, as are the higher inland hill summits. The site is located in an area of small to medium scale field patterns.

Land cover – LCA 06 has moderate sensitivity assigned for this criterion.

The farmed areas are mostly pastoral with a large proportion of arable land,

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making up the majority of land cover. There is generally a variable pattern of woodland and trees, with woodland mostly in the valleys. There are areas of rough ground along the coast, and small fragmented areas inland, especially around areas of former mining activity.

Perceptual qualities (landscapes of man-made nature or with signs of human activity and development likely to be less sensitive) – LCA 06 has moderate sensitivity assigned for this criterion.

This is a largely tranquil landscape although the LCA also includes Culdrose Airfield, the main A30 and A394 road corridors and the larger settlements of Hayle and Helston. Some of the upper river valleys convey a sense of ‘secrecy’.

Historic landscape character (HLC types with low vulnerability likely to be less sensitive) – LCA 06 has moderate to high sensitivity assigned for this criterion.

Cornwall Council’s HLC Sensitivity Mapping for solar PV installations assesses patches of ‘Rough Ground’ on the higher hills summits and along the coastal strip as of high vulnerability to development. Areas of the ‘Ornamental’ HLC Type, associated with historic estates within the landscape, are also assessed as of ‘high’ vulnerability and has potential intervisibility with the application area. The site is located within ‘Medieval Farmland’, which covers a large proportion of the LCA and is assessed as of moderate-high vulnerability to solar PV development. Areas of ‘Post-Medieval (Intakes)’, found in large blocks across the landscape are assessed as of ‘moderate’ vulnerability.

Distinctive landscape features – LCA 06 has moderate sensitivity assigned for this criterion.

The LCA description notes the spectacular coastal scenery; Godolphin and Tregonning Hills; RAF Culdrose; Godolphin House and Trevarno; and mining and other industrial remains as distinctive features of the landscape. Some of these could be affected by solar PV development, particularly the spectacular coastal scenery. The site is not related to mining or industrial remains but has the potential to effect the setting of distinct landscape features at distance.

Scenic quality – LCA 06 has moderate to high sensitivity assigned for this criterion.

The Godolphin and Tregonning Hills are designated as an AGLV. Scenic qualities,

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which may be affected by solar PV development, include the views of the hills when looking south from Townshend.

Overall sensitivity assessment for LCA 06 - Moderate

Although the undulating nature of the landform, the sense of enclosure in lower lying areas away from the coast, and the presence of human influence could indicate a lower sensitivity to solar PV development, the landscape’s dramatic and open coastline, spectacular coastal scenery and high scenic quality increase levels of sensitivity to this form of renewable energy development (particularly along the coast). Overall, this landscape is assessed as having a moderate sensitivity to solar PV development and a moderate-high sensitivity within the AONB.

The landscape’s open and naturalistic coastline and its immediate hinterland, and prominent hill slopes (Godolphin and Tregonning Hills) would be particularly sensitive. The site is located in an undulating landform with a good degree of enclosure and no intervisibility with sensitive coastal areas.

Sensitivities to different sizes of solar PV development

(Very small: < 1 ha. Small: 1 to 5 ha Medium: 5 to 10 ha Large: 10 to 15 ha)

The study provides sensitivity ratings and LCA specific guidance on siting and design for the LCA as follows:

Field pattern varies across the LCA, but areas of small-medium scale fields (of medieval origin) would be particularly sensitive to ‘large’ solar PV developments. The landscape’s open and naturalistic coastline and prominent hill slopes (Godolphin and Tregonning Hills) would be sensitive to all scales of solar PV development. The proposed development if for a small scale development of 4.54ha (check) of PV coverage.

Landscape Strategy

The landscape strategy is for a landscape with occasional solar PV developments up to and including large scale located in sheltered folds in the landscape (size of development should relate to landscape scale which varies within the LCA), with no solar PV development along the landscape’s open and naturalistic coastline and its immediate hinterland or on prominent hill slopes (particularly Godolphin and Tregonning Hills). The strategy within the AONB is for a landscape without solar PV development (except for very occasional very small scale well sited

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developments). There may be several solar PV developments in the LCA, but these should be clearly separated so that, although each PV development influences the perception of the landscape at close proximity, collectively they do not have a defining influence on the overall experience of the landscape. The site is located in an area which a good degree of screening from many areas at close, middle and long distance and not within a highly sensitive location.

Detailed Siting & Design Notes

• In addition, the following guidance should apply to any solar PV developments within this LCA:

• Avoid locating development along the landscape’s open and naturalistic coastline and prominent hill slopes (Godolphin and Tregonning Hills).

• Locate PV development in sheltered folds in the landscape where it will be less visible and have less of an influence on landscape character.

• Preserve the strong field patterns, particularly relating to medieval fields, by minimising the number of adjacent fields that are developed and setting PV panels back from the edges of fields.

• Avoid locating development on slopes close to the coastal edge, where PV panels would be particularly visible in panoramic views across the Mount’s Bay.

• Use existing landscape features, such as high Cornish hedges, woodland and estate plantations to screen development wherever possible, ensuring that any additional screening provided is in character with the landscape.

• Prevent damage to the landscape’s small-scale road network during the installation phase (including through road widening and the removal / cutting back of the landscape’s distinctive stone-faced Cornish hedges)

• Avoid siting PV developments within the HLC types of ‘Rough Ground’ and ‘Ornamental’ – assessed by Cornwall Council’s HLC Sensitivity Study as of high vulnerability.

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• Consider views from local viewpoints and popular routes (e.g. the South West Coastal Path) when considering the siting and design of solar PV development in the landscape - avoid locating solar PV development where it would be directly overlooked at close quarters.

• Protect the factors which contribute to the scenic quality of the Cornwall AONB, particularly the extensive waterside reed beds, the elemental qualities of the coastline as seen across Mount’s Bay, the permanent greens of improved pasture, and the field pattern – ensure choice of site and scale of development does not detract from these.

• Protect the scenic qualities of the Godolphin and Tregonning Hills AGLV, including the views of the hills from Townshend.

The proposed location and design of the development at Higher Trenhayle accords with the siting and design notes above.

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3.4. Visual Amenity and Views 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, linked back to the previous landscape character descriptions as appropriate. This is followed by a description of the Zone of Theoretical Visibility of the proposals and the key views photographed for the assessment.

Existing visibility of the site is illustrated on Figure CEC2014/07 Zone of Theoretical Visibility. Key viewpoints selected for the LVIA are included on photo sheets in Appendix 4.

3.4.1. Landform The site lies on a southern facing slope at between 85m to 95m AOD with the land to the north rising to a local high point of approximately 100m (at 80m from the northern site boundary). The higher ridgeline/hill screens views from the north from many locations. Landform across the majority of the study area is gently rolling farmland interspersed with shallow more vegetated valleys. The farmed areas are largely pastoral with a large proportion of arable land, with a variable pattern of trees and woodland mostly in the valleys.

The study area is enclosed by higher ridgelines to the east and noticeable hills within the study area to the south, particularly Godolphin Hill. More distant views to the south are screened by low ridgelines within the study area. Long distance views to the south coast are not possible. Therefore landmarks such as St Michael’s Mount (9kms to the south west) and other receptors, will not have intervisibility with the proposals. Ridgelines and hills are a noticeable feature to the west of the River Hayle with distant elevated views to the western boundaries of the site from localised areas. The majority of the central study area is composed of an intimate and complex mixture of woodlands, farmlands and settlements which filter and screen views from many locations. The ridges and woodland adjacent to Drannack Mill Lane screen near to middle distance views from most locations to the east. Available site views tend to be partial, with the exception of a few isolated areas to the south, east and west.

The northern sections of the study area comprise of open low ridgelines falling northwards towards the coast. The settlement of Connor Downs a distinctive element located on a higher ridgeline. From here there are potentially long

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distance elevated views, although often screened by hedgerow vegetation near the site. Views are generally against a backdrop of more distant ridgelines, with the exception of Godolphin Hill, where the ridgelines close to the site and the communication mast near the site are viewed against a sea backdrop.

3.4.2. Vegetation

Within 1km of the site The area is made up of small to medium scale arable and pastoral fields with occasional horticultural land use. Field hedgerows are generally intact with occasional hedge removal or degeneration due to poor management. Where the Cornish hedges are retained they tend to be well maintained and form dense screening features. Tree groups and woodland belts tend to be located around scattered settlements and in the shallow valleys.

Cornish hedges with shrubby vegetation on the site boundaries and adjacent fields (of up to 3-4m) are sufficiently high to restrict views for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger car drivers on surrounding and adjacent public right of way. Tree belts, mature hedges and plantations also provide screening to scattered farmsteads and dwellings across the majority of the area. However, occasional glimpsed and localised views are possible from Wheal Alfred Road to the western application area over the hedges, where topography allows. Here lorry drivers and horse riders are likely to have more extensive views. Other more open views are possible locally from footpaths or properties to the east and south. The hedge line dividing the two application fields provides a valuable additional screening element to break up potential views across the site.

Within 1 to 5km of the site The site is screened, and partially screened, by the adjacent Cornish hedges, surrounding tree belts and mature hedges from many locations. The site appears as a minor element set within the context of a complex network of fields and mature vegetation set within a rolling rural landscape. Dense vegetation screening tend to be linear and associated with the valleys.

3.4.3. Settlements and other built form The are a number of isolated settlements, farmsteads and other man made features within 1km of the study area which have potential intervisibility with the

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site. They will be listed individually below. For areas outside the 1km radius, villages, hamlets and other noticeable man made features will be referred to where relevant.

Within 1km of the site

Treglisson Cottage.

Located on Drannack Mill Road, approximately 100m south of the site boundary. Screened by mature track side vegetation and hedges although views possible from upper stories (none identified)

Higher Treglisson Farm.

At 250m to the north of the site. Screened by intervening ridgeline and Cornish hedges. Not carried forwards as a receptor.

Trethingey Farm.

At 260m to the west of the site. Largely screened by mature vegetation associated with the farm and site boundary Cornish hedges. Potential views from upper storey windows.

Bandowners.

A residential property 360m south of the site Screened by mature track side vegetation and hedges although views possible from upper stories (none identified)

Taskus Farm.

At 330m south east of the site. Potential views, although well screened by mature vegetation associated with the farmstead.

Kayle Farm.

At 440m south west of the site. Generally well screened by mature vegetation to the access track and other intervening trees and hedgerows. Glimpsed views possible over the application boundary hedges.

Castle Kayle Farm

At 330m to the south of the site. Screened by a combination of roadside vegetation, built structures and associated mature vegetation

Tregotha Farm & Villa

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Approximately 600m to the south west of the site. Open views to the eastern application areas although partially screened by site boundary, Cornish hedges and mature off site vegetation. The farmstead is situated on a low ridge in an open location with limited intervening screening.

Dannack Mill.

At 400m north east of the site. No intervisibility with the site due to intervening topography and vegetation, therefore it will not be carried forward as a receptor.

Dannack,

At 900m west of the site. No intervisibility with the site due to intervening topography and vegetation, therefore it will not be carried forward as a receptor.

Within 1 to 5km from the site The study area contains a number of hamlets and villages of which the largest are; Leedstown, Rosewarne and Conner Down located on low ridgelines to the east and west of the application area. Users will be considered as potential visual receptors as appropriate. Other dwelling and settlements within the area tend to be widely dispersed, rural in character and located at lower levels and/or are often screened by mature vegetation and topography associated with the valleys and the characteristic high Cornish hedges throughout the area.

The town of Hayle lies in the northwest of the study area and has no intervisibility with the site. Users will not be considered further in this report.

Other dispersed villages & hamlets lie within areas identified to have potential intervisibility with the site, notably:

• Gwinear, 1.6kms to the north west of the site and St Erth Praze 1.1kms to the south west.

• Higher Downs is located at 5kms to the south with potential isolated views from exposed or elevated locations.

• Calloose Caravan Park also has partial views to the eastern site application field, although no receptors could be identified during the survey.

3.4.4. Infrastructure elements The site does not contain any infrastructure elements. However, there are a number of elements close to the site and within the study area that detract from

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the rural character of the area.

A wind turbine is currently being constructed just outside the northern boundary of the site. A further wind turbine is located in a new plantation at approximately 80m from the eastern site boundary.

An overhead electricity line and pylons run close to the north east site boundary. Two communication masts are located on the hill top (100m to the north of the site) which are distinctive feature helping to locate the proposed site from more distant locations.

A large modern factory unit to the west of Leedstown, at 1.8kms south east of the site, detracts from the overall rural character of the area and is visible from many locations throughout the study area.

The Cornish Way (NCN3) runs on roads to the north of the proposed site through Gwinear & Carnhell Green at approximately 1.5 to 3.0kms. Although identified as having potential intervisibility to the proposals on the ZTV plan, no views to the site could be identified during the site visits. The South West Coast Path (3.5kms to the north) was also identified as not having intervisibility with the site.

Other PROW with intervisibility to the proposals are discussed in the viewpoint and assessment tables.

3.5. Visual Key Features and Characteristics The following key features are considered important for the understanding of the visual amenity baseline conditions in the study area:

Rolling farmland comprising of ridgelines and hills (75-100m AOD approx) and a series of shallow valleys. The study area is contained by higher ridgelines and hills to the south, west and east (up to 150m AOD). The landform falls northwards to the coastline through a series of lower ridges. Complex and semi-enclosed.

Small to medium scale field patterns with generally intact Cornish hedgerows, particularly on ridgelines and hills. Roads and lanes bounded by dense hedgerows in many areas. Tree groups and woodland belts tend to be located around scattered settlements and in the shallow valleys with large woodland block to the south east. Lowland and upland heathland is evident locally.

Scattered settlement pattern of rural villages and hamlets. Modern housing and commercial developments to larger settlement perimeters. The largest settlements to the north. Settlements within the central study area tend to be located on ridgelines. Elsewhere scattered farms and properties.

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Historic mining infrastructure is evident in localised areas. Modern infrastructure detracts from the rural character of the area, noticeably: industrial developments, wind turbines, electricity pylons and communication masts.

3.5.1. Description of Existing Site Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) The ZTV for the existing situation (CEC2014/06) shows theoretical visibility of the site and is described further below. The proposal ZTV as illustrated on Figure CEC1699b/07 is discussed further in the Impact Assessment section of this report.

Not all properties, roads, footpaths, etc., indicated to have theoretical visibility in the ZTV will automatically have actual views of the proposals, as hedgerows and local vegetation other than main woodland blocks and structures have not been included in the computer model due to data limitations. Equally, there may be some areas shown as having no visibility in the ZTV where locally glimpsed or partial views can be found due to tree belts and hedges modelled as visual barriers having some localised gaps or reduced screening effect. The ZTV is an approximation and a tool to explain visual impacts in comparison to the visual baseline situation and to narrow down the area included in a more detailed analysis. The visual computer analysis has been conducted according to the methodology contained in Appendix 2.

Based on ZTV results in combination with field observations, the distance boundaries for the assessment have been set at:

Up to 1km Close Distance – the solar PV array and associated infrastructure are likely to be recognisable and prominent new elements in views;

1km to 2km Middle Distance – solar PV array and associated infrastructure likely to be a recognisable but not prominent new element in views;

2km to 5km Long Distance – may be noticed in clear conditions but without perception of detail;

Over 5km Very Long Distance – solar PV array and associated infrastructure unlikely to be perceptible.

3.6. Brief Description of Key Viewpoints The key views for the appraisal were selected from a number of viewpoints assessed in the field based on an initial evaluation of the ZTV and site work.

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They have been selected to provide a range of receptors, distance and directions of view. Those visited but omitted included Gwinear, Rosewarne and the Polmenor Downs area. Although indicated as having theoretical visibility, field observations indicated no or very limited views from publicly accessible locations; or the key views selected provide a better overall representation of publicly accessible views in the study area. The viewpoints are illustrated in Appendix 4.

Table.1 Key Viewpoints

Easting, Key View Description Northings

1- E158115.04 Close distance view looking south (5m from site From Wheal N36217.64 boundary) at 92m AOD. Alfred Rd, Views from Wheal Alfred Road over the boundary viewing hedge at an oblique angle. Close distance views to the south PV arrays at lower levels in the western application field Selected to represent views experienced by road users on Wheal Alfred Road 2- E158280.45 Close distance view looking south east (30m from site From ProW N36458.50 boundary) at 93m AOD adjacent to Potential views from the footpath running along the the site north east site boundary. The site is screened by dense Cornish boundary hedges and filtered by the overgrown hedgerow adjacent to the footpath. Selected to represent views experienced from the boundary footpath where views are possible through intervening hedges to the site boundary hedge. Vies to the proposals are screened.

3-From E158493.80 Close distance views looking west (45m from site ProW N36367.51 boundary) at 75m AOD adjacent to Open views to the site boundary. Potential views the site screened by dense boundary Cornish hedges. Selected to represent typical views to the site boundary from close distances on the footpath and to illustrate the screening potential of boundary hedges.

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Table.1 Key Viewpoints

Easting, Key View Description Northings

4-Drannack E158431.78 Close distance view looking north from Drannack Mill Mill Lane N36104.12 Lane (120m from site boundary) at 81m AOD The proposed site is screened by dense Cornish boundary hedges and vegetation adjacent to the lane. Selected to represent views experienced by users of Dannack Mill Lane and to illustrate the screening to nearby properties such as Treglisson Cottage & Bandowners 5- From E58228.91 Close distance view looking north (45m from the site Wheal Alfred N 35952.94 boundary) at 84m AOD from Wheal Alfred Rd. Road Views to the western application area over boundary viewing hedges and through the field access points at the north southern limit of the site. Open views to the majority of the western application area, although limited to a short sections of the road close to and adjacent to the site. Selected to represent views experienced by users of Wheal Alfred Rd from the south. 6-From a E57758.67 Close distance view looking east (450m from the site ProW near N5994.38 boundary) at 74m AOD Trethingey Views from the public right of way close to Trethingey Farm Farm. The site is generally screened by the roadside hedges and other mature trees & hedges surrounding the farm. Potential glimpsed views from other areas in and around the farm. Although none identified during the site visit. Selected to represent the screening by boundary hedgerows from close distance views to the west. 7-From a E158371.50 Close distance view looking north (170m from site PRoW to the N35910.82 boundary) at 86m AOD south of the Views from a localised area on a public right of way. site Extensive open views across the application area. Views partially screened by internal hedgerows and boundary hedges and against the back drop of hedgerows and vegetation on the ridgeline behind. Selected to represent localised views experienced by public right of way users at close distance to the south of the site.

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Table.1 Key Viewpoints

Easting, Key View Description Northings

8-From a E58693.01 Close distance view looking north west (180m from ProW to the N36124.56 site boundary) at 58m AOD south east of Typical views from public right of way at close the site distance to the eastern site boundary. The views to the site are screened by mature hedgerows to the site boundaries and vegetation associated with the wind turbine development close to the eastern site boundary. The image also illustrates the modern infrastructure such as turbines and pylons experienced within the local area. Selected to represent screened views from public rights of way and potential views from properties. 9-From E157946.72 Close distance view looking north east (390m to the ProW on N35709.59 site boundary) at 75m AOD Kayle Farm Occasional glimpsed view to the western application access road area from the public right of way immediately north of Kayle Farm. Local topography, intervening hedgerows & mature vegetation associated with Kayle Farm generally screen views. Selected to represent glimpsed views from public rights of way and potentially farmsteads and properties at close to medium distance views to the south west. 10-From E156722.65 Close distance view looking north east (1.6kms to the Tolroy Rd N35348.84 site boundary) at 65m AOD west of St Glimpsed views from Tolroy Road through occasional Erth Praze gaps in hedgerows. Views to the site are screened by hedgerows and trees. Partial views to the western application field from localised areas only. Selected to represent potential views from roads and properties within the area although partial and glimpsed. 11-From a E158593.85 Close distance view looking north (770m to the site ProW south N35324.87 boundary) at 92m AOD of Castle Occasional views from an elevated & open location on Kayle Farm a public right of way south of Castle Kayle farm. Views across the application area are partially screened by hedgerows and mature vegetation associated with Castle Kayle Farm and set against the back drop of Cornish hedges on the horizon. Selected to represent occasional views from footpaths and potentially isolated properties and farmsteads at middle distance to the south of the site.

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Table.1 Key Viewpoints

Easting, Key View Description Northings

12-From E159705.59 Middle distance view looking north west (1.3kms to Deveral Rd N35847.05 the site boundary) at 65m AOD south east of Views from Deveral Rd south east of Tregotha Farm Tregotha from higher elevation through occasional gaps in Farm hedgerows. Views across ridgeline to the site with the western field and boundary hedges appearing on the horizon and elevated views to the eastern application field. The views are set within the wider context of woodland blocks, hedgerows and field patterns. Selected to represent views experienced by road users and views from isolated properties (such as Tregotha Farm) at middle distance views to the south east. 13-From a E160099.52 Middle distance view looking west (1.7kms to the site ProW south N36778.24 boundary) at 76m AOD east of Views from the public right of way east of Bezurrel. Gwinear Elevated and open views to the eastern application area and partial views to the western application area. Some screening by internal and boundary Cornish hedges. Selected to represent views from public rights of way and properties at long distance between Rosewarne & Gwinear (such as Bezurrel). 14-From E159132.69 Middle distance view looking south west (1.2kms to Herland Hill N37365.50 the site boundary) at 62m AOD north east of Very occasional and glimpsed views from areas in the the site vicinity of Gwinear Land and Drannack Mill Lane junction. The site is screened by a combination of intervening topography and boundary Cornish hedges and other surround mature hedgerows and vegetation. There is the potential of a glimpsed view to localised areas within the eastern application area over boundary hedges. Selected to represent limited views to the site boundaries from long distance views from public rights of way, roads and properties to the east of the site. 15-From E159307.49 Long distance view looking south (4kms to the site Gwithian Rd N40182.28 boundary) at 72m AOD north of Potential views to the northern boundary hedgerows Connor and potentially into the application area over Downs boundary hedgerows. Views generally screened by adjacent vegetation and a minor element set within the context of the panoramic view. Selected to represent potential views experienced by road users, public rights of way and properties at long distance to the north of the site.

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Table.1 Key Viewpoints

Easting, Key View Description Northings

16 –From a E153650.34 Long distance views looking east (4.4kms to the site PRoW north N35995.96 boundary) at 43m AOD of Rose-an- Low level views to the western application boundary Grouse Views generally screened by site boundary hedges a minor element set within the context of the panoramic view. Selected to represent ‘sought’ views from lower level with the LCA 04 Mount’s Bay Character Area from properties and public rights of way. 17-From St E152400.80 long distance view looking east (4.8kms to the site Michael’s N37185.75 boundary) at 115m AOD Way (PRoW) Views to the western boundary hedge and potentially into the application area over boundary hedgerows. Views only possible to western application areas. Views generally screened by adjacent vegetation and as above, a minor element set within the context of the panoramic view. Selected to represent views from an Area of Great Landscape Value from elevated/isolated public locations/properties on distant ridgelines and from St Michaels Way PRoW. (18-From a E155625.62 Long distance view looking north east (4.3kms to the PRoW north N32459.58 site boundary) at 63m AOD of Higher Elevated views for isolated areas located by in the Downs ZTV. View to the application areas partially screened by intervening hedgerows and mature vegetation. The application area is a minor element set within the context of the panoramic view. Selected to represent views from public rights of way and potentially locations within the World Heritage Site. 19 -From E155486.69 Long distance view looking north west (5kms to the Higher N31226.21 site boundary) at 75m AOD Downs A partial of glimpsed view from a ‘sought’ location identified as an isolated visual receptor in the ZTV. The application area is a minor element set within the context of the panoramic view and generally screened from most locations. Selected to represent potential views experienced by properties at Higher Downs.

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Table.1 Key Viewpoints

Easting, Key View Description Northings

20 -From E159151.44 Long distance view looking north (5kms to the site Godolphin N31328.83 boundary) at 140m AOD Hill PRoW The site’s western application field is visible below the ridgeline set against the backdrop and partially screened and framed by boundary hedgerows set with the context of a panoramic landscape. Selected to represent views from public rights of way close to Godolphin Hill identified as an isolated visual receptor in the ZTV. 21-From E162993.65 Long distance view looking north west (5kms from the east of Hill N33368.43 site boundary) at 97m AOD View Farml Glimpsed views from a road to the north east of Hill View Farm. Glimpsed and occasional views through roadside vegetation from an isolated visual receptors in the ZTV to the eastern application field. Selected to represent views experienced by properties and roads from isolated locations at a long distance to the south east. 22- From E161297.56 Long distance view looking north west (3.2kms to the Praze Rd N34850.93 site boundary) at 83m AOD north east of From Praze Rd occasional glimpsed and isolated views Leedstown to the eastern application field partially screened and framed by boundary Cornish hedges and screening by intervening mature vegetation. Selected to represent a typical view from properties, roads and PROW in and around Leedstown as identified as receptors in the ZTV

3.7. Potential Landscape and Visual Receptors Based on review of the ZTV models for the proposed PV solar array, combined with field observations and professional judgement those landscape and visual receptors that potentially may experience an effect as a result of the proposals are outlined in Tables 2 and 3 and potential effects will be explored further in the impact assessment.

Others considered unlikely to experience effects either due to their location in areas without visibility of the proposed site, or due to their location at such a distance that either it would not be perceived as a distinct element in the view, or there were other elements such as hedges, trees or buildings screening the view in reality, are not considered further in the assessment as outlined in the baseline

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section.

None of the site’s landscape elements receptors were identified as likely to experience direct effects through alteration to their physical fabric. LCA 06 is likely to experience direct effect as the site is located within it and therefore will impact to a certain degree on its character.

Some individual properties and paths may not be included if key receptors have been discussed that are similar to views from those receptors. Key receptors include properties within 1km radius and local PRoW within 1km radius around the site, settlements, main roads, trails and other receptors selected by professional judgement during site work and 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 of information.

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Table 2 Potential Landscape Receptors

Approximate Sensitivity Description of existing situation Distance and Receptor direction from site

Area of Great Landscape 5kms to the Medium There is the potential for the proposed development to impact upon the setting of the AGLV. Value – Godolphin and south of the The area is located on an exposed elevated ridgeline affording panoramic views northwards Tregonning Hill s site The proposed site constitutes a minor element within the wider panoramic views.

Located High There is the potential for the proposed development to impact upon the setting of the World throughout the Heritage Site. As above, the proposals constitute a minor element within the wider landscape World Heritage Site southern surrounding the designated landscape and there will be no direct impacts. section of the study area

Scheduled Ancient 300m to the High The site could be considered to form part of the setting of the monument. There is no public Monument at Castle Kayle south of the access or noticeable intervisibility with the site and Castle Kayle Farmstead partially covers Farm site the monument.

5kms to the High There is the potential to for the proposed development to impact upon the setting of the far Registered Park and south of the western sections of the Registered Park & Garden. The area is partially located on an exposed Garden – Godolphin House site elevated ridgeline affording panoramic views northwards The proposed site constitutes a & Hill minor element within the wider panoramic landscape.

1.6kms t the Medium There is the potential for the proposals to impact on the setting of the conservation area, Conservation Area at north east of There is the possibility for glimpsed of filtered views from isolated areas of properties within Gwinear the site the conservation area, however no actual views to the proposed site could be identified during the site visits from publicly accessible places.

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Table 2 Potential Landscape Receptors

Approximate Sensitivity Description of existing situation Distance and Receptor direction from site

900m to the Medium Potential partially screened views from residential areas within the farmstead. Therefore Tuskus,Farm – Listed south east of proposals have the potential to impact on the setting of the farm . Building the site

Trethingey Farmhouse & 400m to the Medium The farm buildings and listed walled gardens are screened from the site by adjacent mature walled garden – Listed west of the site hedgerows and vegetation and site boundary hedgerows. Potential partially screened views to Building sections of the site.

Throughout the Medium The CCLSS study concluded that the landscape strategy for LCA 06 is for ‘a landscape with study area occasional solar PV developments’. The historic field patters with Cornish hedges will be LCA 06– Mounts Bay East (excluding far preserved, therefore ensuring retention of the key elements contributing to the character of north & west) the landscape. The site is screened by many local views and long distance views are taken into context within the panoramic landscape. .

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Table 3 Potential Visual Receptors

Approximate Sensitivity Description of existing views Distance & Receptor direction from site

Residents of Medium Potential close distance views of site from upper stories screened by intervening Treglisson Cottage 110m south vegetation and boundary hedges. Site views to roofline. (Dannack Mill Lane)

Residents/workers Potential close distance views over western boundary hedge form upper storey widows and Trethingey Farm & 420m west Medium key areas. environs

Residents/workers Medium Potential close distance view over boundary hedges and through mature vegetation 280m south Castle Kayle Farm associated with the farm from key areas in summer

Residents/visitors/ Medium Potential close distance views from windows and key areas generally screened by 460m south west workers Kayle Farm intervening vegetation

Residents at Medium Potential close distance views form key areas although generally screened by intervening 360m south Bandowners vegetation in summer. Site views to roof-lines

Residents at Taskus Medium Potential close distance views from key areas. Screened by intervening vegetation in 850m south east Farm summer

Residents/workers Medium Close distance views to the site over boundary hedges 860m east Tregotha Farm

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Table 3 Potential Visual Receptors

Approximate Sensitivity Description of existing views Distance & Receptor direction from site

Users of Wheal Alfred Low Close distance glimpsed views over the western boundary hedge. 5m west Road

Medium Close distance and glimpsed views through field access points and over lower hedge Users of Dannack Mill 5 to 10Om south sections in places although generally screened by path side and site boundary vegetation Lane in most areas.

Users of eastern Medium Close distance views screened by boundary Cornish hedges. boundary PROW 5-70m east (102/5/3)

PROW to Trethingey Medium Close distance views to the western boundary hedge. Glimpsed views through existing 40-400m west Farm (102/6/1) hedgerows vegetation off site.

PROW to Kayle Farm Low Close distance glimpsed views through path side vegetation and over boundary hedges 300m south west (102/3/4)

PROW north of Castle Medium Open views over boundary hedges for localised areas through gappy off site hedges. 200m south Kayle Farm (104/4/4)

PROW south of Castle Medium Close distance open views over boundary hedges for localised areas through gappy off site 800m south Kayle farm (101/8/1) hedges.

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Table 3 Potential Visual Receptors

Approximate Sensitivity Description of existing views Distance & Receptor direction from site

PROW east of Medium Close distance views generally screened by mature offsite vegetation in summer 200-300m south Bandowners (103/4/3 east &102/5/3)

St Erth Praze & High Middle distance views form properties &, PROW, particularly to the west of the settlement. 1.1kms approx environs Views partially screened by application site boundary hedges.

High Long distance views particularly to the eastern application area, filtered and glimpsed in Leedstown & environs 3.5kms approx. many locations.

Gwinear & environs High Middle distance views from localised areas. Generally screened by mature offsite (properties, PROW & 1.6kms approx. vegetation and intervening topography. Note: No view points identified from Gwinear roads) conservation area.

Reawla/Rosewarne & High Long distance views from properties and upper storey windos. Views generally screened by 2.5 kms approx environs (properties) intervening structures, vegetation and topography.

Higher Down & Long distance views across low ridgeline form higher exposed elevation only. Other areas environs (properties & 4-5kms approx. Medium/high generally screened by roadside/intervening vegetation and structures. PROW)

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Table 3 Potential Visual Receptors

Approximate Sensitivity Description of existing views Distance & Receptor direction from site

Mennor AGLV & Medium Long distance views to the western site boundary generally screened by western boundary Mount’s Bay LCA 5kms hedgerows. The site is perceived as a minor element in the wider landscape. Properties & PROW

Medium Long distance views from PROW associated with Godolphin Hill. Long distance panoramic Godolphin Hill PROW 5km views. The proposed site is perceived as a minor element in the wider landscape.

Road & properties in Medium Long distance glimpsed views from roads and potentially properties from elevated 4-5kms the south east locations. The proposed site is perceived as a minor element in the wider landscape.

Conner Down & Medium Long distance views to the northern application boundaries. Potential views form environs roads, PROW 4kms approx. properties unlikely due to screening by application boundary hedges and other off site and properties vegetation.

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4. Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment The baseline study, in conjunction with the planning policy review, provides a sound basis to identify and discuss impacts and effects of the proposals on the landscape and visual resources. Impacts on landscape receptors and visual receptors are assessed separately. The assessment is conducted in accordance with the definitions / criteria described in Appendix 5.

The overall effects of the proposals on the landscape and visual amenity of the study area are outlined below; detailed impact assessment tables for individual receptors can be found in Appendix 2. Mitigation measures have been incorporated in the layout and design of the proposal as described in 4.2. .

The purpose of the impact assessment is to determine what level of changes would be caused by implementation of the proposals to provide the local authority with professionally produced and evaluated information to enable an informed decision on the acceptability of the proposals in the given site and landscape context as described in this report.

4.1. Predicted Landscape and Visual Effects Construction effects are briefly discussed below, but are not represented in table format as they are not expected to be significant. For details of the construction process refer to technical information submitted with the planning application.

4.1.1. Construction Effects Principal construction effects on the landscape resource in the area would include:

Increased activity on site and lanes leading to it for a period of 12 weeks,

Potential to impact on hedges and trees on site boundaries if no suitable temporary protection is put in place,

Exposure of bare soil in localised areas due to construction activity.

The increase in activity for a short period of time is not considered an issue in the wider context of the character area. Users of Wheal Alfred Road adjacent to the west of the site may be affected locally during weekly working hours, but it is not intended to work over night or at weekends, therefore this impact on the road users is unlikely to be more than slight for a limited period of time.

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Impacts on hedges will be avoided by using the existing field access points and observing protection zones to all boundaries and on site hedges. Hedges will be delineated with temporary fencing to ensure no construction machinery enters those areas. No actual impacts on those elements are envisaged.

The presence of areas of bare soil during construction is unlikely to lead to any perceived change of the character in the area as agricultural uses in surrounding fields are varied. Farming methods, such as flower production and arable, change in character throughout the seasons in combination with temporary structures associated with such farming activities, such as caravans, polythene and polytunnels related to the scattered farmsteads.

4.1.2. Operational Effects Principal operational effects on the landscape resource in the area would include:

Change to more intensive grazing use and buffer strips managed for biodiversity benefits,

Introduction of large new technical infrastructure installation on agricultural land, although this is a second layer over the agricultural use, which will be maintained.

The introduction of a large new technical structure would result in a localised change of character. There are already noticeable modern infrastructure elements nearby, such as communications masts, electricity pylons and wind turbines. Any character impacts would be localised and perceived in close relation to adjacent land uses.

4.1.3. Glare and Glint For a discussion of glare refer to Appendix 5. In summary, glare is unlikely to be an issue as solar panels are designed to maximise absorption of light and have a surface that is anti-reflective and diffusing. As a result, there may be some localised glare in very close proximity to the panels, but not from any distance. At a distance, the glare will simply be perceived as a lighter area in the landscape.

In addition, glare and glint would only be perceived at very specific times of year and day in a limited area defined generally by a narrow segment to the east and west co-inciding with sunrise and sunset or evening sun times.

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4.1.4. Effects on the Site’s Landscape Features The existing access will be used during installation and for any maintenance purposes, no additional access will be required. The type 1 internal tracks will remain but overtime grass will grow over the top reducing any potential visual impact. There will be no effects on any of the site’s landscape features such as the internal and boundary Cornish hedges.

4.1.5. Effects on landscape character LCA06- Mount’s Bay East will experience a direct change to the character of a small part of the overall area through the introduction of a new element in a predominantly rural landscape. The proposals however will not affect the integrity or character of LCA06 as a whole, or the ability to meet the objectives and guidelines outlined in section 2.

The LCA has been identified in the CCLSS study as area suitable for an occasional PV array. The LCA is identified as a receptor of medium sensitivity and the proposals had a low magnitude of change on the integrity of the area as a whole. Other PV developments within the study area have been identified as having no intervisibility with the site on the ZTV plan, or are located in areas where the development has negligible visual impact therefore the cumulative effects are not considered likely to result in the perception of limited capacity.

The historic hedgerow patterns will be retained and enhanced through improved management, the fields will be grazed with the margins managed for bio-diversity and conservation benefit. Potential impacts are reversible as removing the solar array from the site would leave a negligible trace and the present landscape and visual structure would be enhanced.

It is considered that the erection of the solar PV array at Higher Trenhayle would result in a slight effect to the overall landscape character of the area, with up to moderate local effects, decreasing in degree with distance from the site.

The report concluded that proposals would not have any direct or indirect impact on other LCAs in and around the study area.

4.1.6. Effects on Landscape Designations There will be no direct effects on any landscape designations identified. Any potential impacts would be setting-related only.

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The World Heritage Site, SAMs and Registered Park and Garden where all identified as high sensitivity receptors due to national or international importance of the designations in combination with the potential intervisibility with the site. The AGLVs within the study area where identified as receptors of medium sensitivity. Two listed farmhouses within 1km of the site have been identified as medium sensitivity receptors as the proposals where not considered to be part of the setting of the listed buildings due to limited potential intervisibility. The magnitude of change was found to be negligible on all the identified designations due to a combination of screening and distance to site. This would result in a slight effect on the setting of the World Heritage Site, SAM and Registered Park and Gardens. Effects on the medium sensitivity receptors were found to be negligible.

4.1.7. Effects on Visual Receptors and Key Views Only moderate or greater likely visual impacts are discussed in detail here, lesser impacts are detailed in Appendix 2.

The highest visual impact was found to be on Tegotha Farm & properties associated with and between Gwinear and Reawla (moderate/substantial). The properties/farms comprise of a group of high sensitivity residential properties with a medium magnitude of change where the proposals will potentially constitute a visible and recognisable new element within the overall view at close to middle distance to the site.

Other moderate visual effects where found at:

Users of Dannack Mill Lane (west end) where close distance views are possible to the proposals through the field gate at the southern most point of the proposed site.

The PRoW north and south of Castle Kayle Farm where open close distance views to the site are possible from localised areas. The receptors are identified as medium sensitivity receptor with a medium magnitude of change.

Residential properties with middle distance open or elevated views to the eastern application areas at:

the eastern perimeters of St Erth Praze with middle distance elevated

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views to the proposals. A high sensitivity receptor with a low magnitude of change.

Leedstown, Reawla and Rosewarne at middle distance to the east and south east of the site, assessed as high sensitivity receptors with a low magnitude of effect.

Elsewhere visual effects where found to be slight or negligible. In summary, the greatest impacts will be experienced when the proposed site is viewed from open areas or elevated areas to the south and east at close to middle distance. Here the western and eastern application will be partially/fully visible below and on a local ridgeline and where the viewer would look directly towards the solar array front panels. To the north and west at close to middle distance the site is generally screened by hedgerows and trees, and the viewer would look at the side or back of the array, generally considered to reduce the prominence and magnitude of impact. Long distance views are possible from a number of locations but the visual effects within the setting of a wider landscape were found to be negligible.

4.2. Mitigation Strategy The predicted landscape and visual impacts of the proposed PV array are negligible to slight for the majority of the receptors with a moderate to substantial degree of effect for localised visual receptors. Some mitigation should be considered in order to minimise impacts on potential visual receptors experiencing moderate to substantial effects, and to improve the landscape on site through implementation of the proposals and improved management.

4.2.1. Mitigation-by-Design Mitigation measures were highlighted at an early stage of the assessment and discussed with the client. These have been incorporated in the final proposals and include:

Retaining as far as possible a regular geometric layout to the rows of panels and associated infrastructure so that the solar farm has a striking and legible layout. With a very regular design, the array will work more closely with the structure of the landscape, for example reflecting subtle changes in terrain, slope and aspect.

Using the existing field boundaries to give structure to the proposal and retaining all hedgerows enhancing them through management during

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the lifespan of the array.

Gap up the current field access point with native hedge planting to screen close distance low level views from the Wheal Alfred Rd and Dannack Mill Lane junction.

Incorporating buffer zones around all hedges (min 4m) to ensure there is no impact at any stage of the development and the fields do not appear crammed.

4.2.2. Longer-term Mitigation Proposals Existing hedges could be improved through additional planting, change in management to allow for slightly taller, wider and denser growth and management of appropriate buffer zones. This would provide additional screening from localised identified views. This would also have the benefit to provide additional landscape structure and wildlife corridor links and would also over time result in some views being screened from the local roads and footpaths.

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5. Conclusions and Recommendations The appraisal examined landscape and visual impacts within a 5km radius study area around a proposed solar PV array a Higher Trenhayle at OS grid reference SW58247 36231. Proposals are for a small scale (<5ha, in line with Cornwall Council Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Study) static PV array achieving 3.84MWp output with an array area of approximately 4.17ha, within a site of approximately 6.36ha comprising of two adjoining fields surrounded by and containing Cornish hedges.

Landscape designation and character impacts were evaluated in detail for individual receptors in Appendix 2. It was found that there may be negligible impacts on national and international designations resulting in slight effects due to their high sensitivity. Other designations within the study area are likely to experience negligible effects.

Local Landscape Character area LCA06 is likely to experience slight effects overall with localised moderate effects. Given the scale of the PV array and infrastructure in combination with its location, influence on the surrounding landscape character is limited in area, when considering the scale of the LCA.

Visual impacts were evaluated in detail in Appendix 2, and illustrated by the panoramic photos in Appendix 4. Substantial visual impact was identified for user of Tregotha Farm & properties between and on the outskirts of Gwinear and Reawla. Other moderate impacts where identified from localised properties and key areas a Leedstown, Reawla and Rosewarne and Drannack Mill Lane, immediately adjacent to the site boundary. Although a small proportion of visual receptors will experiencing greater than negligible/slight impacts on their visual amenity the proposals will be considered acceptable if the mitigation measure outlines above are implemented.

The purpose of this appraisal was to examine the magnitude of impacts and the degree of effect taking account of sensitivity of receptors. This report concludes that the proposals may not cause unacceptable landscape or visual impacts subject to the implementation of additional mitigation as outlined in this report. In addition, proposals can be removed without trace at the end of their lifespan, assumed to be 25 years from installation and the current landscape and visual conditions would resume.

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Appendix 1: Glossary of Technical Terms and Acronyms

.jpg Compressed image format standardized by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) commonly used for storing digital photos AGLV Area of Great Landscape Value / Area of Great Historic Value AOD Above Ordnance Datum. Ordnance Datum is the vertical datum point from which all altitudes are derived, for Great Britain OD is taken to be mean sea level at Newlyn in Cornwall between 1915 and 1921. AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty CCLSS Cornwall Council Landscape Sensitivity Study CEC Cornwall Environmental Consultants Groundmodel A series of 3D triangles that accurately represent the existing ground/site, design or other surface, generated from OS height and terrain data. Used as the basis for all visibility modelling. Km Kilometre JCA Joint Character Area – landscape character area defined at national level Landscape Landscape elements within the site or landscape character and the key elements, features and characteristics that define it, or landscape designations and the key features which define its value, or the overall landscape condition of the study area. Landscape The physical and perceived features that make an area unique. Defined by Character Natural England as "a distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements, be it natural (soil, landform) and/or human (for example settlement and development) in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse". LCA Landscape Character Area – defined at local level in Cornwall LDU Land Description Unit LVIA Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment NPPF National Planning Policy Framework OS Ordnance Survey PROW Public Right of Way Receptors physical landscape features, designated areas, character areas or features or people likely to experience an effect as a result of development

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Visual Visual amenity or views available to visual receptors located within publicly accessible areas and residential dwellings. NB: an LVIA can only be carried out from publicly accessible areas so the existing views of residential receptors and likely changes can only be assumed based on fieldwork and professional judgement, this should be clearly stated in the methodology of the assessment. ZTV Zone of Theoretical Visibility. Formerly referred to as a ZVI or Zone of Visual Influence

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Appendix 2: Impact Assessment Tables

Table 4 Predicted Landscape Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

5kms Medium Views are distant & localise from the western sections and Negligible Negligible Area of Great higher elevations of the designations. This is set against and Landscape Value – within a very wide panoramic view with a mosaic of mixed Godolphin use farmland, hedgerows, woodlands, modern infrastructure &Tregonning Hill s & properties. The proposals would constitute a very minor change to the perceived setting a character.

Registered Park & 5kms High As above; the proposals would constitute a very minor Negligible Slight Garden at Godolphin change to the perceived setting a character. House & Hill

1 to 5km High Views are localised, glimpsed or filtered from many locations Negligible Slight in the northern sections of the WHS. From higher or more World Heritage Site exposed location views are set within a mosaic of mixed land (WHS) use. Lower levels views are generally screened. The proposals would constitute a very minor change to the perceived setting of the WHS.

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Table 4 Predicted Landscape Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

300m High There will be no direct impact, however the proposals could Negligible Slight be considered to form part of the setting of monument due Scheduled Ancient to the close proximity. There is no designated public access Monument at Castle to the site and potential views are screened by intervening Kayle Farm vegetation and structures. It is unlikely that the proposals will have an impact of the character or setting of the SAM

1.6kms Medium The conservation is screened from the site by intervening Negligible Negligible vegetation & topography from public areas and no receptors could be identified during the site visit. There is the potential Conservation area at for views to the site from windows or other key areas locally. Gwinear The proposals have the potential to have a very minor change to the character of the Conservation area from localised areas.

900m Medium The farm building is generally screened from the site by Negligible Negligible Tuskus Farm-listed mature vegetation surrounding the farmstead. Potential building winter view could constitute a minor change to the setting of the listed structures

400m Medium The listed structures are generally well screened from the Negligible Negligible Trethingey Farm site by adjacent mature vegetation and the western house & walled boundary hedges. The proposals would constitute a very garden listed minor change to the setting of the listed structures.

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Table 4 Predicted Landscape Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

Throughout Medium Construction of a solar park will introduce a new element into Low Slight the site and the landscape. The proposals have the potential to bring study area about a minor alteration to a characteristics land use of the LCA with the introduction of a new element in a predominantly rural landscape. However, the historic LCA06 - Mounts Bay hedgerow patters adjacent to and within the site boundaries East will be retained, preserving the integrity of the historic landscape character. The application fields below the arrays will be maintained by grazing therefore retaining the agricultural use. The LCA has been identified as an area for occasional solar PV developments in the CCLSS study (see section 2.3)

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Table 5 Predicted Visual Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

Medium From this location the cottage is screened from the Negligible Negligible site by a combination of dense hedgerows, to Drannack Mill Lane and intervening and boundary Residents of hedges to site boundary. There is the potential of Treglisson Cottage – 110m Drannack mill Lane glimpsed views to the site in winter months although unlikely as dense hedgerows tend to retain the majority of their screening. The proposals are likely to be barely perceptible or not discernable.

Medium Structures and vegetation around the farmhouse, Low/Negligible Slight/negligi together with the western application boundary ble screen the majority of the views to the proposed site. Potential views could be possible to higher elevation Residents/workers of the western application area from key areas, Trethingey farm & 420m environs particularly during winter months. The proposals constitute a very minor component in the wider views experienced from this location within the context of elements and infrastructure associated with a working farm.

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Table 5 Predicted Visual Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

Medium The farm is screened by adjacent mature vegetation, Low/negligible Slight/negligi structures and hedging together with the lower level ble Residents/workers at 280m screening of the application site boundary hedge. Castle Kay Farm Possible glimpsed/filtered views from key areas, particularly during winter months.

Medium The farm is screened by adjacent mature vegetation, Low/negligible Slight/negligi structures and hedging together with the lower level ble Residents/visitors to 460m screening of the application site boundaries western Kayle Farm and internal hedges. Possible glimpsed/filtered views from key areas, particularly during winter months.

Medium The property is screened from the site by a Negligible Negligible combination of dense hedgerows to Lane and intervening hedges and mature. There is the potential Residents at 360m of glimpsed views to the site in winter months Bandowners although unlikely as dense hedgerows tend to retain the majority of their screening. The proposals are likely to barely perceptible or not discernable.

Medium The farm is substantially screened by mature Low/negligible Slight/negligi Residents/visitors at vegetation and low level screening by the application ble 850m Taskus farm hedges. There is the potential of glimpsed/filtered views during winter months.

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Table 5 Predicted Visual Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

High There are un-interrupted views to the site due to the Medium Moderate/sub lack of vegetation and screening to the application stantial area. Views are possible to the western and eastern Residents/workers at application areas with lower level screening by 860m Tegotha Farm. internal and boundary application hedges and off site tree belts in places. The proposals will represent a recognisable new element within the overall view to the east of the farm.

Low Localised close distance views over boundary hedges Medium Slight when travelling north and south into the western Users of Wheal Alfred 5-150m application field and through the field access at the Rd southern end of the site. The proposals will represent a noticeable new element.

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Table 5 Predicted Visual Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

Medium Localised close distance views to application site Medium to Moderate to thorough the filed gate at the western end of the negligible Slight lane. Elsewhere views are possible over lower sections of the hedge or field gates but generally screened at lower levels by the application boundary hedges. There are potential glimpsed views from the Users of Dannack Mill far eastern end of the land although localised and to 5-100m Lane isolated areas of the upper elevation over application boundary hedges. The majority of the lane is screened by roadside hedges, topography, adjacent tree belts and blocks. Possible changes range from readily noticeable at the western end to barely perceived from possible location towards the eastern end of the lane.

Medium Dense Cornish hedges effectively screen potential Negligible Negligible Users of PROW views into the site from this location. There is the 102/6/1 on the 5-70m potential of glimpsed filtered views during the winter eastern application boundary months. The proposals will not be discernable or barely perceived from this location.

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Table 5 Predicted Visual Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

Medium Adjacent field boundary hedges and the western Negligible Negligible application hedge screen potential views from the majority of locations. Isolated views are possible over PROW to Trethingey 40-400m the application hedge for very localised areas. The Farm (102/6/1) proposals will be barely perceived within the context of adjacent hedges and tree belts and not perceptible for most of the length of the path.

Low An access track to the farm and associated caravan Negligible Negligible site is mainly screened by mature track side vegetation and possible views towards the site are PROW to Kayle Farm 3000m generally screened by application boundary hedges. (102/3/4) The proposals will be barely perceived within the context of adjacent hedges and tree belts and not perceptible for most of the length of the path.

Medium Localised views through gappy hedges and over the Medium Moderate PROW north of Castle 200m application boundary hedges. The proposals will form Kayle Farm (101/8/1) a recognisable new element from views to the north.

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Table 5 Predicted Visual Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

Medium Localised views through and over gappy hedges and Medium/low Moderate/slig high elevations although the proposed site is less ht noticeable than above at this distance and set within PROW south of Castle 800m the context of farm building, hedges and tree belts. Kayle Farm 101/8/1) The proposals represent a minor component in the wider landscape from sought after views and a more recognisable element locally.

Medium Lower level views screened by mature tree belts and Negligible Negligible PROW east of plantation to the PROW corridors and the northern Bandowners (104/4/3 200-300m boundary of Drannack Mill Lane. There is the potential 7 102/5/3) of glimpsed of partial views during winter through trees.

High Potential middle distance views towards elevated Low Moderate sections of the proposed site from properties & St Erth Praze & 1.2km PROW, particularly from properties to the west of the environs approx. settlement on a more exposed ridge. The proposals will constitute a minor component when viewed within the context of the wider landscape at this distance.

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Table 5 Predicted Visual Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

High Potential long distance views to the eastern Low/negligible Moderate/slig application area partially screened and filtered from ht available views. The proposals will be barely Leedstown & environs perceivable at this distance particularly when viewed 2-3kms (properties, roads, within the context of the wider landscape. There are workplaces & caravan approx. potentially views from upper storey windows in very park) localised areas, roads workplaces and the caravan park at Calloose where changes may be more recognisable in localised areas.

High Elevated, localised and open views to the eastern Medium Moderate/sub application area from isolated properties (eg Bezurrel) stantial Gwinear & environs 1.6kms & footpaths within the area. The proposals will form a (properties, PROW & approx. recognisable new element within the landscape and roads) changes will be readily noticeable form more exposed locations

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Table 5 Predicted Visual Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

High Potential long distance views to the eastern Low/negligible Moderate/slig application area partially screened and filtered form ht available views. The proposals will be barely Reawla/Rosewarne & perceived at this distance particularly when viewed environs(properties & 2.kms roads) within the context of the wider landscape. There are potentially views from upper storey windows in very localised areas where changes may be more recognisable

Medium Long distance views from higher exposed elevations Negligible/Low Negligible/slig Higher Downs & and occasionally lower level. At this distance the ht environs (properties & 4-5 kms proposals will constitute a barely perceptible change PROW) within a wider landscape from all but the highest more open elevations.

Medium Long distance views to the western site boundary Negligible Negligible with potential views to higher elevations within the site and viewed as a minor element in a panoramic, Mennor AGLV. 5kms mosaic landscape. The proposed changes are likely to (Properties & PRoW) be barely perceptible at this distance and views will be largely screened by application boundary hedges, particularly from lower levels.

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Table 5 Predicted Visual Impacts

Approx Sensitivity Predicted Change Magnitude Effect Receptor Distance from site

Medium Long distance views form the PROW on the western Low Slight flanks of Godolphin Hill with the proposed western application viewed as a minor element in a Godolphin Hill PROW 5kms panoramic, mosaic landscape. The proposals will constitute a minor component of the wider landscape which will be missed by a casual observer.

Medium Long distance isolated views from properties and Negligible Negligible Roads & properties to PROW. Views tend to be filtered, partial or glimpsed. 4-5km the south east The proposals will be barely perceivable from most available viewpoints.

Connor Downs & Medium Long distance isolated views from properties and Negligible Negligible environs PROW. Views tend to be filtered, partial or glimpsed. 4kms approx. (roads,PROW & The proposals will be barely perceivable from most properties) available viewpoints.

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Appendix 3: Figures

CEC2014/01 Location Plan and Study Area

CEC2014/02 Landform

CEC2014/03 Landscape Designations

CEC2014/04 Landscape Character

CEC2014/05 Site Appraisal

CEC2014/06 Existing Site Visibility

CEC2014/07 Proposal Zone of Theoretical Visibility

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Appendix 4: Photo Record

Site Appraisal Photo Record

Visual Appraisal Photo Record – Viewpoints 1 to 22

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Appendix 5: Methodology LVIA The LVIA methodology is based on the principles outlined in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessmentv which is widely accepted as the industry standard, together with the Landscape Character Assessment Guidance prepared by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)vi. SNH’s guidance on the presentation of visual assessmentvii was also referred to as the principal source of guidance on the subject. The LVIA report covers:

o Evaluation of the existing landscape character, designation and visual baseline and based on this, identification of potential landscape and visual receptors within the study area; o Identification of other developments to be considered in the appraisal of cumulative effects and key factors to be taken into account; o Evaluation of the sensitivity of potential landscape and visual receptors; o Evaluation of the magnitude and nature of likely changes resulting from the proposals; o Conclusion on the overall effects of the proposals on the landscape character and key views within the study area. Receptors Landscape receptors are things, those landscape elements, character areas or designations potentially experiencing a change as a result of the proposals.

Visual receptors are contemporary humans, users of the landscape and residents potentially experiencing a change to their views and visual amenity.

Though intrinsically interrelated, landscape character and visual receptors are therefore considered as separate entities.

Landscape character can be defined as the combination of the inherent physical elements – geology, soils, topography, vegetation and land cover, built form, field pattern, water bodies – and perceived elements – time depth or connection to history, tranquillity, scale, texture, coherence – that make an area of land different to the next. Landscape character receptors are therefore the key components that define an area’s overall character, or the areas themselves.

Visual appraisal is related to this in that character is part of what defines a view, but the experience of that view is also influenced by subjective personal values and

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interpretation, weather, distance, time spent exposed to the view etc. A visual impact therefore needs a viewer to perceive it and those viewers are separate visual receptors.

Essentially landscape character exists whether or not it is seen, as do any impacts upon it e.g. if you clear a glade in an area of dense woodland it’s character will change regardless of whether it can be viewed from a public path. If there are no points from which the glade can be viewed the clearance cannot result in a visual impact, if there are the effects on visual receptors should be considered.

Sensitivity of Receptors

Landscape Sensitivity The judgement of landscape sensitivity varies, can be influenced by subjectivity, and is often based on landscape character. A number of studies have been carried out to identify a common definition, the latest being a combined commission from Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage concentrating principally on the clarification of landscape character sensitivity building on advice in Landscape Character Assessment Guidance Topic Paper 6viii. The Paper does not attempt to define sensitivity instead noting that judging it requires professional judgement based on whether significant characteristics elements of the landscape, and as a result its amenity value, will be lost as a result of the development. It is understood that the revisions will provide a concise definition of landscape character sensitivity that reflects the nature and perception of change to landscape character and is flexible to incorporate the type of development being assessed.

For this assessment, landscape sensitivity is a reflection of a landscape element, designation or character area’s condition, value, and location in relation to the proposed development. Table 6 outlines the parameters used to define categories. The assessor should always consider a number of the scenarios given in the table to choose the most appropriate sensitivity rating within the given landscape and site context. Designated areas are considered to be of higher sensitivity due to the public perceptions and often cumulative pressures for change attached to them and should never receive a low sensitivity rating.

The overall consideration for a sensitivity rating should be the amount of change that can be accommodated by a given receptor, without it being devalued or unacceptably

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changed in the long-term, thereby damaging the overall landscape resource. High sensitivity receptors would either be those in pristine condition, where change would be very obvious and distracting, or those that have already been significantly damaged so that further change would result in the receptor being totally devalued in the long-term removing the option for restoration. Medium sensitivity would be mainly associated with average receptors of good condition, with some damage or distraction, but generally still able to accept more change without irreversible damage. Low sensitivity receptors would be for example those in a changing environment, where change is a defining element, those of low quality, where change would lead to improvements or those of good quality and condition, where there is plenty of capacity to accommodate more change without irreversible damage.

It should be noted that the sensitivity criteria in this report do not represent a detailed sensitivity assessment of the landscape resource within the study area. It is a tool for the assessor to allow some judgement on the perceived sensitivity and to incorporate some judgement on this in the impact assessment. If more detailed local sensitivity assessments were available those would be used to inform the assessment in preference to the criteria defined here. However, often such assessments are not available or are proposal specific, and it is considered that the criteria used in this report provide at least some context to the assessment, without increasing the scope of works and survey effort beyond reason to arrive at detailed sensitivity scores for each proposal.

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Table 6 Sensitivity of Potential Landscape Receptors

Sensitivity Receptor Category

High Only minor changes can be accommodated without impact on value and / or loss of character or no more than moderate changes can be compensated by replacement or substitution, for example: Value may be expressed as a national designated area or may be an element that is rare or in pristine condition. Intact historic landscapes with great time depth and no or very limited modern intrusions. Valuable, but damaged landscapes, where further change would result in complete loss of their integrity and quality (in this scenario high sensitivity is based on the assumption that any further change would result in unacceptable long-term damage to a resource, which makes it highly sensitive to further change, although its condition at the point of assessment may not be favourable). The landscape receptor to be assessed has a small area, where the proposal would affect much or all of that area. Medium Minor to moderate changes can be accommodated without impact on value and / or loss of character or moderate changes can be reduced or eliminated by replacement or substitution, for example: Value may be expressed through a regional or local designation or element that is in good condition and occurs relatively frequently within the landscape context. Good quality landscapes with preserved integrity, but modern influences apparent. The landscape receptor to be assessed has a medium sized area significantly exceeding that of the proposal area so that any change would not affect the whole landscape receptor. Low Moderate to substantial changes can be accommodated without impact on value and / or loss of character or substantial changes can be reduced by replacement or substitution, for example: There is no value defined through designations or clear local use or definition and the receptor does not display specifically valuable properties within the context of the wider landscape area. The landscape receptor is devalued already through character changes etc and restoration is not an option. Proposals would contribute to improvements of the receptor. The receptor is of such a large area that a change would only affect a minor part of that area without any consequence for the remainder of the receptor area and it is not a nationally or regionally designated area. The receptor has plenty of capacity to accommodate change, for example plenty of key elements and features are present so that the loss of a minor percentage would not be significant and can be replaced or visual characteristics can be successfully retained and improved.

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Visual Sensitivity Visual sensitivity is a reflection of a combination of the receptor’s type, the context within which the view is perceived and the importance of the view. Sensitivity is inherent to the receptor and not influenced by weather conditions, distance etc. Factors like prevailing weather, distance and extent of the view are reflected in the magnitude assessment for each receptor. Table 7 outlines the parameters and categories used for this appraisal.

Table 7 Sensitivity of Potential Visual Receptors by Type

Sensitivity Receptor Category

High Visitors to nationally designated areas of public and private open space where landscape appreciation is a primary function of their use or where landscape and visual quality is integral to the designation’s value e.g. AONBs, Heritage Coasts, National Parks, etc Users of PRoW - long distance footpaths and routes with direct view of the development for long sections of path. Residential communities and private properties with direct views of the development from apparent key living and access areas. Visitors to designated areas of historical importance such as SAMs, Conservation Areas and Historic Parks and Gardens where setting is recognised as an integral to the area’s importance Medium Visitors to locally designated areas of public and private open space where landscape appreciation is a primary function of their use or where landscape and visual quality is integral to the designation’s value e.g. AGLVs, AGHVs, Country Parks etc. Users of PRoW – national trails, local trails and footpaths with partial or glimpsed views from sections of the path or direct views from short sections of the path Residential communities and private properties with partial or glimpsed views of the development from apparent key living and access areas. Users of areas of public and private recreational space where landscape is not a primary function of use i.e. sports grounds, golf courses etc. Low Users of PRoW associated with highways or local routes the primary function of which is access between two points or users of paths with partial or glimpsed views from short sections of the path. Employees Road users

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Impacts Landscape impacts are described in the GLVIA by the Landscape Institute (LI) as direct impacts such as changes as a result of the proposed development to the landscape elements within the site or indirect impacts such as changes to key landscape character elements of the study area, the integrity of landscape designations within the study area or the overall landscape condition of the study area.

Visual impacts are described by the LI as direct impacts on the visual amenity or views available to visual receptors located within publicly accessible areas and residential dwellings resulting from changes to that view as a result of the proposed development such as introduction, removal, obstruction, or modification of elements within the view. The assessment of visual impacts is informed by the use of a series of viewpoints. The viewpoints are selected to provide a comprehensive range of visual receptors, types and angles of view and distances from the development site. If possible they should represent more than one visual receptor category e.g. locating a viewpoint at the junction between a PRoW/cycleway and road would illustrate the view experienced by road users and pedestrians/cyclists at a point where they are more likely to pause and be more aware of their surroundings and view.

Cumulative impacts are described by the LI as those which result from changes as a result of the proposed development in conjunction with other development, of intervisibility of a range of developments or elements of the proposed development, and of actions that occurred in the past, present or foreseeable future.

Magnitude of change Magnitude of change is a measure of the level of an impact on potential receptors arising from addition, alteration, or removal of baseline resources as a result of the proposed development and is classed as high, medium, low or negligible. The parameters and categories used for this appraisal are outlined in Table 8.

Magnitude is based on professional judgement and determined by a combination of:

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o the scale of the change in relation to the proportion of the landscape or view affected by the proposed development and the degree to which it is affected; o the duration and reversibility of the change.

The magnitude of change of potential impacts on visual receptors is assessed through a process of analysing the change in the visual envelope of the existing site in comparison to a series of ZTVs generated for the proposed development. This assessment is informed by the photo record (Appendix 4), field observations and visualisations produced by the client to aid the design process to determine the proportion of change to the view.

In addition to nature, scale, and duration of the change, the magnitude of change to visual receptors takes into account the distance of the viewpoint from the proposed development as this will determine visibility of the site, its landscape elements and proposed structures and the context in which the view is experienced. It is another assessment tool which is evaluated for each project based on site location, context and size, as well as the character and scale of proposals. Refer to the introduction and study area sections in the main report for details on distances used for a specific project.

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Table 8 Landscape and Visual Impact Magnitudes

Magnitude of Change – Magnitude of Change – landscape Visual

Total loss of or major alteration HIGH Proposals form a significant and to key elements / features / immediately apparent part of characteristics identified in the the view with often long-term baseline study and irreversible changes to its overall character. Often associated with close distance or direct and open views. Partial loss of or alteration to MEDIUM Proposals form a visible and one or more key elements / recognisable new element features / characteristics within the overall view which identified in the baseline study are readily noticed by the observer or receptor. Often associated with middle distance or partial views and often possible to mitigate. Minor loss of or alteration to LOW Proposals constitute a minor one or more key elements / component of the wider view, features / characteristics which might be missed by the identified in the baseline study casual observer or receptor. Often associated with long- distance or glimpsed views or can be short-term, reversible effects. Very minor, localised, loss of or NEGLIGIBLE Proposals constitute such a alteration to one or more key minor component of the view as elements / features / to only be visible when characteristics identified in the deliberately sought out and not baseline study casually perceptible, or are severely restricted so that proposals can be barely perceived. Can be associated with any distance from site, usually middle to long. No loss or alteration to one or NO CHANGE No part of the development, or more key elements / features / NB: this level is work or activity associated with characteristics of the baseline normally scoped it, is discernible or they are at (pre-development landscape) out in the baseline such a distance that they are and / or no introduction of new and not carried scarcely appreciated elements / features / forward to the characteristics assessment Note: based on GLVIA guidance samples on Pages 138 (visual impact magnitude, Terence O’Rourke plc, amended) and 145 (landscape impact magnitude, Jeffrey Stevenson Associates, Option 2, amended).

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Effects An effect is the result of an impact at a certain magnitude combined with the sensitivity of a receptor. For example, a moderate magnitude impact on a low sensitivity receptor may be considered differently to such an impact affecting a high sensitivity receptor.

Nature of Effects This assessment does not assign a beneficial or adverse nature to impacts and effects, but relies on a description of the type and scope of change likely to be experienced (for example addition of prominent element influencing a large extent of the view or addition of minor element only seen in a small part of the overall view).

Degree of Effect The degree of effect of the proposed development on potential landscape and visual receptors is measured as a combination of receptor sensitivity and magnitude of change using the matrix in Table 9 below.

Whilst degree of effect is determined for any project, a consideration of significance is only applicable to projects falling under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulationsix. This project was not subject to EIA Regulations, so a significance assessment has not been undertaken.

Table 9 Degree and Significance of Effects

Sensitivity

High Medium Low High Substantial Moderate/Substantial Moderate Medium Moderate/Substantial Moderate Slight Low Moderate Slight Negligible

Magnitude Negligible Slight Negligible Negligible

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Phasing This appraisal considers operational effects.

Operation phase effects are generally considered to be permanent, though for certain developments such as renewable energy installations they are temporary as the development has a built in decommissioning date. For this appraisal the duration of the operational phase has been set at a minimum of 25 years.

Guidelines for PV Solar Plant assessment The main landscape and visual effects caused by PV solar plants in an open landscape occur due to the introduction of large areas of technical structures into a normally rural landscape, often without connection to developed areas; the optical effects caused by the module surfaces; strongly geometric layouts and through earthworks, foundations; and construction activities associated with the plant, cabling and access. Height is not normally an issue for static row arrangements as they do not exceed 3m, which often is lower than adjacent hedges or one storey buildings.

This assessment is concerned with a static PV array of polycrystalline silicon modules. Those modules are equipped with an anti-reflection layer to increase the absorption of sun light by the cells (the aim is to absorb as much light as possible). Depending on the thickness of the anti-reflection layer, the perceived surface colour of the modules varies from dark blue to black. Some predominantly diffuse reflection still occurs (see 8.6.1 below), leading to a lighter appearance of the modules in comparison to surrounding natural non-reflective surfaces.

The cells are combined into a larger module, which in turn are connected to each other in rows of up to 99m length. A number of modules are then connected to a generator, which via a DC-AC converter and transformer (housed in a building) feeds into the grid. Cabling associated with the plants is normally laid under ground. Sites can be fenced.

The visual prominence of the plant in the landscape depends on the direction of view (i.e. viewer looks directly at the modules or looks at the sides or backs of rows), the location of the site in relation to surrounding ridges and features, the openness of the landscape, and the position of the site in relation to the horizon

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line (i.e. above or below horizon or locally important ridges). Obviously, weather and light conditions play an important part on the perception of a PV solar plant at any one time due to the optical issues described below.

Optical effects of PV solar plants PV solar plants can lead to a number of optical effects, those are:

1. Light reflection from textured, diffusing surfaces (modules) and less diffusing smooth surfaces (metal frames)

2. Mirroring through reflection from glass surfaces

3. Development of polarised light through reflection

Light Reflection: PV solar cells need the sun rays to generate electricity and reflection is therefore discouraged to optimise absorption of sun light. This is done through anti- reflection layers and special glass surfaces.

Despite this, not all reflection can be avoided. High quality glass lets 90% of light pass through, approximately 2% is diffused and 8% reflected. Modern anti- reflection layers can increase light absorption to over 95%, with reflection below 5%. The remaining reflection results in modules appearing slightly lighter in the landscape than vegetation covered areas.

A low sun position (angle below 40 degrees) increases reflection, total reflection occurs at an angle of 2 degrees. This reflection is diffused through use of textured front glasses. In addition, to see the reflection at those angles, the viewer would have to stand opposite the sun, which at low angles has an increased blending effect far exceeding the effect of the module reflections.

Frames can also reflect light, but this is considered of low relevance to the assessment in the context of the small proportion of frame surface in relation to the modules.

Mirroring: Mirroring surfaces reflect images in the vicinity that for example can imitate bird habitats and encourage birds to fly into it. This risk is greatest in vertical mirror glass frontages in urban areas, when vegetation is reflected.

The polycrystalline silicon modules only have a very small mirror capacity due to

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their colour and textured surface. In addition, they are installed at angles that prevent direct mirroring of vegetation. It is not considered an issue for this type of proposal.

Polarisation: Natural light is not polarised, it oscillates in all directions. Polarised light only oscillates in one direction. Polarisation occurs naturally through reflection and diffusion on air particles and surfaces, such as water or wet roads. Some birds and insects can see polarised light and use it to navigate. Solar modules could potentially change the polarisation of light, therefore there is an assumption that in some circumstances this could lead to irritation of some birds or insects. However, research in Germany has failed to proof such impacts to date. No visual or landscape impacts arise from the polarisation of light.

The issues discussed above have been taken into account in the impact assessment as appropriate and have been discussed in the report as required.

ZTVS and Landform Models

Purpose ZTVs, landform models, wire-frames and photomontages are used to inform baseline collation and impact assessment. All are computer based tools to inform the assessment process, none are definitive and any conclusions should always be ratified through field observation and professional judgement.

For this project the landform model and ZTVs were generated using the specialist software KeyTerraFirma. All were based on OS Landform Profile DTM data in .xyz format.

Overview of Land-Form Profile Data The OS Landform Profile data for this project was purchased from www.emapsite.com. Its parameters and limitations are outlined on the OS websitex. It is a static dataset representing the physical shape of the real world.

Ordnance Survey Land-Form Profile contours were created from height elements depicted in Ordnance Survey’s 1:10 000 scale mapping. The 1:10,000 mapping was recontoured in collation programme using photogrammetric techniques

CEC2014 Land at Higher Trenhayle PV Solar Array

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Final Report – 6th July 2012

completed in 1987. Small areas not visible on the photographs were surveyed from the ground. This is supplemented by spot heights, and high and low water marks from Ordnance Survey 1:1250, 1:2500 and 1:10 000 scale digital data. Land-Form Profile Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) are supplied in 5km x 5km tiles and consist of height values with a National Grid geo-reference at each intersection of a 10 metre horizontal grid, derived from the contour product.

The process of creating DTMs utilises all the height information contained in the contour file to generate the height of each of the points in the DTM. The results achieved will depend upon the density of height data contained in the contour file and on the nature of the terrain. In some flat areas, where there is little height information, contours and spot heights may be a great distance apart; this can cause irregularities in the DTM, which appear as slight terracing of the terrain.

The height accuracy of any point in the DTM is equal to or better than half the contour interval, that is ±2.5m for areas with 5m vertical interval and ±5m for areas with 10m vertical interval (moorlands and mountains). The data used for this report have a 5m vertical interval, i.e. the accuracy is ±2.5 m.

ZTVs Industry standard guidance on the production of ZTVs can be found in SNH’s 2002 and 2006 guidance.

ZTVs are computer generated graphics based on a groundmodel generated from DTM data that describe the area over which a site or development can theoretically be seen. They inform the setting of study area extents and the selection of assessment viewpoints and are only intended for use as a tool in conjunction with fieldwork.

The following data summarises the parameters used to generate the ZTVs for this study.

Baseline (Visual Appraisal) and theoretical full proposal visibility o Target point height above ground level: 2m o Target point 1: X = 158351.322 Y = 36370.298 o Target point 2: X = 158172.819 Y = 36272.887 o Target point 3: X = 158192.783 Y = 36129.704 o Target point 4: X = 158317.266 Y = 36251.761

Proposals – theoretical hub and tip of blade visibility

CEC2014 Land at Higher Trenhayle PV Solar Array

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Final Report – 6th July 2012

o Target point height above ground level: 3.5m o Target point locations: as above

CEC2014 Land at Higher Trenhayle PV Solar Array

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Final Report – 6th July 2012

Appendix 6: References i An Assessment of the Landscape Sensitivity to On-shore Wind Energy & Large Scale

Photovoltaic Development in Cornwall. Prepared for Cornwall Council by Land Use Consultants April 2011. ii Circular 07/09: Protection of World Heritage Sites, DCLG iii The Character of England Landscape, Wildlife and Cultural Features Map Natural England 2005 (update to 1996 Map) iv Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Landscape Character Study Cornwall Council 2008 v Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment, Second Edition. Landscape Institute and Institute for Environmental Assessment. 2002. vi Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland. Prepared on behalf of The Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage by Carys Swanwick, Department of Landscape University of Sheffield and Land Use Consultants. 2002. vii Visual Representations of Windfarms Good Practice Guidance. Prepared for Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Renewables Forum and the Scottish Society of Directors of Planning by horner+maclennan and Envision. March 2006. viii Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland: TOPIC PAPER 6: Techniques and Criteria for Judging Capacity and Sensitivity. Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage. 2004. ix Environmental Impact Assessment (England) Regulations (2011) x Ordnance Survey Landform Profile: User guide and technical specification v 5.1 Ordnance Survey June 2009

CEC2014 Land at Higher Trenhayle PV Solar Array

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Final Report – 6th July 2012

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office. Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. License No. 0100031673 NORTH

Revisions Gwithian Ref Details of Revision Date By - xxx xxx xx

5km Legend Site survey area

4km (co-ordinates ??????, ??????) Connor Downs Study Area Boundary

Distance markers around site

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A3074 A30

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Status / Purpose of Issue DRAFT Townshend

Project Name Higher Trenhayle

Figure Location Plan

Figure No Rev Scale Date By Godolphin Not to scale, see 06.06.2012 NW CEC2014/01 - scale bar, print on A3 Hill Client: Prepared by: TGC renewables CEC Ltd Five Acres Phone insert Allet Fax insert Truro / Cornwall TR4 9DJ 0 100 500 1000m 2000m Phone 01872 245510 Fax 01872 262071 0 100

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500m Status / Purpose of Issue Landscape Designations Higher Trenhayle Ref Client: CEC2014/03 Insert address Fax Phone Figure No Figure Project Name Revisions License No. may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Copyright and Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller Her Majesty's Stationary Office. This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of - Legend Heritage Designations Rights of Way / Routes Landscape Designations insert insert Details of Revision xxx 0100031673 Listed Buildings and Structures Registered Parks & Gardens Heritage Coast Local Public Rights of Way National Trails and Routes Conservation Areas Sustrans National Cycle Route Scheduled Ancient Monuments Open Access Land Area of Great Historic Value (AGHV) World Heritage Site Regional Trails and Routes Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Distance markers around site Site survey area Study Area Boundary - Rev scale bar, print on A3 Not to scale, see DRAFT Scale Five Acres Prepared by: Fax Phone CEC Ltd TR4 9DJ Truro / Cornwall Allet 01872 262071 01872 245510 06.06.2012 Date Date xxx NORTH NW By By xx 5km

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500m Status / Purpose of Issue Landscape Character Ref Higher Trenhayle Client: CEC2014/04 Insert address Fax Phone Figure No Figure Project Name Revisions License No. may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Copyright and Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller Her Majesty's Stationary Office. This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of - Local Landscape Character National Landscape Character East and within Land Description Unit 290 (hard rock plateau, Legend (JCA) 152 Cornish Killas. settled pastures). shallow brown soils on hard rock, clustered with small farms, The site is within Landscape Character Area 06 - Mount's Bay The site and study area is wholly within Joint Character Area insert insert Details of Revision xxx 0100031673 Distance markers around site Site survey area Study Area Boundary Boundaries of Land Description Units (LDUs) LCA05 St Ives Bay LCA11 Redruth, Camborne and Gwennap LCA28 North Coast-Reskeage Downs LCA03 Penwith Central Hills LCA04 Mount's Bay LCA06 Mount's Bay East Boundaries of National Joint Character Areas (JCA) - Rev scale bar, print on A3 Not to scale, see DRAFT Scale Five Acres Prepared by: Fax Phone CEC Ltd TR4 9DJ Truro / Cornwall Allet 01872 262071 01872 245510 06.06.2012 Date Date xxx NORTH NW By By xx

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500m Status / Purpose of Issue Ref Higher Trenhayle Solar Park LVIA Site Visibility Client: CEC2014/06 Insert address Fax Phone Figure No Figure Project Name Visual Appraisal and Existing Revisions License No. may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Copyright and Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller Her Majesty's Stationary Office. This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of - Theoretical Visibility Colours Legend PRoW inserted from GIS .shp file of Definitive Map data supplied by Modelled using KeyTerraFirma software. Groundmodel generated from Notes Cornwall Council. (Census 2001 Built Up Areas dataset) held in CEC library. (OpenSource Vector Data SW Woodland Layer dataset) and settlements represent top of proposed panels. VP12 OS Landform Profile .xyz gridding data to 15m grid. fieldwork. Viewpoints selected based on ZTV model and cross checked during Visual barriers modelled in based on GIS .shp files for woodlands 4no target points (2no in each field), overall height set to 3.5m insert insert Details of Revision xxx 0100031673 Distance markers around site Site survey area Study Area Boundary report and photograph appendix for more details National Trails and Routes 15m Using Census 2011 dataset for built up areas, set to average height of Using Forestry Commission dataset for Devon, set to average height of Appraisal Viewpoint Locations and Numbers - see 8m Landmarks and prominent points Major power lines in study area Regional Trails and Routes AONB boundary Visual Barrier - Settlements Visual Barrier - Woodlands Four target points or over 75% to 100% of the site One target point or appr. up to 25% of the site theoretically visible theoretically visible Three target points or appr. up to 75% of the site theoretically visible Two target points or appr. up to 50% of the site theoretically visible - Rev scale bar, print on A3 Not to scale, see DRAFT Scale Five Acres Prepared by: Fax Phone CEC Ltd TR4 9DJ Truro / Cornwall Allet 01872 262071 01872 245510 13.06.2012 Date Date xxx NORTH BH By By xx