Chapter 14 – Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Wheelabrator Harewood Waste-to- Energy Facility

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Table of Contents

14. Landscape and Visual ...... 14-3 Introduction ...... 14-3 Legislation and planning policy context ...... 14-3 Assessment Methodology ...... 14-6 Baseline Conditions ...... 14-11 Design Measures and Impact Avoidance ...... 14-38 Assessment of Likely Impacts and Effects...... 14-39 Mitigation and Monitoring ...... 14-70 Residual effects ...... 14-70 Cumulative Effects ...... 14-78 Conclusion ...... 14-79 References ...... 14-81

Figures

Figure 14-1: Zone of Theoretical Visibility – Bare Earth Figure 14-2: Topography and Watercourses Figure 14-3: Landscape Designations Figure 14-4: The Site Figure 14-5: Site Context Figure 14-6: Site Context: Topography and Hydrology Figure 14-7: Site Context: Landscape Context Figure 14-8: National Character Areas Figure 14-9: County Level Landscape Character Types Figure 14-10: County Level Landscape Character Areas Figure 14-11: District Level Landscape Character Areas Figure 14-12: Designated Landscapes Landscape Character Assessment Figure 14-13: Character of the Night Sky Figure 14-14: Zone of Theoretical Visibility – with Woodland Screening Figure 14-15: Representative Viewpoints Figure 14-16: Representative Viewpoints Inset Plan Figure 14-17: Representative Viewpoint 1 Figure 14-18: Representative Viewpoint 2 Figure 14-19: Representative Viewpoint 3 Figure 14-20: Representative Viewpoint 4 Figure 14-21: Representative Viewpoint 5 Figure 14-22: Representative Viewpoint 6 Figure 14-23: Representative Viewpoint 7 Figure 14-24: Representative Viewpoint 8 Figure 14-25: Representative Viewpoint 9 Figure 14-26: Representative Viewpoint 10 Figure 14-27: Representative Viewpoint 11 Figure 14-28: Representative Viewpoint 12 Figure 14-29: Representative Viewpoint 13 Figure 14-30: Representative Viewpoint 14 Figure 14-31: Representative Viewpoint 15 Figure 14-32: Representative Viewpoint 16 Figure 14-33: Representative Viewpoint 17 Figure 14-34: Representative Viewpoint 18 Figure 14-35: Representative Viewpoint 19 Figure 14-36: Representative Viewpoint 20

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14-1 Wheelabrator Harewood Waste-to- Energy Facility

Figure 14-37: Representative Viewpoint 21 Figure 14-38: Representative Viewpoint 22 Figure 14-39: Representative Viewpoint 23 Figure 14-40: Representative Viewpoint 24 Figure 14-41: Representative Viewpoint 25 Figure 14-42: Representative Viewpoint 26 Figure 14-43: Representative Viewpoint 27 Figure 14-44: Representative Viewpoint 28 Figure 14-45: Representative Viewpoint 29 Figure 14-46: Representative Viewpoint 30 Figure 14-47: Representative Viewpoint 31 Figure 14-48: Representative Viewpoint 32 Figure 14-49: Representative Viewpoint 33 Figure 14-50: Representative Viewpoint 34 Figure 14-51: Representative Viewpoint 35 Figure 14-52: Representative Viewpoint 36 Figure 14-53: Representative Viewpoint 37 Figure 14-54: Representative Viewpoint 38 Figure 14-55: Representative Viewpoint 39 Figure 14-56: Representative Viewpoint 40 Figure 14-57: Representative Viewpoint 41 Figure 14-58: Representative Viewpoint 42 Figure 14-59: Representative Viewpoint 43 Figure 14-60: Representative Viewpoint 44 Figure 14-61: Representative Viewpoint 45 Figure 14-62: Representative Viewpoint 46 Figure 14-63: Representative Viewpoint 47 Figure 14-64: Representative Viewpoint 48 Figure 14-65: Representative Viewpoint 49 Figure 14-66: Representative Viewpoint 50 Figure 14-67: Representative Viewpoint 51 Figure 14-68: Representative Viewpoint 52 Figure 14-69: Representative Viewpoint 53 Figure 14-70: Representative Viewpoint 54 Figure 14-71: Representative Viewpoint 55 Figure 14-72: Representative Viewpoint 56 Figure 14-73: Representative Viewpoint 57

Tables

Table 14-1 Classification Guide for the Significance of Landscape and Visual Effects ...... 14-7

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14-2 Wheelabrator Harewood Waste-to- Energy Facility

14.Landscape and Visual Introduction This chapter of the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) reports the findings of an assessment of the likely significant effects on landscape and visual receptors as a result of the proposed ‘Wheelabrator Harewood Waste-to-Energy Facility’ (hereafter referred to as the ‘Proposed Development’). For more details about the Proposed Development, refer to Chapter 4: The Proposed Development of this PEIR.

Landscape effects relate to the potential changes to the features or character of the landscape as a resource in its own right, including aesthetic and perceptual qualities.

Visual effects relate to the potential changes to people’s views (‘visual receptors’), e.g. residents, motorists or public rights of way users from the loss or introduction of features within the view.

The relevant background information for this landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) is set out in the following baseline sections and includes policy, published landscape character assessments, field work and a qualitative night time lighting assessment.

Combined cumulative landscape and visual effects (Type 2 effects) of the Proposed Development with other development schemes are discussed at the end of this chapter. Type 1 Effects will be presented in the final ES.

This PEIR chapter is supported by the following appendices which should be read in combination with this chapter:

· PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-1: Legislative and Planning Context; · PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-2: LVIA Methodology; · PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3: Details of LVIA Consultation · PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4: Published Landscape Character Assessments; · PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-5: Sensitivity of Landscape Receptors; · PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-6: Sensitivity of Visual Receptors; · PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-7: Assessment of Landscape Effects; and · PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-8: Assessment of Visual Effects. This PEIR chapter and supporting appendices have been produced by a Chartered Landscape Architect at AECOM with experience of assessing energy from waste schemes, large scale buildings, renewable energy schemes, and other power generating facilities. Legislation and planning policy context The LVIA has been undertaken considering relevant legislation and guidance set out in national, county and local planning policy in respect of the relevant landscape and visual matters. The legislation and policy requirements have informed the preparation of this PEIR chapter and are summarised below and set out more fully in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-1. National legislation National Policy Statements National Policy Statement (NPS) EN-1 (2011) (Ref 14-1) sets national policy for the delivery of major energy infrastructure and applies to the Proposed Development as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

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NPS EN-1 emphasises that “…the principal area in which consenting new energy infrastructure in accordance with the energy NPSs is likely to lead to adverse effects which cannot always be satisfactorily mitigated is in respect of landscape and visual effects.”

NPS EN-1 emphasises the requirement for good design, Paragraph 4.5.1 states that “…applying ‘good design’ to energy projects should produce sustainable infrastructure sensitive to place, efficient in the use of natural resources and energy used in their construction and operation, matched by an appearance that demonstrates good aesthetic as far as possible. It is acknowledged, however that the nature of much energy infrastructure development will often limit the extent to which it can contribute to the enhancement of the quality of the area.”

Section 5.9 of NPS EN-1 provides guidance on the assessment of landscape and visual effects of NSIPs, and guidance on the decision-making process. Paragraph 5.9.5 states that a LVIA should be carried out and reported in the ES, and references in Footnote 125 the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2nd Edition’ (GLVIA2) which was published in 2002. Since the publication of NPS EN-1 in 2011, the ‘Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd Edition’ (GLVIA3) was published in 2013. GLVIA3 is now the recognised guidance for carrying out LVIA in England and this LVIA has been carried out in accordance with GLVIA3 which is considered to accord with the intention of NPS EN-1.

NPS EN-3 (Ref 14-2) provides national policy and guidance for the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure, and as such applies to the Proposed Development as an energy from waste facility that would generate more than 50 MW of energy.

Paragraphs 2.5.49 to 2.5.52 of the NPS provide guidance on landscape and visual matters relevant to energy from waste facilities and states that “Mitigation is primarily achieved through aesthetic aspects of site layout and building design including size and external finish and colour of the generating station to minimise intrusive appearance in the landscape as far as engineering requirements permit.” National Planning Policy Framework The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (Ref 14-3) is a material consideration in the determination of Development Consent Order (DCO) applications.

The NPPF sets out the environmental role of sustainable development based upon improving biodiversity; core planning principles, including taking account of the character of different areas; and the importance of good design. The NPPF also requires that great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.

Paragraph 127 of the NPPF requires development to be visually attractive as a result of good architecture, layout and appropriate landscaping; and to be sympathetic to local character.

Paragraph 130 requires development to take opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions.

Section 15 provides the policy framework for conserving and enhancing the natural environment, including the protection and enhancement of valued landscapes.

Paragraph 172 states that great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in particular that the development within these landscapes should be limited.

Paragraph 180 requires development to be appropriate to its location and to protect tranquil areas prized for their recreational and amenity value; and limit the impact of light pollution on local amenity and intrinsically dark landscapes.

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County planning policy Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan The Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan (HMWP) (Ref 14-4) sets policy by Hampshire County Council for minerals and waste development. The HMWP requires minerals and waste development to maintain and enhance the landscape, and not to have a significant visual impact. Furthermore, it states that local or community-led landscape character assessments or village design statements should be considered in the assessment of minerals and waste development and these have been reviewed as part of this LVIA. Local planning policy Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan 2011-2029 The Test Valley Borough Local Plan (Ref 14-5) sets policy for the Borough and landscape and visual matters include Policies E1 and E2. The policies require high quality development in terms of its design and distinctiveness, which is sympathetic to the local landscape. Barton Stacey Village Design Statement Barton Stacey Parish is covered by a Village Design Statement (Ref 14-6) which provides guidance on new development within the Parish. The village design statement identifies key views around the village which have informed the selection of representative viewpoints for this LVIA. Barton Stacey Conservation Area Appraisal The Site is not located within the Barton Stacey Conservation Area, however the Conservation Area Appraisal (Ref 14-7) identifies a number of ‘important views’ which contribute to the character and setting of the conservation area, stating that “…care needs to be taken to ensure that these are not lost or compromised by inappropriate development or poorly sited services.”

The ‘important views’ have been reviewed as part of the identification and selection of representative viewpoints in the visual baseline. Longparish Village Design Statement Longparish Parish is covered by a Village Design Statement (Ref 14-8) which provides guidelines on new development within the Parish. The village design statement identifies key views around the village which have informed the selection of representative viewpoints for this LVIA. Longparish Conservation Area Appraisal The Site is not located within the Longparish Conservation Area; however, the Conservation Area Appraisal (Ref 14-9) identifies a number of ‘important views’ which contribute to the character and setting of the conservation area. The ‘important views’ have been reviewed as part of the identification and selection of representative viewpoints in the visual baseline. Hurstbourne Priors Conservation Area Appraisal The Site is not located within the Hurstbourne Priors Conservation Area; however, the Conservation Area Appraisal (Ref 14-10) identifies a number of ‘important views’ which contribute to the character and setting of the conservation area. The ‘important views’ have been reviewed as part of the identification and selection of representative viewpoints in the visual baseline. Designated Landscapes Policy With reference to Figure 14-1, the LVIA study area covers the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which is approximately 3.5 km to the north of the Site and the South Downs National Park (SDNP, which is approximately 11 km to the south-east of the Site.

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North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2014-2019 The AONB Management Plan (Ref 14-11) states that when preparing planning applications, those responsible should make reference to:

· the AONB Management Plan; · relevant North Wessex Downs AONB Position Statements; and · the North Wessex Downs AONB Integrated Landscape Character Assessment. The special qualities of the AONB relevant to landscape are structured around the key characteristics of the landscape character types identified in the AONB Integrated Landscape Character Assessment and repeated in the AONB Management Plan. North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Position Statement on Setting The North Wessex Downs AONB Position Statement on Setting (Ref 14-12) provides guidance to local planning authorities regarding development outside but within the setting of the AONB. The setting of the AONB is not a defined area, and “For the purposes of spatial planning, any development or change capable of affecting the significance of the AONB or people’s experience of it can be considered as falling within its setting.”

The position statement gives examples of adverse impacts on the setting of the AONB, and examples of matters that should be considered to avoid harm to the setting of the AONB. North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Position Statement on Renewable Energy The North Wessex Downs AONB Position Statement on Renewable Energy (Ref 14-13) provides guidance to local planning authorities regarding the provision of renewable energy projects likely to affect the AONB or its setting. The position statement provides specific guidance on energy from waste facilities, stating that they are “opposed in principle in the North Wessex Downs AONB” and that with reference to energy from waste facilities they consider that sites outside the AONB should be considered first. South Downs National Park Local Plan 2014-2033 The South Downs National Park Local Plan 2014-2033 (Ref 14-14) sets land use policies for within the National Park. The Local Plan references the South Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment as forming the baseline for the assessment of landscape impacts on the National Park. Assessment Methodology LVIA Methodology The LVIA has been undertaken in line with the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition, 2013 (Ref 14-15). The LVIA methodology is set out in full in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-2.

In summary, the LVIA identifies a study area and the landscape and visual receptors within this study area. For both landscape and visual receptors, the LVIA identifies their sensitivity, based upon an assessment of value and susceptibility. The overall significance of landscape and visual effects has been derived by considering the combination of the sensitivity of the receptors and the magnitude of impact resulting from the proposed development.

The landscape and visual baseline assessments have been based on desk study and field work. Field work has been undertaken between June 2018 and June 2019 and has included both summer and winter inspections to take account of the changing seasons and the differences between vegetation being in leaf or not.

The LVIA has been undertaken for the following scenarios, for which the magnitude of impact (change) is assessed:

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· Construction Phase (winter) – with deciduous vegetation not in leaf so as to represent a worst case scenario through greater potential visibility than compared to summer conditions and assuming peak construction activity; · Year 1 (winter) – to account for deciduous vegetation not being in leaf nor any proposed planting having established. The year 1 assessment assumes that the Proposed Development is operational and includes for an assessment of the visual atmospheric plume; and · Year 15 (summer) – to account for vegetation being in leaf and any new planting having established. The plume is not assessed in the year 15 scenario, as with reference to Chapter 7, the plume is only expected to be visible intermittently, dependent on operation of the facility and atmospheric conditions. The significance of landscape and visual effects is derived by considering the combination of the sensitivity of the receptors and the magnitude of impact resulting from the Proposed Development. The classification of these effects is set out in Table 14-1 below. This table is based on the GLVIA3 and therefore differs from Table 2-1 presented in Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria.

Major or moderate effects are judged to be significant, with minor, negligible and neutral considered not significant.

A description of the landscape and visual significance of effects is set out in Table 4-2 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-2.

Table 14-1 Classification Guide for the Significance of Landscape and Visual Effects

Sensitivity of Magnitude of Impact Receptor High Medium Low Very Low None Major or Moderate or Minor or High Major Neutral Moderate Minor Negligible Major or Moderate or Minor or Medium Negligible Neutral Moderate Minor Negligible Minor or Negligible or Low Moderate Minor Neutral Negligible Neutral Negligible or Very Low Minor Negligible Neutral Neutral Neutral

Identification of Landscape Receptors In order to identify the parts of the landscape within the study area that have the potential to experience a significant landscape effect, the bare-earth ZTV used to inform the extent of the study area (Figure 14-1) has been overlain onto the relevant character areas at the different scales to identify which areas would have the potential for intervisibility with the Proposed Development. This approach has been taken as beyond the immediate landscape the Site is located in, the potential for landscape impacts relates principally to changes in scenic beauty and the perception of remoteness experienced, each of which are as a result of intervisibility.

In addition, whilst the landscape character baseline has been reviewed for the full 25 km study area at the scale of NCAs and the county assessment Landscape Character Types (LCTs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs), at the district scale and for the designated landscapes the landscape character baseline has been reviewed for an area extending up to 15 km from the Site, and considering only the ‘finer-grain’ LCAs as opposed to the LCTs. This is a proportionate approach to reviewing the landscape character of the full study area, balancing the level of detail at the various scales such that the baseline is appropriate for a robust assessment of landscape effects across the full extent of the study area.

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Night Time Lighting Assessment Methodology The night time lighting assessment is qualitative (subjective) and assesses the likely potential change to the character of the night sky because of new lighting within the Proposed Development. Reference is made to the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) ‘Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light’ (Ref 14-16).

The methodology for assessing the likely effects of lighting on landscape character is set out in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-2. Zone of Theoretical Visibility Methodology The methodology used for preparing the Zones of Theoretical Visibility presented on Figures 14-1 and 14-14 is set out in part on each Figure, and in full in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-2. Key parameters for the Assessment of Landscape and Visual Effects The assessment of landscape and visual effects has been undertaken based on the ‘Rochdale Envelope’ of the Proposed Development, as described in Chapter 4: The Proposed Development. This involves an assessment of the maximum parameters that can realistically be built and any range in flexibility such as the position of buildings or limits of deviation around its sizing. Consultation A detailed account of the consultation undertaken for the LVIA is presented in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. In summary, the study area, landscape and visual receptors have been agreed with Stakeholders.

Table 14-2 below summarises the comments received in the EIA Scoping Opinion (Ref 14-17) from the Planning Inspectorate. The ID column refers to the comment ID from the Aspect Based Scoping Tables of the EIA Scoping Opinion.

Table 14-2 Comments received from the Planning Inspectorate (PINS)

ID Inspectorate’s Comments AECOM Actions 4.9.1 The Scoping Report explains that the Zone of Theoretical The maximum height of the Proposed Visibility (ZTV) has been established using SNH Guidance Development has been reduced from on wind farms. However, despite this guidance 100m to 80m above ground level of the acknowledging impacts from tall structures (100m in Proposed Development for the stacks, height) could result in effects extending 30 km from the and from 55m to 46m above ground level Proposed Development the Applicant has concluded views of the Proposed Development for the which fall between 15 km and 30 km away are not likely to building. In line with the SNH guidance experience significant effects. on areas of search, the LVIA has The Scoping Report does not provide robust justification in therefore used a study area of 25 km. support of the assumption that effects beyond 15 km and As detailed in Section 5 of PEIR Volume within 30 km would not be significant. The Scoping Report II: Appendix 14-3, the applicant has also fails to explain the reasons supporting the proposed made effort to agree the list of visual viewpoints for assessment (39). The Inspectorate therefore receptors and viewpoints for assessment does not agree to scope out an assessment of landscape with the relevant consultation bodies. and visual impacts beyond 15 km of the site. The ES The LVIA has assessed views for both should assess all likely significant effects to landscape and winter and summer scenarios, and both visual receptors. The Applicant should make effort to agree winter and summer photography will be the list of visual receptors and necessary viewpoints for captured to inform the assessment and assessment with relevant consultation bodies. included with the Environmental Assessments should be undertaken to encompass both Statement. winter and summer views. 4.9.2 The Scoping Report explains that a ZTV has been A methodology for the ZTVs has been established, based on an agreed worst case scenario for included with the LVIA at PEIR Volume II: building and stack heights. The ES should describe the Appendix 14-2. model used, provide information on the area covered and the timing of any survey work and the methodology used to

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ID Inspectorate’s Comments AECOM Actions inform the ZTV. It should be explained how the ZTV has been refined (for example, to take account of topography and vegetative screening). 4.9.3 The ES should assess impacts with the potential to result The LVIA makes an assessment of in likely significant effects on landscape and visual amenity landscape and visual impacts at the relating from loss of vegetation, use of the construction construction phase. This is presented in compounds and use of any other temporary structures/ full in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-7 and features required for construction (such as soil stockpiles PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-8. or cranes). 4.9.4 The ES Landscape and Visual chapter should cross The potential impacts on Archaeology reference with the Archaeology and Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage are presented in chapter when assessing the potential impacts to historic PEIR Volume I: Chapter 13: Archaeology landscapes which are likely to result in significant effects. and Cultural Heritage. 4.9.5 The impact of night time lighting should be assessed for The impact of night time lighting will be both the construction and operational phases of the assessed qualitatively in the LVIA for the Proposed Development. The assessment should address ES. impacts to aviation receptors and should also address The assessment of impacts to aviation impacts from the potential illumination of the plumes during receptors is not a matter for the LVIA, but night-time. The assessment should cross-refer to other has been considered in Chapter 17 – relevant aspect assessments (such as ecology and cultural Other Issues of this PEIR. heritage). The assessment of impacts relating to the potential illumination of the plume at night-time cannot be readily quantified, however the impact of night time lighting will be assessed qualitatively in the LVIA for the ES. 4.9.7 The ES should explain how the design of the proposed An appendix will be included with the structures and the materials to be used have been LVIA for the ES setting out the iterative selected with the aim of minimising impacts to landscape design process undertaken for the final and visual receptors. scheme design, with reference to landscape and visual matters.

Table 14-3 below summarises the consultation responses received from the relevant consultees.

Table 14-3 Consultation Summary

Consultee Date Comment Summary and location of response

Formal comments made by the Planning Inspectorate in 22nd Planning EIA Scoping the EIA Scoping Opinion. February Inspectorate Opinion 2019 Response provided on LVIA matters in Section 4 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Comments received in Appendix 2 of EIA Scoping Opinion 22nd EIA Scoping as a relevant consultee. February Opinion 2019 Response provided on LVIA matters in Section 5 of PEIR Test Valley Borough Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Council Scope of 18th June Agreement to scope of visual assessment, as per Section Visual 2019 8 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Assessment Comments received in Appendix 2 of EIA Scoping Opinion Basingstoke and 22nd as a relevant consultee. EIA Scoping Deane Borough February Requested study area extended from 15 km to 30 km. Opinion Council 2019 No response made but the study area has since been set at 25 km, as per paragraphs 14.57 to 14.66 of this PEIR.

22nd Comments received in Appendix 2 of EIA Scoping Opinion Winchester City EIA Scoping February as a relevant consultee. Council Opinion 2019 No response made.

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Consultee Date Comment Summary and location of response

Comments received in Appendix 2 of EIA Scoping Opinion as a relevant consultee. Requested change to methodology for assessing 22nd Hampshire County EIA Scoping susceptibility of visual receptors, which has been accepted February Council Opinion and Table 14-2-6 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-1 2019 updated. Response provided on other LVIA matters in Section 5 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Consulted as per Sections 2 and 3 of PEIR Volume II: North Wessex Appendix 14-3 but no comments received from consultee. - - Downs AONB The North Wessex Downs AONB will continue to be consulted through the DCO Statutory Consultation. Comments made by late submission to EIA Scoping South Downs 4th April EIA Scoping Opinion. National Park 2019 Opinion South Downs National Park agreed with the proposed approach of the LVIA. Comments received in Appendix 2 of EIA Scoping Opinion 22nd EIA Scoping as a relevant consultee. February Opinion 2019 Response provided on LVIA matters in Section 5 of PEIR Longparish Parish Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Council Comments received on Scope of Visual Assessment, as Scope of per Section 9 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. 4th July 2019 Visual Assessment Response provided in Section 9 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Comments received in Appendix 2 of EIA Scoping Opinion 22nd EIA Scoping as a relevant consultee. February Opinion 2019 Response provided on LVIA matters in Section 5 of PEIR Barton Stacey Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Parish Council Comments received on Scope of Visual Assessment, as Scope of 3rd July per Section 6 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Visual 2019 Assessment Response provided in Section 6 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Comments received in Appendix 2 of EIA Scoping Opinion 22nd EIA Scoping as a relevant consultee. February Opinion 2019 Response provided on LVIA matters in Section 5 of PEIR Hurstbourne Priors Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Parish Council Comments received on Scope of Visual Assessment, as Scope of 21st June per Section 7 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. Visual 2019 Assessment Response provided in Section 7 of PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3.

Limitations and assumptions The LVIA is based on the current maximum parameters of the Proposed Development as set out on drawings, with reference to the Rochdale Envelope as set out in Chapter 4: The Proposed Development. This presents a worst-case scenario in terms of assessing the maximum height, scale, and massing of the Proposed Development.

Representative viewpoints have been taken from publicly accessible viewpoint locations in accordance with standard industry practice. For residential receptors the closest publicly accessible locations have been visited to achieve a representative view.

Winter photography has not yet been undertaken but will be completed in December to January 2020 in advance of submission of the ES.

Photomontages and wirelines (visualisations) of the Proposed Development have not been undertaken for the PEIR, but will be undertaken for the ES.

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The construction phase has been assessed for a single point in time, assuming for peak construction activity, i.e. where all parts of the Proposed Development are under construction at the same time, including for cranes and tall lifting equipment.

The assessment of night time impacts has not been undertaken for the PEIR. At this time the lighting requirements and lighting design of the Proposed Development are not detailed enough to enable an assessment. The impact of the Proposed Development on the character of the night sky will therefore be assessed for the ES with reference to night time photography taken from the settlements of Barton Stacey, Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors.

For the PEIR, an assessment of the visual atmospheric plume has been undertaken on the assumption that a steam plume would be visible above the stacks. This has not yet been based on specific quantified air quality data for the Proposed Development, which will be available for the ES.

The Proposed Development will be connected to the National Grid via a buried electrical grid connection which will link the Proposed Development with a substation at Andover. The precise route or route corridor of this grid connection has not yet been selected and as such cannot be assessed. This will be assessed as part of the cumulative assessment for the ES. Baseline Conditions Study Area The purpose of the study area is to identify the area across which there is likelihood for significant landscape or visual effects. Whilst the Proposed Development may be perceived beyond the study area, the assessment has considered that the combination of distance, intervening landform and vegetation would not result in significant effects.

To inform the desk-based review of the Site and the extent of the study area, a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) was established, as illustrated on Figure 14-1.

The extent of the ZTV has been derived from industry guidance ‘Visual Representation of Wind Farms’ (Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), 2017). Whilst the Proposed Development is not a wind farm, it would include a building up to a height of up to 46m above the Site’s proposed ground level (proposed ground level of 62.5m AOD), and two chimney stacks of approximately 80m in height above the Site’s proposed ground level. As these are tall structures, the SNH guidance is appropriate to use in informing the study area. The ZTV was generated based upon existing landform only, and therefore constitutes a ‘bare earth’ scenario in line with the guidance.

Paragraph 48 of the SNH guidance recommends an area of search of 25 km for tall structures up to 85m in height and 15 km for tall structures up to 50m in height. The study area was therefore based upon a 25 km radius from the centre of the Site, to take account of the tallest feature of the Proposed Development.

With reference to Figure 14-1, the bare earth ZTV indicates that the Proposed Development would be widely visible from within 5 km of the Site, but that beyond this distance visibility would be more variable, as set out below.

To the north of the Site, the Proposed Development could be visible from across elevated locations within the North Wessex Downs AONB, with visibility generally limited to the ridgelines. As demonstrated by the ZTV, visibility from the north would be limited from the lower-lying landscape beyond 20 km from the Site.

To the east of the Site, the Proposed Development could be more intermittently visible, but visibility could extend as far as 25 km from the Site as a result of the elevated landform of the South Downs.

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To the south of the Site, the Proposed Development could be visible up to 7.5 km from the Site, but beyond this distance views would be limited to an elevated ridgeline extending west from Winchester between 10 km and 15 km south of the Site. The ZTV indicates that beyond this distance the Proposed Development would not be visible from the lower-lying landscape beyond the ridgeline.

To the west of the Site, the Proposed Development could be widely visible up to 20 km from the Site, excluding much of Andover. There could be intermittent visibility from between 20 km and 25 km of the Site.

The study area for the LVIA has therefore been set at a 25 km radius from the Site, so as to ensure the maximum potential area in which significant effects could occur is assessed. Overview of the 25 km Study Area This section provides an overview of the landscape context across the 25 km study area. It is followed by a more detailed analysis of the Site and surrounding 5 km. Landform and Watercourses – 25 km Study Area The landform across the study area relates to three broad geological areas:

· a clay landscape of the broad Thames Valley to the far north of the study area; · a chalk landscape of rolling landform which covers the majority of the study area, extending between the Thames Valley to the north across the Hampshire Downs, and encompassing part of the North Wessex Downs and the South Downs; and · a low-lying clay landscape at the confluence of several rivers in the far south of the study area. There are four principal watercourses within the study area. The River Kennet, which is within the Thames Valley in the far north of the area, and a series of three chalk rivers which drain the chalk downland landscape. These three rivers flow broadly parallel from north to south as shown on Figure 14-2 and are, from west to east, the River Bourne, River Test and River Itchen.

As shown on Figure 14-2, the varied landform of the study area covers a broad range of elevations from a highest elevation of approximately 297m AOD in the North Wessex Downs, to a lowest elevation of approximately -1.7m AOD in the far south of the study area towards the coast.

The Site is located at approximately 62m AOD near to the River Test valley, close to a confluence between the River Test and the River Dever, a minor tributary to the River Test.

The Test valley is a fairly narrow valley landscape, with a flat floodplain across the valley floor and fairly steep and distinctive valley sides. The Site is located outside of the perceived valley sides for the Test valley.

Within 5 km of the Site the landscape is characterised by gently rolling downland landform and the confluence of the two river valleys. A more detailed description of the landform specific to the Site and this 5 km context is provided in the next section under ‘Site Context’ below.

Between 5 km and 20 km to the north and north-west of the Site the land rises towards a prominent chalk scarp. This scarp landform is prominent on Figure 14-2, extending between Tidcombe in the west, through Walbury Hill, Beacon Hill (Highclere) and towards Hannington in the east. The scarp forms the most elevated part of the study area, with a high point of 297m AOD at Walbury Hill, and 261m AOD at Beacon Hill (Highclere).

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To the south of this scarp, the topography forms a broad dip slope and is characterised by a strongly rolling landform of dry valleys, ridgelines and combes that drain towards the Test valley. The nature of the ridges and valleys heavily influences the perceptual character of this area, with ridgelines generally having an open and expansive character and far-reaching views, and valleys having a more intimate and enclosed character where views are contained by the landform. This chalk scarp and dip slope topography forms the basis of the areas designation as part of the North Wessex Downs AONB.

Beyond 5 km to the east of the Site the landform is characterised by rolling downland which gradually increases in elevation towards the eastern edge of the study area, between Basingstoke and the South Downs. This area does not have the same dramatic scarp landform, valleys and combes as the AONB to the north of the Site, or as can be found in the South Downs.

The elevated rolling downland landscape of the South Downs is located in the south-east of the study area, beyond 11 km from the Site and approximately defined to its north and west by the extent of the River Itchen valley. The South Downs is characterised by similar dramatic scarps, hills and valleys as are found in the North Wessex Downs AONB, but the part of the South Downs within the study area is at a substantially lower elevation than the North Wessex Downs, with a highest elevation of 176m AOD at Cheesefoot Head, approximately 18 km from the Site.

As demonstrated by Figure 14-2, beyond 5 km from the south-east through to the west of the Site the landform is rolling downland at an elevation not substantially different to the Site, gradually rising towards a band of elevated topography between approximately 15 km from the Site to the south and 25 km from the Site to the west.

The band of elevated topography forms a broad curve through the study area between the South Downs in the south-east and the North Wessex Downs in the north-west, dissected by the Itchen valley and Test valley. It passes west from Winchester via Farley Mount (at an elevation of 178m AOD) towards the Test valley south of King’s Somborne, west of the Test valley towards Middle Winterslow (via the Broughton Down scarp at 138m AOD), and north through Tidworth to Ludgershall (via Beacon Hill (Bulford) at 204m AOD).

Between the Site and the band of elevated topography the rolling downland landform is also characterised by intermittent but prominent hills in the landscape, including Stockbridge Down (158m AOD) and Danebury Hill (143m AOD), both of which include the ruins of historic hill forts.

The location of the Site close to the Test valley between the North Wessex Downs and South Downs puts it at a relatively low-lying part of the landscape in the context of the wider study area described above, such that there are far-reaching views towards the Site from a number of distant locations extending up to 25 km. Vegetation – 25 km Study Area The vegetation patterns and land cover across the study area vary greatly, principally in relation to the underlying geology, landform and river valleys.

The Site is within an area of rolling chalk downland characterised by large-scale arable fields and with intermittent woodland cover, with tree cover generally contained to the River Test and River Dever valleys, Harewood Forest, and shelterbelts alongside roads and occasionally in field boundaries. A detailed description of the vegetation patterns around the Site and within 5 km of the Site is provided in the next section under ‘Site Context’ below.

In the wider study area, beyond the North Wessex Downs to the north the Thames Valley is characterised by extensive woodland cover which in combination with the low-lying topography creates an enclosed character.

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The North Wessex Downs has a vegetation pattern strongly influenced by its landform. The higher elevations of the Downs and the scarp are characterised by limited tree and woodland cover such that they have an open and exposed character, with far-reaching and panoramic views available. The lower elevations have more extensive tree and woodland cover, with repeating patterns of woodland and long sinuous shelterbelts along valley sides and intermittently across ridgelines such that the landscape is more inward-looking and despite the elevated position there are less frequent far-reaching views out of the AONB.

The downland between the North Wessex Downs and the South Downs, and extending across much of the rest of the study area to the east and west of the Site is characterised by generally limited woodland cover across elevated plateaux and upper valley slopes, and more sheltered valleys with woodland and tree belts along watercourses and lower valley slopes. As such, it is perceived to be a more open landscape that is characterised by big skies and open views.

There are occasional areas of more extensive woodland within the study area, such as Harewood Forest to the west of the Test Valley within 5 km of the Site, Blackwood Forest between the M3 and A303 approximately 10 km from the Site, Micheldever Wood approximately 11 km south-east of the Site, and blocks of woodland across the elevated land west of Winchester including Farley Mount. Settlement and Land Use – 25 km Study Area There are four major settlements within the study area:

· Andover, approximately 7km west of the Site; · Newbury, which is approximately 22.5km north of the Site; · Basingstoke, which is approximately 16.5km east of the Site; and · Winchester, which is approximately 11km south of the Site. Other towns and urban areas in the study area include Romsey and Eastleigh some 20 km to 25km from the Site.

Away from the major settlements and urban areas, settlement is more dispersed and predominantly comprises village settlements within the valleys across the landscape. The closest villages to the Site are Longparish to the north and Barton Stacey to the south; Hurstbourne Priors and Sutton Scotney also lie within 5 km. Each of these villages is located within a valley landform.

The Site is located away from a major urban area in an area of limited settlement. It is within an area of consolidated industrial land uses that includes a Material Recycling Facility (MRF), Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) Facility and solar farm. The surrounding land to the west and south is brownfield land formerly in MoD use.

A detailed description of settlement and land use around the Site and within 5 km of the Site is provided in the next section under ‘Site Context’ below. Roads and Public Rights of Way (PRoW) – 25 km Study Area The study area is crossed by a number of major transport routes the closest of which are the A303, approximately 150m south of the Site; and the A34 which is approximately 2.3 km east of the Site. There is a junction to the A303 within 150m to the south of the Site. The M3 motorway connects Basingstoke, Winchester and Eastleigh in the east of the study area, some 10 km from the Site at its closest point.

The study area includes one National Trail, the South Downs Way, and several defined long- distance recreational trails, including the Test Way which broadly follows the River Test valley, and the Wayfarer’s Walk, a long-distance route across Hampshire approximately 15 km east of the Site at its closest point.

There is generally a good provision of PRoW across the landscape, including more extensive and intensively used routes along river valleys and in the North Wessex Downs AONB and South Downs National Park (SDNP).

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A detailed description of roads and rights of way around the Site and within 5 km of the Site is provided in the next section under ‘Site Context’ below. Designated Landscapes – 25 km Study Area With reference to Figure 14-3, there are two statutory designated landscapes within the study area:

· North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, located approximately 3.5km north of the Site at its closest point; and · South Downs National Park, located approximately 11 km south-east at its closest point. The Site and its 5 km Context This section describes the Site and the landscape context within 5 km of the Site in greater detail, with reference to the headings used above to describe the landscape context of the wider study area. The Site With reference to Figure 14-4, the Site principally comprises an area of grassland and trees adjoining and bounded by The Street to the west, an access road to the south, a Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) and Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) Recycling Centre to the east, and a solar farm and agricultural field to the north.

The Site comprises two distinct areas; an area to the north adjoining The Street to the west which is approximately triangular in form and comprises grassland with some intermittent scrub; and an area to the south which is more rectangular in layout and comprises a mix of land uses. The two areas are divided by a belt of young to semi-mature woodland approximately 35m wide.

The triangular area in the north of the Site lies between the Street to its west and an arable field and solar farm to its east. It is bounded by mature hedgerows to the west and north, which converge at a group of trees at its northern point. To the south it is bounded by the belt of woodland that separates the two parts of the Site.

The rectangular area to the south comprises a mix of land uses which are, from west to east, an area of scrub, grassland and woodland that forms the boundary between the Site and The Street; an area of open grassland which covers much of this part of the Site; a small office building and area of car parking which serves the MRF; and a bund of grass, scrub and young trees. 5 km Site Context - Landform and Watercourses As shown on Figure 14-6, the Site is located in a low-lying position close to the confluence of the Test valley and Dever valley in an area of strongly rolling downland.

The Site is predominantly flat with a slight downward slope from north to south between approximately 65m AOD and 60m AOD. There are engineered earth bunds between 5m and 10m above existing ground levels within the east of the Site which extend between the Site and the adjacent industrial facilities to the east.

To the north-east of the Site the land rises gradually along a ridgeline-oriented south-west to north-east, with the Site located at its south-western end. This ridgeline extends to a local peak of 105m AOD approximately 2.75 km from the Site. This ridgeline forms part of the broader eastern valley side to the Test valley.

East of the Site the land rises towards Tidbury Ring, a local high point and hill at 114m AOD approximately 2 km away. A shallow dry valley is formed between the ridgeline which extends north-east from the Site and the Tidbury Ring to the east.

Beyond the Dever valley to the south of the Site, the landform is strongly undulating between 55m AOD and 95m AOD, with local high points west and east of Barton Stacey. Barton Stacey lies partially within a shallow but steep-sided dry valley that extends south from the Dever valley.

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To the west, north-west, and north of the Site the Test valley passes through the landscape on a north-east to south-west orientation. With reference to Figure 14-6 the River Test flows south-west from Whitchurch and has a confluence with the Bourne Rivulet (a tributary watercourse) close to Hurstbourne Priors. The River Test has a braided flow pattern through the valley, and the valley has a distinctive flat valley bottom between the steep and rolling valley sides.

North-west of the Test valley the landscape rises to an undulating ridgeline between 100m and 125m AOD which separates the River Test from Andover. 5 km Site Context - Vegetation As shown on Figure 14-5 and 14-7, the local vegetation cover principally relates to the two river valleys, woodland around the former MoD land and Site, and Harewood Forest.

As noted in the Site description, the Site includes a young woodland plantation which extends through the central part of the Site, and partially covers the artificial bund in the east of the Site.

Mature hedgerows and intermittent tree cover that line The Street limit the availability of views into the ground-level of the Site, and in addition mature tree belts and areas of woodland around the west and south of the Site around the former MoD land provide enclosure.

South of the Site the A303 is enclosed by intermittent belts of trees and scrub which also provide some enclosure to the ground-level of the Site in the nearby landscape.

The Dever valley is characterised by sinuous woodland cover alongside the river with open arable fields and hedgerows along its valley sides. South of the Dever valley, as shown on Figure 14-5 tree cover is principally linear shelterbelts, geometric plantations, and field hedgerows such that the landscape has a fairly open character.

To the north-west of the Site, the River Test valley is well-wooded with tree cover along watercourses and in field boundaries such that there are few views out of the valley and it has a strong sense of enclosure.

North-west of the Test valley the landscape has much greater woodland and tree cover such that it has an enclosed character. Harewood Forest is an extensive area of Ancient Woodland across the ridgeline between the Test valley and Andover.

To the north through to the east of the Site, the landscape is predominantly open, with large- scale arable fields dominating, and occasional shelterbelts along field boundaries. A disused railway provides a linear wooded feature to the Site’s north-east.

In general, the combination of landform and vegetation cover means that the ground plane of the Site is generally not perceived from the surrounding landscape. 5 km Site Context - Settlement and Land Use As shown on Figure 14-7, Settlement within 5 km of the Site is principally dispersed along the river valleys. The villages of Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors are situated within the River Test valley, and the villages of Barton Stacey and Sutton Scotney are located along the River Dever valley. There are a number of other smaller hamlets and areas of settlement also located along the river valleys.

Longparish is a linear settlement which is located on the north-west bank of the River Test approximately 1 km north of the Site and comprises the joined-up hamlets of Middleton, East Aston, West Aston and Forton. The settlement has a wooded and historic character and is covered by a conservation area designation. It has a strong sense of enclosure within the valley.

Hurstbourne Priors is north of Longparish in the Test Valley and on the edge of the north Wessex Downs AONB. The village has a linear settlement pattern alongside the route of the B3048. The village is covered by a conservation area designation and has a strong sense of enclosure in its wooded valley location.

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Barton Stacey has a more dispersed settlement pattern. The settlement is located on the south side of the River Dever valley on elevated land with a general northerly aspect providing views towards the Site and North Wessex Downs. The village has a historic core located within a dry valley, as well as outlying 20th century housing to the north-east located outside of this valley and with a northerly aspect. The historic core is covered by a conservation area designation.

Sutton Scotney is located east of Barton Stacey between the River Dever valley and the A34, on the east side of the A34. The village has a nucleated settlement pattern and is covered by a conservation area designation.

The Site is located in an area of consolidated industrial land uses which includes a MRF, IBA Facility, and solar farm. The surrounding land to the west and south is brownfield land formerly in MoD use.

Aside from residential settlement, other notable land uses include the A303 and A34 highways, the Bullington Cross junction between the A303 and A34, a small highway service station to the south-west of the Site on the A303, and the Harewood Forest Industrial Estate which is located 2.5 km west of the Site to the south of a junction with the A303. 5 km Site Context - Roads and Public Rights of Way (PRoW) As shown on Figure 14-7, the Site is not crossed by any public rights of way, but there are a number of public footpaths within the Test valley at Longparish, and around the village of Barton Stacey. The Test Way long distance recreational trail passes along the Test valley, generally on the north-west valley side but also passing through the village of Longparish.

The Site is accessed via a gateway from The Street, which forms its western boundary. The Street links the A303 with the villages of Longparish and Barton Stacey and crosses the A303 via an overbridge just south of the Site.

The B3048 is the principal road through the Test valley, connecting the villages of Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors, with a series of other minor roads also within the valley.

Around Barton Stacey and in the landscape south of Barton Stacey there are minor rural lanes which criss-cross the landscape and owing to their routes across the downland, occasionally have an open character as they cross elevated positions.

The A34 is a north-south dual carriageway which passes approximately 2.5 km east of the Site at its closest point. The road crosses the rolling downland landscape and as such there are intermittent far-reaching views out. 5 km Site Context - Designated Landscapes As shown on Figure 14-7, the North Wessex Downs AONB is within 5 km of the Site, located to the north.

The Grade II Registered Park and Garden of Hurstbourne Park is located within 5 km of the Site, extending around the north side of the village of Hurstbourne Priors.

The villages of Barton Stacey, Longparish, Hurstbourne Priors and Sutton Scotney each have conservation area designations. Landscape Character The study area is covered by several published landscape character assessments, which have been undertaken at national, county, and district levels, therefore covering a range of scales.

Landscape character assessment is defined within GLVIA 3 as the:

“process of identifying and describing variation in the character of the landscape and using this information to assist in managing change in the landscape. It seeks to identify and explain the unique combination of elements and features that make a landscape distinctive.”

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Local planning authorities use their published landscape character assessments as part of their planning policy evidence base and the published assessments often provide specific guidance or recommendations on managing landscape change.

The following section summarises those aspects of the published studies which are relevant to the study area and the Site.

The following section should be read in combination with PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4 which provides detail on the published National Character Areas, LCTs, and LCAs that intersect the ZTV; and with Figures 14-8 to 14-12 which illustrate the character areas of the various published studies, including those which do not intersect the ZTV. National Character Areas At the national level, National Character Areas (NCAs) (Ref 14-18) have been defined and described by Natural England. England is divided into 159 NCAs, each defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity, and economic and cultural activity.

As shown on Figure 14-8, the Site and the landscape within 15 km of the Site is covered by National Character Area (NCA) 130 Hampshire Downs.

NCA 130 is described as a rolling, elevated, chalk downland landscape with an open and exposed character that provides long-distance views. The NCA is predominantly in arable use with a large-scale field pattern. There is some variance between elevated upper valley slopes that have extensive, open, low-hedged fields and shelterbelts, and the sheltered valleys that often have networks of hedgerows interspersed with woodland that creates a strong sense of enclosure. The NCA landscape is crossed by a number of chalk rivers and streams.

NCA 130 identifies statements of environmental opportunity (SEOs) to achieve sustainable growth and a secure environmental future. SEO 4 is considered relevant to the Site and the Proposed Development: “Encourage woodland management regimes that: ensure good condition of priority habitats and species; maximise the potential ecosystem benefits of woodland such as carbon sequestration, water quality and regulation, timber provision, recreation and biomass potential; and enhance the landscape visually.”

As well as NCA 130, the following NCAs within the study area intersect the ZTV:

· NCA 129 Thames Basin Heaths, in the north part of the study area; · NCA 125 South Downs, in the south-east part of the study area; and · NCA 132 Salisbury Plain and West Wiltshire Downs, in the western part of the study area. The key characteristics and relevant SEOs for each of these NCAs are presented in full in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4. County Landscape Character Assessments The 25 km study area covers three counties, Hampshire (within which the Site is located); Wiltshire, which covers the west of the study area and is approximately 13.5 km from the Site at its closest point; and Berkshire, which covers the far north of the study area and is approximately 17.5 km from the Site at its closest point.

The three counties each have their own published county-level landscape character assessment, as follows:

· Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment, 2012 (Ref 14-19); · Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment, 2005 (Ref 14-20); and · Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment, 2003 (Ref 14-21). The LCTs and LCAs identified in each of these published assessments have been used to identify the key landscape characteristics across the study area.

The LCTs within the study area are presented on Figure 14-9, and the LCAs within the study area are presented on Figure 14-10.

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Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment – Landscape Character Types As shown on Figure 14-9, the Site is within Hampshire Landscape Character Type (HLCT) A: Open Downs. The landscape within 5 km of the Site is further characterised by HLCT G: River Valley Floor, which covers the River Test and River Dever Valleys; and HLCT C: Downland Mosaic Large Scale.

The Open Downs LCT is described as a large scale open rolling landscape type, with shallow soils on chalk geology. Settlement is sparse on the Open Downs LCT, and there are typically low hedges and few woodlands, giving a perception of big skies and long distance views. There is a sense of remoteness in the LCT emphasised by the low level of development.

The River Valley Floor LCT is described as covering the valley floors in Hampshire, which have varied landform and tree cover. The river valley floors are often pasture dominated landscapes, with crystal clear rivers that have an international reputation for fishing.

The Downland Mosaic Large Scale LCT is described as having greater clay soil content than the Open Downs LCT, such that there is greater woodland cover, including large blocks of ancient woodland. The LCT has a large scale landscape character influenced by the rolling topography and medium- to large-size fields, and constantly changing views with panorama from high points across undulating downs to river valleys.

The following HLCTs within the study area are covered by the ZTV, as shown on Figure 14-9:

· HLCT A: Open Downs; · HLCT B: Chalk Scarp; · HLCT C: Downland Mosaic Large Scale; · HLCT D: Downland Mosaic Small Scale; · HLCT E: Lowland Mosaic Medium Scale; · HLCT F: Lowland Mosaic Small Scale; · HLCT G: River Valley Floor; and · HLCT H: Wooded Downland Plateau. The key characteristics of the above Hampshire LCTs are presented in full in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4.

Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment – Landscape Character Areas As shown on Figure 14-10, the Site is within Hampshire Landscape Character Area (HLCA) 8E: Mid Hampshire Open Downs. The landscape within 5 km of the Site is further characterised by HLCA 3B: Test Valley, HLCA 8D: Andover Open Downs, and HLCA 7A: North West Hampshire Open Downs.

HLCA 8E is described as a rolling landscape with a sense of elevation, space and expansive views. It comprises arable land, with woodland a rare feature, and it is noted as having very few settlements. Settlement is mostly farmsteads, often with large modern storage sheds. It is a landscape of straight and direct fast roads.

HLCA 3B is described as a landscape of steep, abrupt valley sides with long tributaries extending deep into the surrounding chalk hinterland. It is a generally meandering and braided river course rich in biodiversity and adjoining areas of floodplain meadows and pasture, with arable fields along valley sides. It is described as having a generally unspoilt, remote and tranquil character apart from urban influences close to major towns and roads. Views in the LCA are limited to the valley floor, but with good views across and along the valley from open parts of the valley side.

HLCA 8D is described as a plateau downland with gentle undulating ridges and dry chalk valleys, with occasionally prominent hills. It is described as an open, expansive landscape with long distant views across downland and the river valleys, which dissect the landscape.

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HLCA 7A is described as comprising high rolling hills cut by steep sided, long, sinuous dry valleys, scarps and dramatic combes. It has an unspoilt, tranquil, and rural character and is of a high scenic quality. It is described as being a generally inward looking and contained landscape as a result of the topography and pattern of vegetation.

The following HLCAs within the study area are covered by the ZTV, as shown on Figure 14- 10:

· HLCA 2H: Lockerley Wooded Farmland; · HLCA 2N: Wellow and Awbridge Heath Associated Wooded Farmland; · HLCA 3B: Test Valley; · HLCA 3C: Itchen Valley; · HLCA 6A: East Hampshire Wooded Downland Plateau; · HLCA 7A: North West Hampshire Downs; · HLCA 7B: Hannington and Dummer Downs; · HLCA 7D: Bighton and Bramdean Downs; · HLCA 7E: South West Hampshire Downs; · HLCA 7F: West Winchester Downs; · HLCA 7G: Owlesbury and Corhampton Downs; · HLCA 8A: Willesley and Litchfield Dipslope Open Downs; · HLCA 8B: Basingstoke Open Downs; · HLCA 8C: North East Hampshire Open Downs; · HLCA 8D: Andover Open Downs; · HLCA 8E: Mid Hampshire Open Downs; · HLCA 8F: Candover Valley; · HLCA 8G: East Winchester Open Downs; · HLCA 8H: East Dean Open Downs; and · HLCA 13A: Clere Scarp and Greensand Terrace. The key characteristics of the above Hampshire LCAs are presented in full in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4.

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment – Landscape Character Types The Wiltshire Landscape Character Types (WLCTs) defined in the Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment are shown on Figure 14-9.

The following WLCTs within the study area are covered by the ZTV:

· WLCT 2: Wooded Downland; · WLCT 3: High Chalk Plain; · WLCT 14: Forest Heathland Mosaic; and · WLCT 15: Greensand Vale. The key characteristics of all Wiltshire LCTs are presented in full in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4.

Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment – Landscape Character Areas The Wiltshire Landscape Character Areas (WLCAs) defined in the Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment are shown on Figure 14-10.

· The following WLCAs within the study area are covered by the ZTV:

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· WLCA 2B: Chute Forest; · WLCA 2C: Witherington Wooded Downland; · WLCA 3B: Salisbury Plain East; · WLCA 3C: Porton Down; · WLCA 14A: Farley Forest-Heathland Mosaic; and · WLCA 15A: Vale of Pewsey. The key characteristics of all Wiltshire LCAs are presented in full in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4.

Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment – Landscape Character Types The Berkshire Landscape Character Types (BLCTs) defined in the Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment are shown on Figure 14-9.

The following BLCTs within the study area are covered by the ZTV:

· BLCT D: Chalk Scarp. The key characteristics of the Berkshire LCTs are presented in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14- 4.

Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment – Landscape Character Areas The Berkshire Landscape Character Areas (BLCAs) defined in the Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment are shown on Figure 14-10.

The following BLCAs within the study area are covered by the ZTV:

· BLCA D1: Walbury Hill. The key characteristics of the Berkshire LCAs are presented in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14- 4. District Landscape Character Assessments The 25 km study area covers a wide number of districts and respective published character assessments.

With reference to the Assessment Methodology, the LCTs and LCAs of published studies within 15 km of the Site have been reviewed.

The Site is located within Test Valley Borough, with Basingstoke and Deane Borough to its north-west, and Winchester District to its south-east. The three districts each have their own published district-level landscape character assessment, as follows:

· Test Valley Borough Landscape Character Assessment, 2018 (Ref 14-22); · Winchester District Landscape Character Assessment, 2004 (Ref 14-23); and · Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Character Assessment, 2001 (Ref 14-24). The Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) identified in each of these published assessments have been used to identify the key landscape characteristics, and management guidelines where relevant. Each of the LCAs within 15 km of the Site is presented on Figure 14-11.

Test Valley Borough Landscape Character Assessment The landscape character of Test Valley Borough has been described in the Test Valley Borough Landscape Character Assessment. The published assessment sets Borough-wide landscape strategies and guidelines, which the assessment states should be read in conjunction with the characteristics and guidance provided for the relevant LCT and LCA.

The relevant Borough-wide landscape strategies and guidelines to the Proposed Development include:

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· “Areas noted for their sense of remoteness, tranquillity and seclusion to be protected from intrusive and inappropriate human activity; · Maintain significant open vistas from visual intrusion; · Reference to be made to the Borough’s historic landscape character when considering change in the landscape; · As far as possible changes to the landscape should seek to complement and reflect the landscape character and not rely on mitigation measures to disguise intrusive or uncharacteristic features; · Conserve views to valued landscape features; · New development should be sensitively integrated into the landscape with careful siting, design, selection of materials and consideration of scale and massing, and the protection and enhancement of historic landscape character and settlement pattern, protecting sensitive views and enhancing the sense of place and local distinctiveness; · Consideration to be given to the visual impact of isolated and cumulative development on skylines; · Light pollution to be minimised in accordance with the Institute of Lighting Engineers guidance on Light Pollution; · Avoid inappropriate types and quantity of developments that will cumulatively change the character of the area from rural to urban / suburban; · Lighting in the countryside and in towns to be designed to minimise light pollution and sky glow. Areas noted for their dark skies to be protected from further erosion from unnecessary light sources; · Opportunities to be sought to reduce the visual impact of overhead power lines; and · New infrastructure projects to be carefully sited to minimise impact on the landscape and views.” As shown on Figure 14-11, the Site is located within Test Valley Landscape Character Area (TVLCA) 10E: Drayton Chalk Downland.

TVLCA 10E is described as an area of rolling chalk downland which extends across the Borough boundary into Basingstoke and Deane Borough. It includes the ex-army camps at Drayton Down (where the Site is located) which contrast with the rest of the LCA which is predominantly arable farmland.

Key local issues identified for TVLCA 10E include further solar and other renewable development eroding the rural character of the area; the influence and degrading of the landscape with land uses adjacent to the A34 and A303; and the impact of tall structures. In response, land use and development guidelines for TVLCA 10E include:

· “Careful consideration to be given to the environmental impact of alternative uses for redundant MOD land; · Avoid intrusive development of tall and large structures except where they can be successfully integrated into the landscape; and · Look for opportunities to improve access, and the landscape setting for Tidbury Hill” The following TVLCAs within the study area are covered by the ZTV:

· TVLCA 5B: Middle Test Valley Floor; · TVLCA 5C: Upper Test Valley Floor; · TVLCA 5G: River Dever Valley Floor; · TVLCA 5H: Pillhill Brook Valley Floor; · TVLCA 5J: Lower River Anton Valley Floor; · TVLCA 6B: Compton with Parnholt and Michelmersh Woods;

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· TVLCA 6C: Little Somborne Wooded Downs; · TVLCA 6D: Harewood Forest Wooded Downs; · TVLCA 6E: Amport Wooded Downs; · TVLCA 6F: Rushmore Wooded Downs; · TVLCA 6G: Faccombe Wooded Downs; · TVLCA 7A: Ashley Downs; · TVLCA 7C: Linkenholt Downs; · TVLCA 8A: Tangley and Doles Wood; · TVLCA 9A: North Andover Plateau; · TVLCA 10B: King’s Somborne Chalk Downland; · TVLCA 10C: Thruxton and Danebury Chalk Downland; · TVLCA 10D: Leckford and Chilbolton Downs; · TVLCA 10E: Drayton Chalk Downland; and · TVLCA 10F: Andover Chalk Downland. The published key characteristics for each Test Valley LCAs are presented in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4.

Winchester District Landscape Character Assessment The Winchester Landscape Character Areas (WNLCAs) defined in the Winchester District Landscape Character Assessment are shown on Figure 14-11.

The following WNLCAs within the study area are covered by the ZTV:

· WNLCA 1: Hursley Scarplands; · WNLCA 2: Sparsholt Woodlands; · WNLCA 3: Crawley Downs; · WNLCA 4: Wonston Downs; · WNLCA 5: Dever Valley; · WNLCA 6: North Dever Downs; · WNLCA 7: Stratton Woodlands; · WNLCA 8: North Itchen Downs; · WNLCA 9: Upper Itchen Valley; · WNLCA 10: Bighton Woodlands; and · WNLCA 12: East Winchester Downs. The published key characteristics for each Winchester LCA are summarised in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4.

Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Character Assessment The Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Character Areas (BDLCAs) defined in the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Character Assessment are shown on Figure 14-11.

The following BDLCAs within the study area are covered by the ZTV:

· BDLCA 7: The Clere Scarp; · BDLCA 8: Great Litchfield Down and Willesley Warren; · BDLCA 9: Ashmansworth and Binley Down; · BDLCA 10: Litchfield Down;

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· BDLCA 11: Wyke Down; · BDLCA 12: Test and Bourne Valley; · BDLCA 13: South Test Down; · BDLCA 14: Oakley/Steventon Down; · BDLCA 15: Hannington Down; · BDLCA 17: Dummer and Popham Down; and · BDLCA 20: Candover Valley. The published key characteristics for each Basingstoke and Deane LCAs are summarised in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4. Designated Landscapes Landscape Character Assessments As previously noted, the 25 km study area includes the North Wessex Downs AONB and South Downs National Park.

With reference to the Assessment Methodology, the LCTs and LCAs of published studies within 15 km of the Site have been reviewed.

The published landscape character assessment that have been reviewed are:

· North Wessex Downs AONB Integrated Landscape Character Assessment, 2002 (Ref 14- 25); and · South Downs National Park Integrated Landscape Character Assessment, 2011 (Ref 14- 26). North Wessex Downs AONB Integrated Landscape Character Assessment The landscape of the North Wessex Downs AONB has been described and defined in the North Wessex Downs AONB Integrated Landscape Character Assessment. This assessment breaks the landscape down into LCTs, and then further sub-divides the LCTs into more discrete LCAs.

As shown on Figure 14-12, within 15 km the AONB is characterised by North Wessex Downs Landscape Character Type (NWDLCT) 7 River Valleys, and NWDLCT 2 Downland with Woodland.

NWDLCT 7 is described as comprising river valleys incised into the chalk uplands characterised by enclosure, pastoral land cover, and settlement which contrasts with the more ‘remote’ open arable uplands of the AONB. They are described as having short and relatively steep valley sides, with flat floodplains containing clear fast flowing waters and important chalk river habitats. The LCT is noted for its recreational opportunities, including linear routes and fishing.

NWDLCT 2 is described as comprising elevated chalk uplands with a strongly rolling landform of gently domed hill tops, dry valleys and notable scarp and dipslope topography. The dominant land cover is arable farmland, although enclosure is provided by hedgerows and a mosaic of woodland cover. It is described as a sheltered landscape with recreational opportunities provided by a high density of public rights of way, and a peaceful, tranquil and secluded rural character.

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The following North Wessex Downs Landscape Character Areas (NWDLCAs) within the study area are covered by the ZTV:

· NWDLCA 7C: Bourne Valley; · NWDLCA 2F: Litchfield Downs; · NWDLCA 2E: Chute Forest – Faccombe; · NWDLCA 2D: Walbury Hill – Watership Down Scarp; and · NWDLCA 2G: Hannington Downs. The published key characteristics for each North Wessex Downs LCAs are summarised in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4.

South Downs National Park Integrated Landscape Character Assessment The landscape of the South Downs National Park has been described in the South Downs National Park Integrated Landscape Character Assessment. This assessment breaks down the landscape into LCTs and then further sub-divides the LCTs into more discrete LCAs.

As shown on Figure 14-12, within 15 km the National Park is South Downs Landscape Character Type (SDLCT) E Chalk Valley Systems, and SDLCT A Open Downland.

SDLCT E is described as comprising broad, branching valleys carved from the chalk downs and indented by dry valleys and coombes to create smoothly rounded valley sides. Lower valley floors are characterised by clear chalk rivers within a flat floodplain landform, with areas of pasture, wet woodland and water meadows such that there is notable ecological interest. Away from the transport corridors the valleys retain an unspoilt and tranquil pastoral character.

Key sensitivities of SDLCT E of relevance include the visual setting of church towers, and views towards the valley crests which are seen against an open sky and are particularly visually sensitive. As such, relevant development considerations that are identified in the study include conserving the open skylines of the valley crests and the setting of villages.

SDLCT A Open Downland is described as comprising a large scale open elevated landscape of rolling chalk downland, with dry valleys and scarp slopes. Land cover is typically large scale geometric arable fields, and as such the area is characterised by large open skies and distant panoramic views. Urban development beyond the designated area is noted as characteristic of views this landscape type, but that the landscape type is tranquil and often seemingly remote and empty.

Key sensitivities of SDLCT A of relevance include the open uninterrupted skylines and exposed undeveloped character, as well as the strong sense of tranquillity and remoteness, and the nature of views beyond the South Downs boundary. As such, relevant development considerations that are identified in the study include considering the effects of any development beyond the designated area on the South Downs landscape.

The following South Downs Landscape Character Areas (SDLCAs) within the study area intersect the ZTV:

· SDLCA E4: Itchen Valley; and · SDLCA A5: East Winchester Open Downs. The published key characteristics for each South Downs LCAs are summarised in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-4. Character of the Night Sky The LVIA includes a non-measured (qualitative) assessment of the existing lighting and character of the night sky.

The Site is not lit, with the offices in the east of the Site found not to be lit at night, and the existing junction access to The Street not lit.

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With reference to Figure 14-13, England’s Light Pollution and Dark Skies, published online by Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), indicates the level of radiance (night lights) shining up into the night sky. These have been categorised into colour bands to distinguish between different light levels, such that the brightest light levels are represented by the pink and red colours, and the darkest levels are represented by the light and dark blues.

The dark sky mapping indicates that the majority of the study area is at the darker levels of lighting, the main exceptions being the towns of Andover, Basingstoke, Winchester, Newbury and Eastleigh, and the military base at Tidworth, where the levels of radiance increase towards the settlement centres. Light levels in smaller villages, including Barton Stacey, Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors are low, with the main sources of lighting indicated at junctions along major roads such as the A303 and A34.

The Site is located in an area indicated on Figure 14-13 as having increased light levels. However, field work has found that in reality the variation in lighting does not appear to be as noticeable as suggested by Figure 14-3. The Barton Stacey junction to the A303 is not lit by street lights, and whilst there are sources of light within the industrial land uses adjacent to the Site, the change in light levels does not appear to be substantially increased from the surrounding landscape.

Field work has found that the landscape around the Site is predominantly dark, with the exception of the industrial land uses of the MRF and IBA Facility, which are internally lit by flood lights and low-level lighting around buildings.

The A303 to the south of the Site and the A34 to the east of the Site are not lit, although there are a small number of street lights around the A303/A34 Bullington Cross junction 2 km to the east of the Site. Traffic along each of these major roads is regular and frequent and as such headlights and brake lights are a dynamic/kinetic lighting source where there are views of the road. Barton Stacey Services at the A303 to the south of the Site is lit by low-level lighting, façade and sign lighting, and light spill from buildings.

The village of Barton Stacey to the south of the A303 is lit by street lights, with the greatest concentration of street lights located away from the conservation area along Roberts Road. In views towards the Site at night the landscape is essentially dark, with the exception of light sources within the village and a concentration of light sources around the MRF and IBA Facility adjacent to the Site location. A series of red warning lights form a vertical lit feature on a telecommunications mast in the distance. There is some sky glow in the direction of Andover.

The village of Longparish and the Test valley are essentially dark. The village is not lit by street lights, with the only sources of light in the village from façade lighting of public amenities such as the public house, and light spill from windows of buildings. In views out from the valley there are no sources of light visible such that the sky and setting of this part of the Test valley is dark.

The village of Hurstbourne Priors to the north of Longparish is lit by street lights throughout, although the frequency of street lights reduces towards the south of the village. Headlights along the A34 are intermittently visible on the skyline in views east from Hurstbourne Priors. There are no other light sources visible in the setting of the village or this part of the valley however, such that the sky and setting of this part of the Test valley is dark.

Outside of the above settlements, the landscape within 5 km is essentially dark, with minimal lighting as a result of light spill from scattered properties. Visual Amenity In order to understand the visual context of the Site, desk-based study and field work has been carried out across the study area between July 2018 and August 2019.

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The process of understanding the visual baseline and scope of visual assessment for the study area began with the preparation of a further ZTV to that produced to inform the extent of the study area (Figure 14-1). The additional ZTV is based on the same digital terrain model and same parameters of the Proposed Development as that prepared for Figure 14-1; however, the additional ZTV also includes areas of woodland, sourced from the Forestry Commission’s National Forest Inventory, modelled at a height of 10m above ground level such that the theoretical screening influence of vegetation could be understood and the ZTV refined.

The additional ZTV which includes the screening effect of woodland is shown on Figure 14- 14.

As shown on Figure 14-14, woodland in the landscape limits the extent of the ZTV when compared to the bare-earth ZTV. The ZTV is notably reduced for the proposed building from beyond 10 km to the west of the Site, and to the west of Winchester to the south.

Informed by the desk-based ZTVs, field work has been undertaken to verify the visibility of the Site taking into account the influence of topography, buildings, and vegetation that are not captured within the ZTV. The purpose of the field work was to identify representative viewpoints to be taken forward for the visual assessment.

In considering the visibility of the Site, the vertical plane up to a height of 80m above ground level has been considered, as views of the Site’s ground surface are often limited by woodland and tree cover in the close vicinity of the Site.

Furthermore, to account for seasonal variation between summer and winter when vegetation is not in leaf, field work was carried out across both seasons so as to understand the difference in visibility through the year.

Representative viewpoints have been identified to represent the views experienced from a wide range of visual receptors, at various distances and directions from the Site.

A total of 57 representative viewpoints have been identified within the 25 km study area. These representative viewpoints have been selected in consultation with the Local Planning Authority, Hampshire County Council, and the local Parish Council, as set out in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-3. A request for comments to the Landscape Officer of the North Wessex Downs AONB was made but no comments were received either by direct approach or through EIA Scoping. The North Wessex Downs AONB will continue to be consulted as part of the DCO Statutory Consultation.

The locations of representative viewpoints are shown on Figures 14-15 and 14-16.

Baseline photography has been captured in summer from each of the representative viewpoints, presented on Figures 14-17 to 14-73. Winter photography will be captured from all viewpoints in time for the submission of the Environmental Statement.

The following section provides a summary of the visual amenity of the study area, and views towards the Site. Views from The Street In close range views, the Site is largely screened from the public realm at ground level as a result of the hedgerows and tree cover along roads and in field boundaries that are characteristic of this part of the landscape; however the vertical plane of the Site is visible over and above the surrounding vegetation in summer and winter, and in addition from very close range views where intervening vegetation is thin, the Site is more apparent in winter.

Representative Viewpoints (RVs) 1 to 4 present a sequence of views from along The Street as it passes the Site between the villages of Barton Stacey and Longparish.

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RV 1 on Figure 14-17 presents a view south from The Street, and demonstrates that views from along this road are generally enclosed by boundary hedgerows or woodland. Where views are available they tend to be from gaps in the hedgerow or gates. The MRF and IBA are partially visible above the existing artificial bund to the east of the Site in both winter and summer. The ground level of the Site is partially screened by woodland around its perimeter, but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane are visible. In winter the view is more open when the hedgerow and vegetation is not in leaf, such that there are clearer views of the ground level of the Site.

RV 2 on Figure 14-18 presents a view from the entrance of the Site, and demonstrates that from The Street there is limited visibility of the existing MRF or IBA to the east of the Site. There are direct views into the Site from this junction, with views partially filtered by tree cover in the south-west corner of the Site. In winter, the view is more open as leafs have fallen from trees.

RV 3 on Figure 14-19 presents a view looking north from the Street on the A303 overbridge, and demonstrates mature woodland to the south of the Site screens the ground level of the Site in close views from the south; however, the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane would be visible. In winter when the intervening vegetation is not in leaf the view remains similar to summer, but the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible.

RV 4 on Figure 14-20 presents a further view looking north from the Street from a location just south of RV 3, but with a slightly more elevated aspect and open aspect across fields towards the woodland south of the Site. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane would be visible above the treeline. In winter when the intervening vegetation is not in leaf the view remains similar to summer, but the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible. Views from the Dever valley The Dever valley is a narrow valley characterised by gently sloping valley sides and woodland cover alongside the river. As such, views from within the valley are generally contained and inward looking, except where houses or footpaths are on the edge of the valley floor with views north across fields.

RV 5 on Figure 14-21 presents a view north from a public right of way in the Dever valley to the west of The Street. Views towards the Site from along this public right of way are intermittently available as the footpath passes from woodland to field edge. From field edges there are open views across rising land towards the tree line of the A303. The vertical plane of the Site is visible above this tree line. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 6 on Figure 14-22 presents a view from Lower Bullington in the Dever valley, to the east of Barton Stacey, and demonstrates the enclosure within the valley from vegetation and trees along roads, footpaths and field boundaries. The ground level of the Site is not visible in winter or summer; however the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible. Views from Barton Stacey Barton Stacey is located across a rolling valley and ridgeline to the south of the Dever valley. The historic core of the village around the Conservation Area is within the valley landform with limited views out, but the east side of the village along Bullington Lane/King’s Elms, and in particular West Road and Roberts Road are located across rising land with a more open aspect towards the north.

RV 7 on Figure 14-23 presents a view from the northern end of Roberts Road at a lower elevation to much of Barton Stacey on the edge of the Dever valley, and demonstrates that there are views across fields in the Dever valley floor towards trees and woodland around the river. The Site’s ground plane is not visible due to the intervening vegetation; however, the vertical plane could be visible. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 8 on Figure 14-24 presents a view from the public footpath to the north of West Road in Barton Stacey, and demonstrates that there is an open aspect to the views north from this public footpath and the settlement edge of Barton Stacey in this location. The vertical plane of

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the Site is visible above the intervening woodland. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 9 on Figure 14-25 presents a view from public green space to the west of Roberts Road, next to Barton Stacey Primary School along the settlement edge of Barton Stacey. The view is from a slightly lower elevation than RV 8, but is similarly across an open field towards woodland in the Dever valley. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane are visible above the intervening woodland. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 10 on Figure 14-26 presents a view from within Barton Stacey Conservation Area, in the valley the main historic part of the village is situated within. The photograph demonstrates that a combination of the existing built form, topography and vegetation within the village screens views towards the Site, including the vertical plane in winter and summer. Views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey From the roads and public rights of way in the open downland around Barton Stacey the rolling landform creates a varied visual context, with views towards the Site generally limited to elevated positions such as ridgelines.

RV 11 on Figure 14-27 presents a view from a public right of way east of Barton Stacey and demonstrates that from this elevated location the ground-level and upper parts of the Site are partially visible alongside the MRF and IBA amongst woodland in the middle ground of the view. In summer views from along the public right of way are intermittently screened by vegetation alongside the track, but in winter the Site is more apparent.

RV 12 on Figure 14-28 presents a view from a public right of way west of Barton Stacey and demonstrates that there are open views across the rolling arable landscape towards the Site. The ground plane of the Site is not visible amongst trees and woodland, but the vertical plane of the Site is visible. The MRF and IBA are partially visible amongst these trees and woodland. There are distinctive views towards Barton Stacey from this footpath, with the church steeple in the village visible above the treeline that encloses the settlement. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 13 on Figure 14-29 presents a view from a road west of Barton Stacey, between Barton Stacey and Newton Stacey / Chibolton. The photograph demonstrates that from this elevated part of the route there are views across fields towards the Site. The ground level of the Site is screened by intervening trees and woodland but the vertical plane of the site is visible. The MRF and IBA are partially visible amongst the trees and woodland. Views from along this route are generally contained by hedgerows, such that views out towards the Site are intermittent. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 14 on Figure 14-30 presents a view from a public right of way between Barton Stacey and Bransbury, at a lower elevation than RV 12 and 13. The photograph demonstrates that from this lower elevation the MRF and IBA are not visible beyond the intervening vegetation in the A303 corridor and around the Site. The vertical plane of the Site is visible. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 15 on Figure 14-31 presents a view from a public right of way on the open downland south of Barton Stacey, approximately 5 km from the Site. The photograph demonstrates that from this public right of way views are enclosed by the hedgerows that line the footpath. This view was the most open available towards the Site. The hedgerow vegetation filters views out in summer, with further mature hedgerows and intervening vegetation screening views towards the Site, however the vertical plane of the Site could be partially visible. In winter the view is more open along this footpath, however vegetation alongside the footpath still filters views and the overall visibility of the Site is as per the summer view. Views from Longparish Longparish comprises a linear settlement along the valley floor of the Test valley, which is characterised by a sense of enclosure and woodland cover in the lower slopes and valley

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floor. Views from Longparish are therefore generally inward looking, with longer distance views limited by the tree cover and the valley sides bordering the village.

RV 16 on Figure 14-32 presents a view from the south-west end of Longparish at Forton and demonstrates that there are views across the nearest field of trees and woodland within the Test valley. The low elevation of the village relative to the Site and the intervening vegetation and topography screen views of the ground level of the Site. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible above the treeline. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 17 on Figure 14-33 presents a view from close to St Nicholas Church in Longparish and demonstrates that from this public right of way views are across the nearest field within the valley, and curtailed by trees and woodland around along the river. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible above the treeline. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 18 on Figure 14-34 presents a view from close to Longparish Primary School at Middleton in Longparish. The photograph demonstrates that from this part of Longparish, the wooded character of the River Test screen views towards the Site. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible above the treeline. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 19 on Figure 14-35 presents a view from the cricket pitch in Longparish and demonstrates that there is an open aspect to views across the cricket pitch towards the mature trees that line the River Test. The intervening vegetation screens views of the ground level of the Site, but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible above the tree line. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 20 on Figure 14-36 presents a view towards Longparish House from the B3048 in the north of Longparish. The photograph demonstrates that there are open views across pasture towards Longparish House, but that vegetation along the valley floor screens views towards the ground level of the Site in the south. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible above the treeline. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf. Views from the north-west side of the Test valley The elevated parts of the south-east facing sides of the Test valley have intermittent views across the valley in the direction of the Site. From south of the A303, there are limited views across the valley as a result of the extensive woodland cover at Harewood Forest, the sunk nature of lanes and footpaths, and tree and hedgerow cover in the landscape. From north of the A303 and west of Longparish the valley sides are characterised by more open arable fields and are crossed by a greater number of public rights of way, such that there are more viewing opportunities.

RV 21 on Figure 14-37 presents a view from the Test Way long distance recreational trail close to the A303 and demonstrates that from this area the shallow nature of the valley is apparent, in that there are not far-reaching views across the valley. The wooded character of the Test valley is apparent, and the intervening vegetation screens views of the ground level of the Site. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible above the treeline.

RV 22 on Figure 14-38 presents a view from the Test Way long distance recreational trail north-west of Longparish. The photograph demonstrates that from this lower elevation of the valley side the views are enclosed by the rolling landform of the valley side and the extent of tree and woodland cover in field boundaries and within Longparish. The ground level of the Site is not visible as a result of intervening vegetation, but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible above the treeline.

RV 23 on Figure 14-39 presents a view from a public right of way at one of the most open and elevated positions along the valley side, north-west of Longparish. The photograph demonstrates that from this elevation position there are open views across the Test valley, with the ridgeline on the eastern valley side visible, and vegetation and tree lines visible beyond. The village of Longparish and surrounding woodland cover in the valley floor is

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visible in the middle ground. The ground level of the Site is not visible as a result of the intervening landform and vegetation; however, the upper parts of the Site are visible. In winter, the characteristics of the view towards the Site are as per summer.

RV 24 on Figure 14-40 presents a view from a public right of way at the northern end of the Test valley, north of Longparish. The photograph demonstrates that woodland and tree cover within the Test valley and around Longparish screens views towards the Site, such that the ground level of the Site is not visible. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane would be visible above the tree line. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 25 on Figure 14-41 presents a view from the Test Way long distance recreational trail in the Test valley south of the A303 and demonstrates from this part of the Test valley views are contained by a combination of woodland and landform such that the ground level of the Site is not visible. The upper parts of the Site could be visible. Views from the south side of the Test valley There are fewer recreational routes and residential receptors along the south-east side of the Test valley than the north-west side. In addition, a combination of the topography, tree cover and hedgerows alongside roads limit the availability of views towards the Site.

RV 26 on Figure 14-42 presents a view from along the south-east side of the Test valley, south-east of Longparish and north of the Site. The photograph demonstrates that from along Nun’s Walk there are intermittent views across the rising arable landform of the south side of the valley. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the Site could be visible along the horizon. Views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site The downland east and north-east of the Site has an open character as a result of the elevated landform. This area is generally at a higher elevation than the Site, such that where the vegetation pattern permits, there are open views across the Site and surrounding landscape.

RV 27 on Figure 14-43 presents a view from a public right of way close to the Tilbury Ring. The photograph demonstrates the elevated and open character of the view and the heavily wooded rolling character of the landscape. The MRF and IBA are visible in the middle ground of the view, and the ground level of the Site is partially visible beyond. In winter there would be more open views of the ground level of the Site. It should be noted that as the footpath terminates at the A303 dual carriageway to the south it does not appear to be a well-used route.

RV 28 on Figure 14-44 presents a view from a public footpath north-east of the Site. The photograph demonstrates the open and far-reaching nature of the view, but that as a result of the position of the Site in relation to the intervening topography, only the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane would be visible. Views from Hurstbourne Priors Hurstbourne Priors is located north of Longparish close to the confluence between the Bourne valley and the Test valley, on the edge of the North Wessex Downs AONB. The village is located along the valley floor such that the valley sides, woodland and tree cover give the village a sense of visual enclosure.

Hurstbourne Park Registered Park and Garden is a private landscape characterised by extensive woodland and tree cover, such that there are no publicly available views out in the direction of the Site.

RV 29 on Figure 14-45 presents a view from the southern end of Hurstbourne Priors and demonstrates the open views along the agricultural and wooded valley. The visual sense of place within a valley is apparent. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site is slightly more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

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RV 30 on Figure 14-46 presents a view east identified in the conservation area appraisal. The view is not in the direction of the Site, which is to the south. The photograph demonstrates the open rural valley setting to the village.

RV 31 on Figure 14-47 presents a view from centrally within the village at the cricket pitch, adjacent to the church. The view is from within the North Wessex Downs AONB. The photograph demonstrates that there is a strong sense of enclosure in this part of the village, as tree and woodland cover around the village and along roads largely screens views along the valley. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible. In winter, the vertical plane of the Site could be more visible when the tree line is not in leaf.

RV 32 on Figure 14-48 presents a view from an elevated position on the east side of the Test valley to the east of Hurstbourne Priors. The photograph demonstrates that from this area, intervening vegetation limits the availability of views towards the Site; however in winter views are more open when the vegetation is not in leaf. Views from Whitchurch Whitchurch is located beyond 5 km from the Site within the Test valley and just outside the North Wessex Downs AONB. As a result of the village’s location within the valley, the visual context is enclosed with views generally inward looking. From some elevated positions in the north of the village there are views out in the direction of the Site to the south.

RV 33 on Figure 14-49 presents a view from close to the A34 and the North Wessex Downs AONB. The location is a higher elevation than much of the village, and no publicly available views could be found to directly represent the views of residential receptors. The photograph demonstrates that views across the landscape are somewhat interrupted by vegetation along roads and in field boundaries, however, in winter views towards the Site are more open. Views from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty The part of the North Wessex Downs AONB within the study area and ZTV is characterised by wooded downland and low-lying chalk river valleys.

Field work across the AONB found that in the southern parts of the AONB, closest to the Site, the lower elevation and more wooded character of the AONB lower slopes generally prevents views to the south, with views reflecting the published landscape character assessment description of being ‘inward looking’ within the AONB. Whereas from the more elevated positions in the north of the AONB along the scarp between Faccombe, Beacon Hill (Highclere), and Hannington and further from the Site, there are more open views, including towards the Site, as the tree cover is reduced. Views from this northern part of the AONB area are also panoramic and far-reaching to the south.

RV 34 on Figure 14-50 presents a view from across a ridgeline near to St Mary Bourne in the south of the AONB. The photograph demonstrates that despite the elevated position across a ridgeline, the extent of tree and woodland cover in the near and middle distance largely prevents any far-reaching views beyond the AONB, and as such views are focused within the AONB. Pylons across this part of the AONB are a notable feature in the view. The ground level of the Site is not visible in the distance, but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible.

RV 35 on Figure 14-51 is from the Test Way long distance recreational trail in the south of the AONB, approximately 10 km from the Site. The photograph demonstrates that from this elevated location the tree and woodland cover similarly prevents views southwards in the direction of the Site. Views here are focused eastwards across the AONB.

RV 36 on Figure 14-52 presents a view from Beacon Hill (Highclere). The location is a promoted viewpoint within the AONB, and is approximately 14.5 km from the Site. The photograph demonstrates that views from this location are panoramic and far-reaching across the landscape, with views available in all directions. The ground plane of the Site is not visible from this distance, but the vertical plane of the Site would be visible. The view is extensive, being across the rolling downs of the AONB in the foreground and middle ground, with the

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lower lying Hampshire Downs, in which the Site is located, forming the background of the view.

RV 37 on Figure 14-53 presents a view from the Wayfarer’s Walk long distance recreational trail, approximately 15.5 km from the Site in the north of the AONB. The photograph demonstrates the far-reaching nature of views, in which the rolling landform and intermittent woodland of the AONB forms the key focus of the view, with the lower-lying landscape in which the Site is located in the background of the view. The upper parts of the Site are visible.

RV 38 on Figure 14-54 presents a view from along the dip-slope of the scarp at Faccombe, just south of Walbury Hill, approximately 18 km from the Site. The photograph demonstrates the far-reaching nature of views, in which similar to RV 37 the rolling landform and intermittent woodland of the AONB forms the key focus of the view, with the lower-lying landscape in which the Site is located in the background of the view. A wind turbine is visible in close proximity. The upper parts of the Site are visible.

RV 39 on Figure 14-55 presents a view from Knolls Down, approximately 18 km from the Site. The photograph demonstrates that from this area there are far-reaching views to the east but that a combination of landform and vegetation screen views of the Site.

RV 40 on Figure 14-56 presents a view from the western part of the AONB, near to the villages of Upper Chute and Lower Chute, approximately 17 km from the Site. The photograph demonstrates that the wooded character of this part of the landscape screens any long-distance views, such that the Site is not visible.

In addition to the above, RV 31 from Hurstbourne Priors and RV 33 from Whitchurch are also representative of views from the AONB. Views from between 5 km and 10 km east of the Site The downland east of the Site between the A34 and the A303 has a rolling landform, with views from ridgelines generally to the next ridgeline or just beyond. The lower-lying positions between ridgelines have a more enclosed character.

RV 41 on Figure 14-57 presents a view from close to South Wonston and demonstrates that views from this area are open but generally to the next ridgeline, with tree belts and woodland intermittently across the horizon. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the vertical plane of the Site could be visible.

RV 42 on Figure 14-58 presents a view from close to Micheldever and Micheldever Station and demonstrates that similar to RV 41 views from this area are open but generally to the next ridgeline, with tree belts and woodland intermittently across the horizon. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the vertical plane of the Site could be visible.

RV 43 on Figure 14-59 presents a view from between Overton and the A303 and demonstrates that similar to RV 41 and RV 42, views are typically to the next ridgeline, but that the landscape is more wooded in this area. The horizon in this view is more far-reaching that RV 41 and 42 owing to the slightly more elevated location of the receptor. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the vertical plane of the Site could be visible. Views from Andover Andover is located within a valley to the west of a ridgeline between Andover and the Test valley, with the Harewood Forest between. Andover’s position in the valley excludes almost all of the town from the ZTV, as shown on Figure 14-14.

RV 44 on Figure 14-60 presents a view from the fields east of Andover, east of a steep valley side that contains the eastern edge of the town, such that the view is not representative of residential receptors in Andover. The photograph demonstrates that views are towards the Harewood Forest ridgeline, with infrastructure including pylons and solar panels visible. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible.

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RV 45 on Figure 14-61 presents a view from Bury Hill to the south of Andover, close to settlement along the Anton valley. The photograph demonstrates that the elevated land east of the Anton valley at Harewood Forest screens views towards the Site, with pylons apparent across the view. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible. Views from beyond 15 km in the west of the study area The west of the study area is characterised by gently rolling landform, becoming more prominent towards Thruxton and the ridge escarpments close to Beacon Hill (Bulford). Views in this area are generally between ridgelines in the rolling downland, and contained by belts of trees and woodland, but with far-reaching views from the elevated ridgelines in the far west.

RV 46 on Figure 14-62 presents a typical view from this part of the study area and demonstrates that views are open between ridgelines, with far-reaching views curtailed by trees and woodland. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible.

RV 47 on Figure 14-63 presents a view from the Beacon Hill (nr. Bulford) ridge escarpment approximately 24.5 km from the Site and demonstrates that from these hills there are far- reaching views across the wooded agricultural landscape. The Site is not distinguishable as a result of the distance, but the upper parts of the Site could be visible. Views from elevated hills south-west of the Site The landscape south-west of the Site near Stockbridge is characterised by prominent hills and scarps within the rolling downland; two of the most notable, which are both promoted for their recreational access and views are Stockbridge Down, on the east side of the Test valley near Stockbridge, and Danebury Hill, on the west side of the Test valley near Stockbridge. The prominent elevated location of these hills allows panoramic views across the lower-lying rolling downland.

RV 48 on Figure 14-64 presents a view from Stockbridge Down and demonstrates that far- reaching views in the direction of the Site are available from the ramparts of the old hill fort, looking across the hill fort which is not publicly accessible. The Site is not distinguishable in the lower-lying downland to the north, but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible.

RV 49 on Figure 14-65presents a view from Danebury Hill and demonstrates that similar to RV 48 there are far-reaching views in the direction of the Site, but that the Site is not distinguishable in the lower-lying rolling downland. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible. Views from the elevated landscape west of Winchester The landscape west of Winchester is characterised by its elevated landform of hills and scarps, and extensive tree and woodland cover. As such, despite the elevated location the landscape here is notably inward-looking, with far-reaching views in the direction of the Site only at intermittent locations.

RV 50 on Figure 14-66 presents a view from Farley Mount, a popular walk and viewpoint location approximately 14.5 km from the Site. The photograph demonstrates that there are partial views north amongst the intervening vegetation, but that views are far-reaching. The Site is not distinguishable but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible. Views from beyond 15 km south-west of the Site From beyond 15 km south-west of the Site there are few locations with views of the Site, as demonstrated by the ZTV.

RV 51 on Figure 14-67 presents a view from Broughton Down Nature Reserve, which lies across a chalk scarp near Broughton. The photograph demonstrates that from this scarp there are open and far reaching views, but that the Site is not distinguishable as a result of the distance. The upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible.

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Views from beyond 10 km east of the Site The landscape beyond 10 km east of the Site and beyond the M3 is characterised by rolling arable downland with intermittent woodland. Views are generally contained by the next ridgeline and there are few far-reaching views in the direction of the Site.

RV 52 on Figure 14-68 presents a view from the Wayfarer’s Walk long distance recreational trail and demonstrates that the view is focused on the broad rolling valley landform in the foreground, but that there are views into the distance in the direction of the Site. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible.

RV 53 on Figure 14-69 presents a view from the south of Basingstoke and demonstrates that views are limited by the rolling wooded landform, but that there are views into the distance in the direction of the Site. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane could be visible. Views from the South Downs National Park The South Downs National Park takes in the Itchen valley to the east of Winchester and the elevated open rolling downland to its east. The elevated topography of the National Park and views across the landscape are one of its defining characteristics, and there are a number of promoted and protected viewpoints identified within the National Park. Two promoted viewpoints within the South Downs are within the study area; St Catherine’s Hill at Winchester, and Cheesefoot Head in the downland east of the M3.

RV 54 on Figure 14-70 presents a view from St Catherine’s Hill approximately 16 km from the Site and demonstrates the view is focused across the City of Winchester. The Site is not visible beyond the ridgeline that forms the north and west side of the Itchen valley. The upper parts of the Site could be visible in the vertical plane.

RV 55 on Figure 14-71 presents a view from Cheesefoot Head approximately 17.5 km from the Site and demonstrates that there are panoramic and far-reaching views in the direction of the Site. The Site is not distinguishable as a result of the distance, but the upper parts of the Site could be visible in the vertical plane. Views from the A303 The A303 is an important east-west route between London and the south-west. Views from along the road corridor naturally vary in response to the landscape character of the area through which it passes, but generally the A303 between the M3 approximately 10 km east of the Site and the west of Andover approximately 10 km west of the Site is lined by mature vegetation with intermittent views out from the road corridor. Beyond the west of Andover the road has more dramatic views as it climbs over ridgelines at Thruxton and Beacon Hill (Bulford).

There are very few distinguishable landmarks or features in views along this section of the A303, with the exception of the A303/A34 interchange at Bullington Cross to the east of the Site, and the regular service stations located along each side of the road. One notable feature in views along this part of the route is a chimney stack at Harewood Industrial Estate approximately 2.75 km west of the Site in the Test valley which regularly emits a steam plume visible from the road.

Views from along the A303 are difficult to capture in photograph as a result of the safety limitations of stopping along a dual carriageway; as such, two representative viewpoints have been chosen, a view from Barton Stacey Services as the A303 passes close by the Site, and a view from approximately 1.75 km to the east to represent middle distance views from the A303.

RV 56 on Figure 14-72 presents the view west from the A303 east of the Site towards the Bullington Cross junction. The photograph demonstrates the wooded character of the road corridor, with intermittent views out to the north and south. Woodland around the Site area screens the ground level of the Site and the MRF and IBA facilities, but the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane would be visible.

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RV 57 on Figure 14-73 presents the view from Barton Stacey Services. The photograph demonstrates the extent of tree cover alongside the road, which in summer screens views out from the road, but in winter when leafs have fallen the view is more open. The ground level of the Site is not visible but the upper parts of the Site would be visible in the vertical plane. Views from the A34 The A34 is a north-south dual carriageway between Winchester in the south and Newbury to the north and passes approximately 2.5 km east of the Site at its closest point. The route crosses the rolling downland landscape and as such there are intermittent views out which are distinctive for road users.

Travelling north along the A34 from Winchester a combination of the topography and vegetation alongside the road limits the availability of views in the direction of the Site.

Travelling south along the A34 from Newbury there are intermittent views in the direction of the Site as the road passes across ridgelines near Whitchurch.

Viewpoint photography could not be captured from the A34 as a result of the safety limitations of stopping along a dual carriageway. Viewpoints 28 and 33 are considered to be representative of views from the A34 as they are both locations close to the road, and at a similar elevation to the A34. Summary of Visual Context The ground level of the Site is not widely visible as a result of its low-lying position in the landscape, location away from large groups of visual receptors, and tree and woodland cover around the perimeter and close vicinity of the Site. As such, the visibility of the Site is principally of the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane, which varies greatly depending on the location of the receptor and the nature of the intervening landscape.

The most open views towards the Site are from The Street as it passes the Site, from footpaths close to the Tidbury Ring to the east, and from Barton Stacey and the footpaths and roads around the village, where as a result of the elevation on the south side of the Dever valley and the northerly aspect to views, there are views across the valley to the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane.

In contrast, views from within the lower elevations of the nearby valleys and from the villages of Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors are less open towards the Site as a result of the wooded character of the valley floor and sides, and the intervening landform, such that the ground level and lower parts of the Site are screened, and views of the uppermost parts of the Site in the vertical plane are intermittent.

From beyond 5 km the visibility of the Site is only with the vertical plane of the Site above intervening vegetation and landform.

From the southern parts of the North Wessex Downs AONB, closest to the Site, the lower elevation and more wooded character of the AONB lower slopes generally prevents views to the south, with views reflecting the published landscape character assessment description of being ‘inward looking’ within the AONB. Whereas from the more elevated positions in the north of the AONB along the scarp between Faccombe, Beacon Hill (Highclere), and Hannington and further from the Site, there are more open views, including towards the Site, as the tree cover is reduced.

From the South Downs National Park the distance to the Site means that views in the direction of the Site are only from elevated positions, and only the upper parts of the Site in the vertical plane are partially visible. Summary of Landscape and Visual Receptors The landscape and visual baseline have been described for a study area extending 25 km from the Site, along with additional detail for a 5 km radius around the Site.

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Landscape Receptors Landscape receptors have been identified from published studies at a national, county and district level, and from published studies for the two statutory designated landscapes.

The landscape receptors are:

· The Site; · Landscape character areas of the Test Valley Landscape Character Assessment within 15 km of the Site; · Landscape character areas of the Winchester Landscape Character Assessment within 15 km of the Site; · Landscape character areas of the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Character Assessment within 15 km of the Site; · Landscape character types and landscape character areas of the North Wessex Downs AONB Integrated Landscape Character Assessment within 15 km of the Site; · Landscape character types and landscape character areas of the South Downs National Park Integrated Landscape Character Assessment within 15 km of the Site; · County landscape character types and county landscape character areas of the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment within 25 km of the Site; · County landscape character types and county landscape character areas of the Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment within 25 km of the Site; · County landscape character types and county landscape character areas of the Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment within 25 km of the Site; and · Natural England’s National Character Areas within 25 km of the Site. Visual Receptors Visual receptors have been identified from a combination of desk-study and field work within the 25 km study area.

Representative viewpoints have been identified to represent the views experienced from a wide range of visual receptors, at various distances and directions from the Site. A total of 57 representative viewpoints have been identified within the 25 km study area.

The visual receptors are typically residents, recreational users of public rights of way, users of long distance recreational trails such as the Test Way and the Wayfarer’s Walk, people at school, and road users.

The visual context of the Site is described by broad visual receptor groups or areas and with reference to representative viewpoints. The following broad visual receptor groups have been identified:

· Views from The Street; · Views from the Dever valley; · Views from Barton Stacey; · Views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey; · Views from Longparish; · Views from the north-west side of the Test valley; · Views from the south side of the Test valley; · Views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site; · Views from Hurstbourne Priors; · Views from Whitchurch; · Views from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty;

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· Views from between 5 km and 10 km east of the Site; · Views from Andover; · Views from beyond 15 km in the west of the study area; · Views from elevated hills south-west of the Site; · Views from the elevated landscape west of Winchester; · Views from beyond 15 km south-west of the Site; · Views from beyond 10 km east of the Site; · Views from the South Downs National Park; · Views from the A303; and · Views from the A34. Design Measures and Impact Avoidance As summarised in the policy section of this LVIA, and set out in full in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-1, NPS EN-1 and EN-3 emphasise that the principal area in which consenting new energy infrastructure is likely to lead to adverse effects which cannot be satisfactorily mitigated is in respect to landscape and visual effects. The NPSs therefore stress the need for good design and to consider the landscape and visual context within the design, orientation and layout of a waste to energy facility; although the NPS acknowledges that the nature of energy infrastructure development will often limit the extent to which it can contribute to the enhancement of the quality of the area.

The design of the Proposed Development has undergone an iterative design process to develop the scheme presented for the Development Consent Order (DCO) Statutory Consultation, and assessed as part of this PEIR.

The iterative design process focused on a number of key areas to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts as far as possible, the overarching objectives for landscape and visual have been to:

· Develop a Site layout that considers its context in the positioning and orientation of buildings within the Site, to reduce the visual impact of the structures; · Reduce the height of the main building as far as practicable to reduce the extent of its visibility, in the context of the technical and engineering constraints; · Reduce the height of the stacks as far as practicable to reduce the extent of their visibility whilst not resulting in unacceptable air quality impacts; and · Develop the architectural massing, form, materials and façade of the Proposed Development such that it responds to its landscape context and minimises visual impacts as far as practicable. In response to the above overarching objectives, the following design decisions have been made at the time of this assessment in October 2019, which are considered embedded (or primary) mitigation:

· Orienting the main building in the east-west axis such that it sits along a contour and minimises earthworks requirements that would otherwise occur by locating the main length of the building across the contours in the north-south axis. This also allows the building to be at a slightly lower elevation, reducing the height of the Proposed Development; · Orienting the main building in the east-west axis such that in the open and close views of the Site from Barton Stacey to the south the appearance of the Proposed Development would be less utilitarian and operational, with views principally of the main building and stacks which would appear as a single form as the ancillary buildings and structures could be screened by the main building;

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· Locating the majority of the ancillary buildings on the north side of the main building, such that they are screened by the main building in open and elevated views of the Site from the south at Barton Stacey; · Reducing the maximum height of the stacks from 100m to 80m above the Site’s proposed ground level such that their extent of visibility is also reduced. This is supported by Chapter 7: Air Quality; · Reducing the maximum building height from 55m to 46m above the Site’s proposed ground level to reduce its visibility, whilst at the same time maintaining functionality; · Using the existing vehicle access from The Street such that there is no vegetation removal along the road; · Curving the architectural form in response to the characteristic rolling topography of the Site’s landscape context as early visualisation work found that rectilinear and geometric building forms stood out and were more prominent in the context of views of the rolling landform and rolling skylines or horizons; · Curving the architectural façade of the building to make it more recessive in views as the curved form produces less pronounced shadow lines across the façade, which in the early visualisation work were found to make the building more prominent in views, particularly in views from the south where sunlight hits the façade; and · Orienting the administrative / office building north-south such that any light spill from windows at night is directed east-west and away from Barton Stacey to the south. The iterative design process for the Proposed Development will continue following the DCO Statutory Consultation period to develop the final design in response to comments made by stakeholders and members of the public. In particular the following work is anticipated:

· Further studies on the architectural form and façade to produce a design as recessive as possible in the landscape and views; and · Further colouration studies to look at how the perception of the overall massing might be broken down using materials and colour bands around the building façade. The final design will be assessed as part of the LVIA for the ES submitted with the DCO application, and will include an appendix setting out iterative design process undertaken for the Proposed Development. Assessment of Likely Impacts and Effects The Proposed Development has the potential to impact landscape and visual receptors during construction and operation.

As set out in the methodology, the assessment of the impacts and effects of the Proposed Development has been undertaken based upon the Rochdale Envelope for:

· The construction phase during winter (assuming a peak construction activity); · Operational Year 1 during winter, when the plume visible; and · Operational Year 15 during summer, when the plume is not visible. The Rochdale Envelope has been assessed to represent a worse case, as it sets the maximum parameters for development. Sensitivity of Landscape and Visual Receptors The landscape and visual receptors of the Proposed Development have been identified and described in the landscape and visual baseline.

As set out in the methodology, the sensitivity of landscape and visual receptors is based on judgements on their value and susceptibility to the type of development proposed.

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The sensitivity of all landscape receptors identified in the baseline is set out in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-5. This includes justification on the judgements made in relation to their respective landscape value and landscape susceptibility, in accordance with GLVIA3.

The sensitivity of all visual receptors identified in the baseline is set out in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-6. This includes justification on the judgements made in relation to their respective visual value and visual susceptibility, in accordance with GLVIA3. Assessment of Effects The following section summarises the landscape and visual impacts and effects of the Proposed Development, focusing specifically on significant effects.

All effects, both significant and not significant, are set out in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-7 Landscape Impact Assessment and PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-8 Visual Impact Assessment which should be read in combination with the below. Enabling Works, Construction and Commissioning The Site At the Site level, the construction activity would be located across the entire Site.

The land in the north of the Site will include the Site access and construction compounds, which will include laydown areas, machine storage, offices buildings, and car parking. The administrative buildings will be up to a maximum of 10m in height.

The land in the south of the Site is where the waste to energy facility will be constructed, and as a result of site clearance activity, the band of woodland through the centre of the Site would be removed. Vegetation including mature trees, scrub and the hedgerow in the west of the south of the Site along the boundary with The Street will be retained and protected during construction. There will be localised alterations to landform within the south of the Site, both to level the Site and to remove part of the existing bund in the east of the Site.

The Site access will be from the existing access point from The Street in the south-west corner of the Site, as such the hedgerow and vegetation alongside The Street will be retained.

The impact at the Site level would principally relate to the change in land use (i.e. a construction site), noise impacts and removal of vegetation. Published Landscape Character Assessments National Character Areas (NCA) At the scale of the NCAs, the impact of construction would be small in the context of the broad extent of the NCAs, with construction activity at a very local level to the Site and the landscape impacts only relating to the NCA the Site is within.

The construction machinery, activity and compound would generally not be perceived from beyond the Site such that only the cranes would be perceived across a large extent of NCA 130. Construction traffic would be distributed across the existing major road network with access to the Site from the A303.

For NCA 130 in which the Site is located the impact will be minor adverse and not significant. For all other NCAs the effect will be neutral, which is not significant.

County Level Landscape Character Types from the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment At a county level, the construction activity would be in HLCT A: Open Downs, consolidated to a small part of the overall HLCT, which is found in locations across much of the study area. There would be adverse impacts to the HLCT resulting from removal of vegetation, localised noise disturbance and the perception of the upper parts of the buildings and stacks from parts of the HLCT, which would locally reduce scenic quality and the perception of remoteness. In relation to the medium sensitivity of the HLCT, the impact will be medium, resulting in a

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moderate adverse (significant) effect, although the effect would principally be to the areas of the HLCT within 5 km.

HLCT G: River Valley Floor would also experience a significant effect during construction, although there would be no physical change to the character type. The impacts to this HLCT would relate to a loss of scenic beauty and perception of remoteness from parts of the HLCT closest to the Site at the Test valley and Dever valley. This would be as a result of the close intervisibility with the cranes and construction activity of the upper parts of the Proposed Development, and their perception on the skyline outside the valley landscape types. In relation to the high sensitivity of the HLCT, the impact will be medium, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect, although the effect would principally be to the areas of the HLCT within 5 km.

For all other HLCT there would not be significant effects as a result of the distance between HLCTs and the construction activity such that the perception of cranes within the landscape would have a low, very low or no impact on the key characteristics of the landscape types, with effects ranging from minor adverse, negligible adverse, and neutral.

County Level Landscape Character Areas from the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment At a county level, the construction activity would be in HLCA 8E: Mid Hampshire Open Downs, and similar to the impacts on the HLCT, will be consolidated to a small part of the overall HLCA. There will be direct impacts resulting from construction activity, removal of vegetation and noise disturbance at a local level; however, across most of the HLCA the ground level construction activity would not be perceived such that it would only be the cranes and construction of the upper parts of the building that would reduce scenic quality. Construction will be out of scale with other development and activity in the HLCA. In relation to the medium sensitivity of the receptor, the impact will be medium, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect, although the effect would reduce as distance from the Site increases.

HLCA 3B: Test Valley is in close proximity to the Site and whilst there would be no physical change to the HLCA, there would be indirect impacts resulting from the noise of construction and a reduction in scenic beauty and perception of remoteness as a result of intervisibility with cranes and outside the valley. In relation to the high sensitivity of the receptor, the impact will be medium, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect, although the effect would only be experienced across a small part of the very broad HLCA.

For all other HLCAs there would not be significant effects as a result of the distance between HLCAs and the construction activity.

County Level Landscape Character Types (WLCT) and Landscape Character Areas (WLCA) from the Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment The WLCTs and WLCAs are approximately 13 km from the Site at their closest point and intervisibility between them and the Site is limited, as demonstrated by Figure 14-9.

There would be no physical change to the WLCTs or WLCAs as a result of construction. As a result of the substantial distance between them and the Site, the perception of cranes, where intervisible, would not impact the key characteristics of either the WLCTs or WLCAs.

The effect to all WLCTs and WLCAs will be neutral for construction, which is not significant.

County Level Landscape Character Types (BLCT) and Landscape Character Areas (BLCA) from the Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment The BLCTs and BLCAs are approximately 17.5 km from the Site at their closest point, such that there would be no physical change to them as a result of construction. Similar to the impacts on the WLCTs and WLCAs, as a result of the substantial distance between the BLCTs and BLCAs and the Site the perception of cranes would not impact the key characteristics of either.

The effect to the BLCTs and BLCAs will be neutral for construction, which is not significant.

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District Level Landscape Character Areas from the Test Valley Landscape Character Assessment (TVLCA) At a district level, the construction activity would be consolidated to a small part of TVLCA 10E: Drayton Chalk Downland which covers the landscape between the Dever valley to the south, the Test valley to the west, and the downland north and east of the Site including the A303 corridor and parts of the A34 including the Bullington Cross junction. There would be direct impacts resulting from the construction activity across the Site, removal of vegetation, and noise disturbance at a local level. An increase in traffic movement would be perceivable at a local level only between the A303 and the Site access, such that the impact of traffic would be limited. In relation to the medium sensitivity of the TVLCA, the impact will be high, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect.

There are three other TVLCAs, all within 5 km of the Site, to which the perception of construction activity, noise impacts, and slight reduction in scenic quality and perception of remoteness would result in moderate adverse significant effects:

· TVLCA 5C: Upper Test Valley Floor; · TVLCA 5G: River Dever Valley Floor; and · TVLCA 10D: Leckford and Chilbolton Downs. For all other TVLCA there would not be significant effects as a result of the distance between them and the construction activity.

District Level Landscape Character Areas from the Winchester Landscape Character Assessment (WNLCA) There would be no physical change to any of the WNLCAs as a result of construction, with impacts relating only to the perception of construction.

From the closest WNLCAs to the Site within 5 km there will be landscape impacts resulting from a loss of scenic beauty or perception of remoteness from intermittent locations; however, the impact would be low such that in relation to the medium sensitivity of the receptors there would be a minor adverse effect, which is not significant.

For all other WNLCA the effects would range from negligible adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

District Level Landscape Character Areas from the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Character Assessment (BDLCA) There would be no physical change to any of the BDLCAs as a result of construction, with impacts relating only to the perception of construction.

There would be no significant landscape effects for any of the BDLCAs as a result of distance between them and the construction activity.

There would be minor adverse effects, which are not significant, on several of the BDLCAs within 5 km and from further afield where there is intervisibility with the construction activity. The other landscape effects on the BDLCAs range from negligible adverse to neutral.

Landscape Character Types (NWDLCT) and Areas (NWDLCA) of the North Wessex Downs AONB Landscape Character Assessment There would be no physical change to any of the NWDLCTs or NWDLCAs as a result of construction, with impacts only relating to the perception of construction.

NWDLCT 2: Downland with Woodland and its associated NWDLCAs are characterised by its secluded rural character with sheltered woodland areas contrasting with more open and remote summits, as such the landscape type is fairly inward-looking and indirect impacts resulting from a loss of scenic beauty or perception of remoteness would be intermittent. As such, as a result of the distance between the Site and the landscape types and areas there would be a limited impact on their characteristic features, and the effects would range from minor adverse to negligible adverse, which are not significant.

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NWDLCT 7: River Valleys and its associated NWDLCA are characterised by intimate and remote valley landform, with varied intervisibility both within the valley and of the landscape beyond the valley; as such the impacts resulting from intervisibility with the cranes and construction of the upper parts of the building would be limited as a result of their distance from the NWDLCT, and the change across the extent of the NWDLCT would be very limited. In relation to the high sensitivity of the NWDLCT, the impact will be low, resulting in a minor adverse effect, which is not significant.

Landscape Character Types (SDLCT) and Areas (SDLCA) of the South Downs National Park Integrated Landscape Character Assessment The SDLCTs and SDLCAs are approximately 11.5 km from the Site at their closest point and intervisibility between them and the Site is limited, as demonstrated by Figure 14-12.

There would be no physical change to the SDLCTs or SDLCAs as a result of construction. As a result of the distance between them and the Site, the perception of cranes, where intervisible, would have no impact on the key characteristics of either the SDLCTs or SDLCAs.

The effect to all SDLCTs and SDLCAs will be neutral for construction, which is not significant. Visual Receptors Construction activity around the ground level of the Site would not be widely visible for visual receptors, with views of the construction compound and laydown area limited to close range locations along The Street, and from close elevated positions at Tidbury Ring and a public right of way east of Barton Stacey. A combination of the surrounding landform and vegetation patterns would screen views of the construction compound and ground level construction activity from other locations in both winter and summer.

Views of construction from across the study area would therefore principally be with construction activity around the upper parts of the building and stacks, and views of cranes.

Views from The Street In views from The Street, the Site access and construction traffic between the A303 and the Site would be visible, as would the ground level construction activity and construction compound. Construction activity would be prominent from this close range.

The sequence of views would change between the north and south sides of the A303; from the north of the A303 there would be more open views of the ground level construction activity and compound, from the south of the A303 the intervening vegetation would screen views of the ground level activity such that views would be of the cranes and construction of the upper parts of the building and stacks.

The effect on views from The Street would therefore be moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

· RV 1 road users north of the A303: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 2 road users passing the Site entrance: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 3 road users crossing the A303 overbridge: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 4 road users south of the A303: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from the Dever valley In views from the Dever valley the ground level activity would be screened by the intervening mature trees and woodland, such that the only visible part of construction would be scaffolding around the upper parts of the building, the stacks and the operation of cranes.

The effect on views from the Dever valley would range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

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· RV 5 recreational users of public rights of way in the west of the Dever valley, south of the Site: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 5 residents in the Dever valley and at Bransbury: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 6 residents in Lower Bullington in the Dever valley: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from Barton Stacey In views from Barton Stacey the views of construction would differ between the enclosed central part of the conservation area where views of construction would be screened, and the east side of the village along Bullington Lane/King’s Elms, and in particular West Road and Roberts Road where the ground level activity would be screened by the intervening mature trees and woodland, but construction of the upper parts of the building, the stacks and the operation of cranes would be visible.

The effect on views from Barton Stacey would therefore range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) to neutral. The significant effects are set out as follows:

· RV 7 residents at the northern end of Roberts Road: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 8 residents between The Street and Roberts Road in Barton Stacey: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; · RV 9 residents along Roberts Road: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 9 school users along Roberts Road: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey In views from the public rights of way around Barton Stacey the extent of visibility of construction would vary in relation to the location of the receptor across the rolling landform and in relation to the vegetation patterns.

From the elevated public right of way east of Barton Stacey there would be partial views of ground-level construction activity as well as the upper parts of the building and crane.

From the more distant public right of way south of Barton Stacey the vegetation pattern would filter views of construction.

From the other locations the ground level construction activity would be screened by the intervening mature trees and woodland, such that the only visible part of construction would be scaffolding around the upper parts of the building, the stacks and the operation of cranes. Construction would be visible above the treeline.

The effect on views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey would therefore range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) to minor adverse, with the significant effects set out as follows:

· RV 11 recreational users of public rights of way east of Barton Stacey: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 12 recreational users of public rights of way west of Barton Stacey: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; · RV 13 road users of the minor road west of Barton Stacey: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 14 recreational users of the public right of way between Barton Stacey and Bransbury: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect.

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Views from Longparish In views from within Longparish, a combination of the low-lying position of the receptors within the Test valley, the intervening valley side landform, and the extent of tree and woodland cover in the valley would screen ground level construction activity such that the only visible part of construction would be filtered views through vegetation of scaffolding around the upper parts of the building, the stacks and the operation of cranes.

The effect on views from Longparish would be moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

· RV 16 residents in the south of Longparish at Forton: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 17 residents in Longparish at Middleton: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 17 recreational users of public rights of way including the Test Way long distance recreational trail at Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 18 residents in Longparish north of Middleton: high sensitivity and medium impact resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 18 school users at Middleton in Longparish: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 19 residents in Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 19 recreational users of Longparish Cricket Club: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 20 residents in the north of Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 20 recreational users of public rights of way and the Test Way long distance recreational trail in the north of Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from the north-west side of the Test valley The elevated position of visual receptors along the north-west side of the Test valley allows more open views across the valley landform towards the Proposed Development. The ground level activity would be screened by the intervening mature trees and woodland, such that the only visible part of construction would be scaffolding around the upper parts of the building, the stacks and the operation of cranes. Construction would be notable above the treeline in close views from north-west of Longparish, but south-west of the A303 construction would be less prominent as a result of distance.

The effects on views from the north-west side of the Test valley would range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) to neutral, with the significant effects set out as follows:

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Views from the south side of the Test valley A combination of the topography, tree cover and hedgerows alongside roads would screen views of construction from the south side of the Test valley, such that the only visible part of construction would be the operation of cranes, which would be notable along the skyline.

The effect on views from the south side of the Test valley would be moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

· RV 26 residents along Nun’s Walk: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 26 recreational users of public rights of way along the south side of the Test valley: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site There would be intermittent views of construction from the rolling open downland landform east and north-east of the Site as a result of the vegetation pattern and topography. In views from the north of this area the ridgeline which extends north-east from the Site would limit the extent of the construction which would be visible, such that only the upper parts of construction would be seen. From the east at Tidbury Ring there is a more open aspect and views of construction would include the construction compounds and ground level construction activity.

The effect on views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site would range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

· RV 27 recreational users of public rights of way close to Tidbury Ring: high sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 28 recreational users of public rights of way north-east of the Site: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from Hurstbourne Priors From the central part of Hurstbourne Priors the wooded valley landform would largely screen views of the construction activity, such that construction would only be visible from the southern edge of Hurstbourne Priors at RV 29. From this location, cranes would be visible above the treeline around the valley.

From east of Hurstbourne Priors up the valley side (RV 32) the intervening landform and vegetation alongside the footpaths would filter views of construction and therefore the effect would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

For the view east from the conservation area (RV 30), construction would not be in the direction of the view, such that the effect is neutral, which is not significant

The effect on views from Hurstbourne Priors would range between moderate adverse (significant), minor adverse and neutral, with the significant effects set out below:

· RV 29 residents in the south of Hurstbourne Priors: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from Whitchurch In views from around Whitchurch, as a result of distance the ground level of construction activity would be screened or not readily distinguishable, such that the impact would relate only to the operation of cranes and the construction of the upper parts of the building. In the context of the far-reaching and panoramic views available there would be a subtle change.

The effect on views from Whitchurch would be minor adverse which is not significant.

Views from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty In views from the North Wessex Downs AONB, a combination of the distance, rolling landform and vegetation patterns would screen ground level construction activity, such that the impact of construction would relate only to cranes and construction of the upper parts of the building and stacks.

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With reference to the impacts described on views from Hurstbourne Priors, construction would not be visible from the parts of the village within the AONB.

The impact on views would decrease as distance from the Site increases towards the scarp in the north of the AONB. In addition, from the scarp views are panoramic and far-reaching, such that the construction activity in the distance would form a subtle change to the view.

The effect on views from the North Wessex Downs AONB would range from minor adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

Views from between 5 km and 10 km east of the Site In these views, during construction the intervening landform and vegetation would screen ground level construction activity such that only works on the uppermost part of the building and the operation of cranes would be visible above the distant skyline. At this distance construction would be noticeable but not prominent in the view, representing a subtle change.

The effect on views from between 5 km and 10 km east of the Site would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from Andover From around Andover, the intervening ridgeline at Harewood Forest would screen ground level construction activity such that there would only be views of the upper parts of cranes, which would be seen in the context of existing vertical features such as high voltage pylons.

The effect on views from around Andover would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from beyond 15 km in the west of the study area From beyond 15 km west of the Site a combination of the distance and elevation, intervening vegetation and features in the landscape would screen views towards the Site such that construction would not be visible.

The effect on views would range from negligible adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

Views from elevated hills south-west of the Site From these elevated hills, during construction, cranes and the construction of the upper parts of the building would be partially visible in the distance. The construction activity would not break the horizon and as such from this distance would be a subtle change to the view.

The effect on views from the elevated hills south-west of the Site would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from the elevated landscape west of Winchester From this area, during construction the intervening topography and vegetation would screen views of the Site such that only the upper parts of cranes and construction of the building would be visible in the distant background of the view. The construction activity would not break the horizon and as such from this distance would be a barely perceptible change to the view, and in the context that views are focused on the rolling wooded downland in the fore- and middle-ground of the view.

The effect on views would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from beyond 15 km south-west of the Site From this area, during construction the intervening topography and vegetation would screen views of the Site such that only the upper parts of cranes and construction of the building would be visible in the distant background of the view. The construction activity would not break the horizon and as such from this distance would be a barely perceptible change to the view.

The effect on views would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from beyond 10 km east of the Site As above, from this area during construction the intervening topography and vegetation would screen views of the Site such that only the upper parts of cranes and construction of the

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building would be visible in the distant background of the view. The construction activity would not break the horizon and as such from this distance would be a barely perceptible change to the view.

The effect on views would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from the South Downs National Park From the South Downs National Park, a combination of distance, intervening landform and vegetation, and the nature of views are such that there would not be a significant effect.

The effect on views would range from minor adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

Views from the A303 In views from the A303, the ground level construction activity would be screened by intervening vegetation alongside the road and around the Site, such that views would be of construction of the upper parts of the building, stacks and cranes.

The effect on views from the A303 would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from the A34 In views from the A34, construction would be glimpsed briefly in the context of the intermittent views as the road passes over the rolling downland. During construction the ground level activity would be screened by the intervening landform and vegetation such that the only visible part of construction would be construction of the upper parts of the building, the stacks and the operation of cranes.

The effect on views from the A34 would be minor adverse, which is not significant. Effects during Operation (Year 1) The Site The field in the north of the Site, where the construction compound and laydown areas were located, would be returned to grassland, reflecting the baseline characteristics of this part of the Site.

The waste to energy facility would occupy the southern part of the Site and would comprise a different land use to the existing baseline but reflect the context of similar energy/infrastructure land use to the east of the Site, albeit of a different scale.

There would be activity within the Proposed Development including the delivery of waste by lorries, and operational activity from the energy generating activity, including the plume. Published Landscape Character Assessments National Character Areas (NCA) At the scale of the NCAs, the Proposed Development would represent a new feature in NCA 130, as a new energy generating facility; however, at the scale of the NCA the impact would be limited.

The perception of the upper parts of the building, the stacks and the plume, would reduce scenic quality across a part of NCA 130, slightly contrasting with the characteristic small-scale development pattern. The operational traffic would be distributed across the existing road network with access to the Site from the A303, thereby retaining the character of vehicles on existing transport routes.

For NCA 130, in which the Site is located, the impact will be minor adverse and not significant. For all other NCAs the effect will be neutral.

County Level Landscape Character Types from the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment (HLCT) At Year 1, there would be direct adverse impacts on HLCT A: Open Downs in which the Proposed Development will be located. The impacts would result from the change in land use and operation of a new energy generating facility which whilst HLCT A is characterised by

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large-scale sheds and farm buildings, would be of a greater height and scale than other built development in HLCT A.

The curved architectural form of the building roofline and elevation would reduce the utilitarian perception of the Proposed Development, and would respond to the landscape characteristic of rolling topography.

The Proposed Development would be situated close to the A303 and adjacent to industrial land uses, including a MRF and an IBA facility, and adjacent to a solar farm, such that it is consolidated to a part of the LCT characterised by industrial land use; however, of a much smaller scale and height than the Proposed Development.

When perceived, the plume would give an increased perception of the activity in the Site, slightly reducing a sense of remoteness and scenic quality. In the context of the very broad HLCT A, the impact would be medium, and principally to the part of HLCT A, the Proposed Development is within.

In relation to the medium sensitivity of HLCT A the medium impact would result in a moderate adverse (significant) effect.

Beyond the HLCT, there would also be significant effects at Year 1 on HLCT G: River Valley Floor.

There would be no physical change to HLCT G, with the impacts relating to the perception of the Proposed Development outside of HLCT G, and the perception of the plume. For HLCT G: River Valley Floor the Proposed Development would be of a larger scale than other built development in the setting of HLCT G, and the plume would slightly accentuate the land use in the setting to HLCT G. The impact would relate principally to those parts of HLCT G in close proximity to the Proposed Development, within 5 km. In relation to the medium sensitivity of HLCT G, the impact would be medium, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect.

For all other HLCT there would not be significant effects as a result of the distance between HLCTs and the Proposed Development.

County Level Landscape Character Areas from the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment (HLCA) At Year 1, there would be direct adverse impacts on HLCA 8E: Mid Hampshire Open Downs in which the Proposed Development will be located. The impacts would result from the change in land use and operation of a new energy generating facility which whilst HLCA 8E is characterised by large-scale sheds and farm buildings, would be of a greater height and scale than other built development in HLCA 8E.

The Proposed Development would be situated close to the A303 and adjacent to industrial land uses, including an MRF and an IBA facility, and adjacent to a solar farm, such that it is consolidated to a part of the HLCA characterised by industrial land use; however, these are of a smaller scale and height than the Proposed Development.

When perceived, the curved architectural roofline and elevation of the building would be in sympathetic to the landscape which is characterised by rolling topography.

The plume would give a slightly increased sense of the activity in the Site and accentuate the contrast to the agricultural land uses with the rural landscape, slightly reducing a sense of remoteness and scenic quality.

In relation to the medium sensitivity of the HLCA the medium impact would result in a moderate adverse (significant) effect.

Outside of the HLCA the Proposed Development is located within, there would also be significant effects at Year 1 on HLCA 3B: Test Valley. Whilst there would be no physical change to the HLCA, the impact of the Proposed Development would relate to the perception of the Proposed Development, which would be of a larger scale than other built development in the setting of the HLCA; and the plume, which when in operation would slightly accentuate

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the land use in the setting to the HLCA. The characteristic sense of remoteness in the HLCA would be partially impacted. The impact would relate principally to those parts of the HLCA in close proximity to the Proposed Development, within 5 km. In relation to the high sensitivity of the HLCA, the impact will be medium, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect.

For all other HLCA there would not be significant effects as a result of the distance between HLCAs and the Proposed Development.

County Level Landscape Character Types (WLCT) and Landscape Character Areas (WLCA) from the Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment As per the construction phase, the WLCTs and WLCAs are approximately 13 km from the Proposed Development and as such there would be no physical change to the WLCTs or WLCAs.

As a result of the substantial distance between the WLCTs and WLCAs and the Site, the perception of the Proposed Development, including the plume, would not impact the key characteristics.

The effect to all WLCTs and WLCAs will be neutral for Year 1.

County Level Landscape Character Types (BLCT) and Landscape Character Areas from the Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment (BLCA) The BLCTs and BLCAs are approximately 17.5 km from the Proposed Development at their closest point, such that there would be no physical change to them. Similar to the impacts on the WLCTs and WLCAs, as a result of the substantial distance between the BLCTs and BLCAs and the Site the perception of the Proposed Development and plume would not impact the key characteristics.

The effect to the BLCTs and BLCAs will be neutral for Year 1.

District Level Landscape Character Areas from the Test Valley Landscape Character Assessment (TVLCA) At Year 1 the Proposed Development would introduce a new land use and operational energy generating facility into TVLCA 10E: Drayton Chalk Downland, which covers the landscape between the Dever valley to the south, the Test valley to the west, and the downland north and east of the Site including the A303 corridor and parts of the A34 including the Bullington Cross junction.

The Proposed Development would be of a greater height and scale than other development in the TVLCA 10E, despite its location adjacent to industrial land uses including a MRF and an IBA facility, and adjacent to a solar farm, such that it is consolidated to a part of the TVLCA 10E characterised by industrial land use.

When in operation, the plume would give a perception of activity to the Proposed Development and slightly reduce a sense of remoteness.

The Proposed Development would be contrary to land management guidelines for the TVLCA 10E which include avoiding intrusive development of tall and large structures, protecting and enhancing views from valued local features such as Tidbury Ring, and re-establishing a rural character.

In relation to the medium sensitivity of the TVLCA 10E, the impact would be high, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect.

There are three other TVLCAs, all within 5 km of the Site, to which although there would be no physical change there would be significant landscape effects as a result of the perception of the Proposed Development and plume, the effect to each would be moderate adverse (significant):

· TVLCA 5C: Upper Test Valley Floor; · TVLCA 5G: River Dever Valley Floor; and · TVLCA 10D: Leckford and Chilbolton Downs.

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For all other TVLCAs there would not be significant effects as a result of the distance between TVLCAs and the Proposed Development.

District Level Landscape Character Areas from the Winchester Landscape Character Assessment (WNLCA) There would be no physical change to any of the WNLCAs when the Proposed Development is operational, with impacts relating only to the perception of the Proposed Development and the plume.

From the closest WNLCAs to the Site within 5 km (WNLCA 4 and WNLCA 6) there will be landscape impacts resulting from a loss of scenic beauty or perception of remoteness from intermittent locations; however, the impact would be low such that in relation to the medium sensitivity of the receptors there would be a minor adverse effect, which is not significant.

For all other WNLCA the effects would range from negligible adverse to neutral.

District Level Landscape Character Areas from the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Character Assessment (BDLCA) There would be no physical change to any of the BDLCAs once the Proposed Development is operational, with impacts relating only to the perception of the Proposed Development and plume.

There would be no significant landscape effects for any of the BDLCAs as a result of distance between them and the construction activity.

There would be minor adverse effects, which are not significant, on several of the BDLCAs within 5 km and from further afield where there is intervisibility with the Proposed Development. The other landscape effects on the BDLCAs range from negligible adverse to neutral.

Landscape Character Types (NWDLCT) and Areas (NWDLCA) of the North Wessex Downs AONB Landscape Character Assessment There would be no physical change to any of the NWDLCTs or NWDLCAs as a result of the Proposed Development, with impacts only relating to the perception of the Proposed Development and plume.

For NWDLCT 2: Downland with Woodland and its associated NWDLCAs in the study area there would not be significant effects as the perception within the landscape character areas is more ‘inward looking’ as stated in the published studies, such that as a result of distance between the Proposed Development and the landscape character areas there would be a limited impact on their characteristic features, and the effects would range from minor adverse to negligible adverse, which are not significant.

For NWDLCT 7: River Valleys and its associated NWDLCA, the impact of the Proposed Development would relate to intervisibility with the Proposed Development and the plume, which when perceived would slightly accentuate the stacks in the setting to the NWDLCT / NWDLCA. The management requirements for the NWDLCT note that the small-scale character of the valleys makes them sensitive to large scale development and tall infrastructure, however the Proposed Development is located outside of the NWDLCA and intervisibility across the NWDLCA would be very limited. In relation to the high sensitivity of the NWDLCT and NWDLCA the impact will be low, resulting in minor adverse effects, which are not significant.

Landscape Character Types (SDLCT) and Areas (SDLCA) of the South Downs National Park Integrated Landscape Character Assessment

As per construction, the SDLCTs and SDLCAs are approximately 11.5 km from the Site at their closest point and there would be no physical change to the SDLCTs or SDLCAs once the Proposed Development is operational.

As a result of the substantial distance between the SDLCTs, SDLCAs and the Site, the perception of the Proposed Development and plume, where intervisible, would have no impact on the key characteristics of either the SDLCTs or SDLCAs.

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The effect to all SDLCTs and SDLCAs will be neutral at Year 1. Visual Receptors At Year 1, the Proposed Development would be operational and vegetation would not be in leaf.

The ground level of the Proposed Development and lower parts of the building would not be widely visible to visual receptors as a result of the surrounding landform and vegetation patterns. The upper parts of the Proposed Development, stacks, and the plume would however be widely visible above the surrounding vegetation as result of their height and scale.

In most views, the stacks would form the most visible part of the Proposed Development, with the plume at times accentuating the height and functionality of the Proposed Development.

Views from The Street At Year 1 there would be close views of the Proposed Development which would dominate the view from The Street.

The sequence of views would change between the north and south sides of the A303; from the north of the A303 there would be close views of the facility entrance and the north side of the building, which includes the vehicle ramps and ancillary buildings, from the south side of the A303 the view would principally be of the upper parts of the Proposed Development, including the main building, the stacks, and the plume.

The effect on views from The Street would be moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

· RV 1 road users north of the A303: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 2 road users passing the Site entrance: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 3 road users crossing the A303 overbridge: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 4 road users south of the A303: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from the Dever valley From the Dever valley, at Year 1 the curved architectural form of the Proposed Development would soften the massing of the building and reduce the perception of a utilitarian structure, whilst reflecting the wooded skyline of the top of the treeline and the rolling landform of the valley. The ground level of the Proposed Development would be screened by a combination of topography and woodland. The stacks would form the most notable part of the Proposed Development as new vertical features along the skyline. When visible, the plume would accentuate the stacks and Proposed Development.

The effect on views from the Dever valley would range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

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screened, and the more open aspect northerly views from the east side of the village along Bullington Lane/King’s Elms, and in particular West Road and Roberts Road.

At Year 1 the curved architectural form of the Proposed Development would soften the massing of the building and reduce the perception of a utilitarian structure, whilst reflecting the wooded skyline of the top of the treeline and the rolling landform of the North Wessex Downs in the background. The ground level of the Proposed Development would be screened by woodland. The height and scale of the Proposed Development would be apparent, including the stacks which would be a tall vertical feature. When visible, the plume would detract from views.

The effect on views from Barton Stacey would therefore range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) to neutral, the significant effects set out as follows:

· RV 7 residents at the northern end of Roberts Road: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 8 residents between The Street and Roberts Road in Barton Stacey: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; · RV 9 residents along Roberts Road: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 9 school users along Roberts Road: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey Similar to construction, from the public rights of way around Barton Stacey the extent of visibility of the Proposed Development would vary in relation to the location of the receptor across the rolling landform and in relation to the vegetation patterns.

From the elevated public right of way east of Barton Stacey there would be views of more of the main building and stacks, compared to lower lying parts of Barton Stacey. In this elevated view (RV 11), the Proposed Development would also be seen in the context of the adjacent MRF and IBA facilities, but of a much larger height and mass.

From the more distant public right of way south of Barton Stacey (RV 15) the vegetation pattern would filter views of the Proposed Development such that it would be barely perceptible.

From the other locations the ground level and lower parts of the Proposed Development would be screened by vegetation. The curved architectural form of the Proposed Development would soften the massing of the building and reduce the perception of a utilitarian structure, whilst reflecting the wooded skyline of the top of the treeline and the rolling landform of the horizon. The height and scale of the Proposed Development would be apparent, including the stacks which would be a tall vertical feature. When visible, the plume would detract from views.

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Views from Longparish From along the Test valley floor at Longparish, at Year 1 the intervening vegetation in the valley and on the east side of the Test valley would either filter or screen views of the building, such that the building would be visible behind but below the treeline. The stacks would be visible above the treeline. When visible, the plume would accentuate the location of the stacks.

The effect on views from Longparish would be moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

· RV 16 residents in the south of Longparish at Forton: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 17 residents in Longparish at Middleton: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 17 recreational users of public rights of way including the Test Way long distance recreational trail at Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 18 residents in Longparish north of Middleton: high sensitivity and medium impact resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 18 school users at Middleton in Longparish: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 19 residents in Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 19 recreational users of Longparish Cricket Club: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 20 residents in the north of Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 20 recreational users of public rights of way and the Test Way long distance recreational trail in the north of Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from the north-west side of the Test valley From along the north-west side of the Test valley, at Year 1 the curved architectural form of the Proposed Development would soften the massing of the building and reduce the perception of a utilitarian structure, whilst reflecting the wooded skyline of the top of the treeline and the rolling landform. The ground level of the Proposed Development would be screened by woodland. The height and scale of the Proposed Development would be apparent, including the stacks which would be a tall vertical feature. When visible, the plume would detract from the view.

The effects on views from the north-west side of the Test valley would range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

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Views from the south side of the Test valley At Year 1 the upper parts of the stacks would be visible above the intervening and landform and vegetation. There would be filtered views of the building beyond the intervening vegetation. The plume would on occasion ?accentuate the scale and functionality of the Proposed Development within views.

The effect on views from the south side of the Test valley would be moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

· RV 26 residents along Nun’s Walk: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 26 recreational users of public rights of way along the south side of the Test valley: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site There would be intermittent views of the Proposed Development from the rolling open downland landform east and north-east of the Site as a result of the vegetation pattern and topography. In views from the north of this area the ridgeline which extends north-east from the Site would limit the extent of the Proposed Development which would be visible, such that only the upper parts of the building and stacks would be seen. From the east at Tidbury Ring there is a more open aspect and views of the Proposed Development would include the ground level and the ancillary buildings and vehicle ramp on the north side of the building, but would see the Proposed Development in the context of the MRF and IBA facilities.

The effect on views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site would range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

· RV 27 recreational users of public rights of way close to Tidbury Ring: high sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 28 recreational users of public rights of way north-east of the Site: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from Hurstbourne Priors From the central part of Hurstbourne Priors the wooded valley landform would largely screen views of the Proposed Development , such that only the stacks and plume would be visible from the southern edge of Hurstbourne Priors at RV 29.. The stacks and plume would be seen above the treeline on the valley side.

From east of Hurstbourne Priors up the valley side (RV 32) the intervening landform and vegetation alongside the footpaths would filter views of the Proposed Development, such that the effect is minor adverse.

For the view east from the conservation area (RV 30), the Proposed Development would not be in the direction of the view, such that the effect is neutral.

The effect on views from Hurstbourne Priors would range between moderate adverse (significant), minor adverse and neutral, with the significant effects set out below:

· RV 29 residents in the south of Hurstbourne Priors: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from Whitchurch At Year 1 the Proposed Development would be intermittently visible and seen in the context of the wider panoramic views available; however, the Proposed Development would be notable for its size and form in the context of the view, where there are no similar buildings. The plume would slightly accentuate the Proposed Development in the landscape.

The effect on views from Whitchurch would be minor adverse which is not significant.

Views from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty As per construction, in views from the North Wessex Downs AONB, a combination of the distance, rolling landform and vegetation patterns would screen the ground level of the

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Proposed Development, such that only the upper parts of the building, stacks and plume would be visible. The plume would slightly accentuate the Proposed Development.

With reference to the impacts described on views from Hurstbourne Priors, the Proposed Development would not be visible from the part of the village in the AONB.

The impact on views would decrease as distance from the Proposed Development increases towards the scarp in the north of the AONB. In addition, from the scarp, views are panoramic and far-reaching, such that the Proposed Development in the distance would form a subtle change to the view.

From the more distant locations in the AONB the Proposed Development would be barely distinguishable as a result of distance and the panoramic extent of the view.

The effect on views from the North Wessex Downs AONB would range from minor adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

Views from between 5 km and 10 km east of the Site At Year 1 the intervening landform and vegetation would screen views of the Proposed Development such that only the upper part of the building and stacks would be visible. The Proposed Development would appear along the horizon but from this distance would be a subtle change to the view. When visible, the plume would slightly accentuate the Proposed Development along the horizon.

The effect on views from between 5 km and 10 km east of the Site would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from Andover From around Andover, at Year 1 the intervening landform would screen views such that only the upper parts of stacks would be visible beyond the intervening ridgeline and vegetation. When visible, the plume would slightly accentuate the stacks.

The effect on views from around Andover would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from beyond 15 km in the west of the study area As per construction, from beyond 15 km west of the Site a combination of the distance and elevation, intervening vegetation and features in the landscape would screen views towards the Proposed Development such that the Proposed Development would be barely perceptible or not visible.

The effect on views would range from negligible adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

Views from elevated hills south-west of the Site From these elevated hills, at Year 1 the Proposed Development would be partially visible in the distance, with the main part of the building sitting amongst the tree line, and the stacks sitting below the horizon. From this distance the Proposed Development would form a subtle change to the overall view. When visible, the plume would slightly accentuate the Proposed Development.

The effect on views from the elevated hills south-west of the Site would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from the elevated landscape west of Winchester From this area, the uppermost parts of the Proposed Development would be visible in the distant background beyond intervening topography and vegetation, but from this distance would form a barely perceptible change in the view, and in the context that views are focused on the rolling wooded downland in the fore- and middle-ground of the view. When visible, the plume would slightly accentuate the Proposed Development, but would be barely distinguishable in the context of the distance and the panoramic extent of the view.

The effect on views would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

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Views from beyond 15 km south-west of the Site From this area, as per construction the intervening topography and vegetation would screen views of the Proposed Development such that only the upper parts of the building, stacks and plume would be visible. The plume would slightly accentuate the Proposed Development, but would be barely distinguishable in the context of the distance and the panoramic extent of the view.

The effect on views would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from beyond 10 km east of the Site As above, from this area, as per construction the intervening topography and vegetation would screen views of the Proposed Development such that only the upper parts of the building, stacks and plume would be visible. The plume would slightly accentuate the Proposed Development, but would be barely distinguishable in the context of the distance and the panoramic extent of the view.

The effect on views would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

The effect on views would range from minor adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

Views from the A303 In views from the A303, at Year 1 there would be close views of the upper parts of the Proposed Development, the curved architectural form form of the Proposed Development would soften the massing of the building against the skyline, and reduce the perception of a utilitarian structure. The ground level of the Site would be screened by the intervening vegetation. The height and scale of the Proposed Development would be apparent, including the stacks which would be a tall vertical feature. When visible, the plume would detract from the view.

The effect on views from the A303 would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from the A34 In views from the A34, the Proposed Development would be glimpsed briefly in the context of the intermittent views as the road passes over the rolling downland. The Proposed Development would be notable for its size and form in the context of the view. The plume would slightly accentuate the Proposed Development in the landscape.

The effect on views from the A34 would be minor adverse, which is not significant. Effects during Operation (Year 15) The Site At Year 15 existing vegetation would be in leaf and the plume would not be perceived, but at the Site level this would have a limited impact. Published Landscape Character Assessments National Character Areas At the scale of NCA 130, at Year 15 the impact would be from the physical form of the building and stacks, rather than the plume, which would not be present. This would represent a slightly more settled form in the landscape, albeit one which is tall and would be perceived in slight contrast to the predominantly arable land uses, rolling landform and vegetation patterns. The impact at the scale of NCA 130 would not change from Year 1.

For NCA 130 in which the Site is located the impact will be minor adverse and not significant. For all other NCAs the effect will be neutral.

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County Level Landscape Character Types from the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment For the HLCT in which the Proposed Development is located, at Year 15 the plume would not be perceived such that the Proposed Development would be static, i.e. a building form and with less of a perception of activity. As such, in more distant parts of the HLCT away from the Site, the impact on a sense of remoteness would be reduced when intervisibility is only with the building and stacks, rather than the plume. However, the impact in the context of the broad HLCT would not be reduced from Year 1 and is judged to be medium, but at a localised level to the Site. In relation to the medium sensitivity of the HLCT the medium impact will result in a moderate adverse (significant) effect.

For HLCT G: River Valley Floor at Year 15 the plume would not be perceived such that it would not accentuate the Proposed Development outside HLCT G. The landscape impact would be reduced when intervisibility is with only the built form. The impact would remain medium as assessed at Year 1. In relation to the high sensitivity of HLCT G the medium impact will result in a moderate adverse (significant) effect.

For HLCT C: Downland Mosaic Large Scale and HLCT D: Downland Mosaic Small Scale, at Year 15 the effect would reduce from Year 1 as the plume would not be perceived such that it would not accentuate the Proposed Development in the landscape and the perception would be only of the built form. The landscape effect on both HLCTC and HLCT D would reduce to minor adverse.

For all other HLCT the effect would remain not significant, with the impact reducing for most when there is no perception of the plume.

County Level Landscape Character Areas from the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment (HLCT) For the HLCA in which the Proposed Development is located, at Year 15 the plume would not be perceived such that the Proposed Development would be static, i.e. a building form and with less of a perception of activity. As such, in more distant parts of the HLCT away from the Site, the impact on a sense of remoteness would be reduced when intervisibility is only with the building and stacks, rather than the plume. However, the impact would not be reduced from Year 1 and is judged to be medium. In relation to the medium sensitivity of the HLCT the medium impact will result in a moderate adverse (significant) effect.

For HLCA 3B: Test Valley the effect would also remain as per Year 1, such that there would be a moderate adverse (significant) effect.

For all other HLCA the effect would remain not significant, with the impact reducing for most when there is no perception of the plume.

County Level Landscape Character Types and Landscape Character Areas from the Wiltshire Landscape Character Assessment The effects on WLCTs and WLCAs would remain as per the Year 1 assessment, with neutral effects resulting from the Proposed Development, which are not significant.

County Level Landscape Character Types and Landscape Character Areas from the Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment The effects on BLCTs and BLCAs would remain as per the Year 1 assessment, with neutral effects resulting from the Proposed Development, which are not significant.

District Level Landscape Character Areas from the Test Valley Landscape Character Assessment At Year 15 the plume would not be perceived, however at the scale of the TVLCA in which the Proposed Development is located the impact would not be reduced, such that the effect would remain major adverse (significant).

The impact at Year 15 would also remain significant for the following TVLCA, all located within 5 km of the Proposed Development where the adverse impacts from the scale of the building, and perception of a slight reduction in scenic quality and sense of remoteness would remain

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when the plume is not perceived, the effect to each would remain moderate adverse (significant):

· TVLCA 5C: Upper Test Valley Floor; · TVLCA 5G: River Dever Valley Floor; and · TVLCA 10D: Leckford and Chilbolton Downs. For all other TVLCAs and for all TVLCAs beyond 5 km from the Proposed Development the landscape effects would remain not significant.

District Level Landscape Character Areas from the Winchester Landscape Character Assessment At Year 15 the impact on the WNLCAs would reduce when the plume is not perceived, such that the intervisibility is with the static built form only.

The landscape effect to all WNLCAs would remain not significant at Year 15.

District Level Landscape Character Areas from the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Character Assessment At Year 15 the impact would also reduce to the BDLCAs when the plume is not perceived, such that the intervisibility is with the static built form only.

There would be no significant landscape effects for any of the BDLCAs as a result of distance between them and the construction activity.

Landscape Character Types and Areas of the North Wessex Downs AONB Landscape Character Assessment At Year 15 the impact would also reduce to the NWDLCTs and NWDLCAs when the plume is not perceived, such that the intervisibility is with the static built form only.

There would be no significant effects to the NWDLCTs or NWDLCAs, with effects ranging from minor adverse, to negligible adverse, to neutral.

Landscape Character Types and Areas of the South Downs National Park Integrated Landscape Character Assessment At Year 15 the landscape effect would remain neutral to all SDLCTs and SDLCAs. Visual Receptors At Year 15, the Proposed Development would be operational and the vegetation would be in leaf.

At Year 15, the plume would not be visible, such that the visual change is due to the scale and mass of the building and stacks.

Views from The Street At Year 15 there would still be close views of the Proposed Development which would dominate the view from The Street, although the intervening hedgerows and trees would filter views of the Proposed Development when in leaf.

The visual impact would be unchanged from Year 1 as a result of the close nature of the views.

The effect on views from The Street would be moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

· RV 1 road users north of the A303: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect;

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· RV 2 road users passing the Site entrance: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 3 road users crossing the A303 overbridge: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 4 road users south of the A303: low sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from the Dever valley From the Dever valley, at Year 15 the intervening vegetation would slightly increase the screening of the upper parts of the Proposed Development. The plume would not be visible and as such the stacks and Proposed Development would not be accentuated. In views from footpaths in the west of the valley where the building is visible the effect would be unchanged from Year 1, but from the east of the valley the effect would reduce when the plume is not visible.

The effect on views from the Dever valley would be moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

With the plume not visible, partial views of the upper parts of the stacks in isolation would reduce the impact but not the effect on views from the northern end of Roberts Road and from the school, where just the stacks would be visible above the treeline.

The effect on views from Barton Stacey would therefore range from major adverse (significant), moderate adverse (significant), minor adverse to neutral, with the significant effects set out as follows:

· RV 7 residents at the northern end of Roberts Road: high sensitivity and low impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 8 residents between The Street and Roberts Road in Barton Stacey: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 9 residents along Roberts Road: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey At Year 15 the intervening vegetation would slightly increase the screening of the Proposed Development.

The plume would not be visible and as such the Proposed Development would not be accentuated in views.

The effect on views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey would range from moderate adverse (significant) to minor adverse to neutral, with the significant effects set out as follows:

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· RV 13 road users of the minor road west of Barton Stacey: medium sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from Longparish From the central and southern parts of the Test valley floor at Longparish, at Year 15 the intervening vegetation would screen views of the building; however, the stacks would still be partially visible above the treeline. The plume would not be visible and as such the stacks in isolation would form an addition to the view, but from this distance and in the context of other vertical elements in the view such as telegraph poles, it is judged to be a subtle change.

From the northern parts of the Test valley floor at Longparish the intervening vegetation around the valley would screen views of the Proposed Development, with the stacks not visible beyond the treeline.

The effect on views from Longparish would reduce to minor adverse and neutral, which are not significant.

· . Views from the north-west side of the Test valley From along the north-west side of the Test valley and north of the A303, at Year 15 the intervening vegetation would slightly increase the screening of the upper parts of the Proposed Development, however the Proposed Development would still form a notable feature in the view.

From south of the A303 (RV 25) with the plume not visible the Proposed Development would be somewhat recessive in the background of the view, such that the effect would reduce to minor adverse.

The effects on views from the north-west side of the Test valley would range from moderate adverse (significant) to minor adverse, with the significant effects set out as follows:

· RV 21 recreational users of public rights of way and the Test Way long distance recreational trail north-west of Longparish and close to the A303: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 22 recreational users of public rights of way and the Test Way long distance recreational trail north-west of Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; · RV 23 recreational users of public rights of way across the most elevated part of the Test valley side north-west of Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 24 recreational users of public rights of way north-west of Longparish at the northern end of Longparish: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from the south side of the Test valley At Year 15 the intervening vegetation would increase the screening of the Proposed Development such that the building would not be visible. The upper parts of the stacks would be partially visible above the treeline; however, the plume would not be visible and as such the stacks in isolation would be less notable vertical features in the context of existing vertical features, including electricity lines and telegraph poles.

The effect on views from the south side of the Test valley would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site At Year 15 the plume would not be visible, however there would still be close views of the Proposed Development from these elevated locations.

The effect on views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site would range from major adverse (significant) to moderate adverse (significant) as follows:

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· RV 27 recreational users of public rights of way close to Tidbury Ring: high sensitivity and high impact, resulting in a major adverse (significant) effect; and · RV 28 recreational users of public rights of way north-east of the Site: high sensitivity and medium impact, resulting in a moderate adverse (significant) effect. Views from Hurstbourne Priors With vegetation in leaf, the wooded and enclosed character of the Test Valley and Hurstbourne Priors would screen the Proposed Development from most locations, such that it would only be visible in the open views along the valley from the far south of the village. From this location with the plume not visible the stacks in isolation would represent a limited change as a small vertical feature above the treeline, and would result in a minor adverse effect, which is not significant.

The effect on views from Hurstbourne Priors would range between minor adverse, negligible adverse and neutral, which are not significant.

Views from Whitchurch At Year 15, with vegetation and leaf and the plume not visible such that the Proposed Development is not accentuated and is more recessive in the landscape, the effect on visual receptors would reduce to not significant in the context of the panoramic views available.

The effect on views would range from minor adverse to negligible adverse, which are not significant.

Views from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty In views from the AONB, the south of the AONB is characterised as a wooded downland landscape, and with vegetation in leaf and the plume not visible the Proposed Development would be more recessive in the distant views, as it would not be accentuated by the plume.

From the far south of the AONB at Hurstbourne Priors the Proposed Development would remain not visible from within the AONB.

From the more open views in the north of the AONB the intervening vegetation being in leaf would somewhat increase the screening of the upper parts of the Proposed Development. From these distances the Proposed Development would be partially visible but recessive in the distant landscape when the plume is not accentuating the built form.

The effect on views would range from minor adverse to negligible adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

Views from between 5 km and 10 km east of the Site At Year 15 the intervening vegetation would somewhat increase the screening to the upper parts of the building. The plume would not be visible, and therefore would not accentuate the Proposed Development in the distant background of the view.

The effect on views would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from Andover At Year 15 the plume would not be visible and as such would not accentuate the stacks, which would appear as small vertical features along the skyline, in the context of other vertical features along the skyline, resulting in a subtle change to the view.

The effect on views would range from minor adverse to negligible adverse, which are not significant.

Views from beyond 15 km in the west of the study area As per Year 1, from beyond 15 km west of the Site a combination of the distance and elevation, intervening vegetation and features in the landscape would screen views towards the Proposed Development such that the Proposed Development would be barely perceptible or not visible.

The effect on views would range from negligible adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

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Views from elevated hills south-west of the Site At Year 15 the intervening vegetation would better screen the upper parts of the building, although it would still be partially visible. The plume would not be visible and as such the Proposed Development would be more recessive in the background of the view. In the context of the panoramic views available, and the distance from the Proposed Development, the effect would be not significant.

The effect on views would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from the elevated landscape west of Winchester At Year 15 the intervening vegetation would partially increase the screening of the Proposed Development. The plume would not be visible and as such the Proposed Development would be more recessive in the background of the view.

The effect on views would be negligible adverse, which is not significant.

Views from beyond 15 km south-west of the Site At Year 15 the intervening vegetation would better screen the upper parts of the building, although it would still be partially visible. The plume would not be visible and as such the Proposed Development would be more recessive in the background of the view. In the context of the panoramic views available, and the distance from the Proposed Development, the effect would be not significant.

The effect on views would be negligible adverse, which is not significant.

Views from beyond 10 km east of the Site At Year 15 the intervening vegetation would better screen the upper parts of the building, although it would still be partially visible. The plume would not be visible and as such the Proposed Development would be more recessive in the background of the view. In the context of the panoramic views available, and the distance from the Proposed Development, the effect would be not significant.

The effect on views would be negligible adverse, which is not significant.

The effect on views would range from negligible adverse to neutral, which are not significant.

Views from the A303 In views from the A303, at Year 15 the intervening vegetation would slightly increase the screening of the upper parts of the Proposed Development for people travelling along the road.

From the service station the intervening vegetation would increase the screening of the Proposed Development, such that just the stacks are visible above the treeline. The plume would not be visible such that the stacks would be less notable. The effect would reduce to negligible adverse.

The effect on views from the A303 would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

Views from the A34 In views from the A34, the intervening vegetation alongside the road would make views of the Proposed Development more intermittent. Views would remain glimpsed and in addition the plume would not be visible and as such would not accentuate the Proposed Development in the landscape.

The effect on views from the A34 would range from minor adverse to negligible adverse, which are not significant.

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Effects of Decommissioning The decommissioning of the Proposed Development would be limited to the removal of existing structures or the refurbishment of the facilities.

The landscape and visual impacts of decommissioning would therefore reflect those of construction, and be temporary in nature. Effects on the Character of the Night Sky The assessment of night time impacts has not been undertaken for the PEIR as at this time the lighting requirements and lighting design of the Proposed Development are not detailed enough to enable an assessment.

The impact of the Proposed Development on the character of the night sky will therefore be assessed for the ES with reference to night time photography taken from the settlements of Barton Stacey, Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors. Summary of Effects on the Setting of Designated Landscapes North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Background to the Setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB The North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan 2014-2019, the North Wessex Downs AONB Position Statement on Setting and the North Wessex Downs AONB Position Statement on Renewable Energy provide guidance to local authorities and developers on the likely impact of development within the setting of the AONB. The relevant guidance is summarised in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-1.

The ‘Position Statement on Setting’ defines the setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB as:

“the surroundings outside the AONB and although outside its boundary its extent is not fixed and may change over time. Elements of a setting may make a positive or negative contribution to the AONB, it may affect the ability to appreciate that significance or may be neutral. For the purposes of spatial planning, any development or change capable of affecting the significance of the AONB or people’s experience of it can be considered as falling within its setting.”

The Position Statement goes on to state:

“The surroundings of the North Wessex Downs AONB are also important to its landscape character and quality. Views out of the AONB and views towards or into it from surrounding areas can be very significant. Development proposals that affect views into and out of the AONB need to be carefully assessed to ensure that they conserve and enhance the natural beauty and landscape character of the AONB.”

Examples of adverse impacts on the setting of the AONB are provided, with the following four examples considered to be most relevant in the context of the location of the Site and the nature of the Proposed Development:

1. development which would have a significant visual impact on views in or out of the AONB; 2. introduction of abrupt change of landscape character; 3. change of use of land where of a significant enough scale to cause harm to landscape character; and 4. development individually or cumulatively giving rise to significantly increased traffic flows to and from the AONB, resulting in loss of tranquillity and erosion of the character of rural roads and lanes. The Site Given the height of the Proposed Development and the above examples, the Site, in the context of the Proposed Development is therefore considered to form part of the setting to the AONB.

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Summary of Landscape Impacts on the North Wessex Downs AONB The special qualities of the AONB relevant to landscape are structured around the key characteristics of the landscape character types identified in the AONB Integrated Landscape Character Assessment and repeated in the AONB Management Plan.

Landscape receptors within the AONB have been assessed using county and district level landscape character assessments, as well as the North Wessex Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment, which is the published study prepared by the AONB and referenced within the AONB Management Plan.

The landscape receptors from the two LCA of the North Wessex Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment that fall within the study area are:

· NWDLCT 2: Downland with Woodland which covers most of the AONB within the study area, and · NWDLCT 7: River Valleys which covers the Bourne Valley in the far south of the AONB and is the closest part of the AONB to the Site. NWDLCT 2: Downland with Woodland and its associated NWDLCAs are characterised by a secluded rural character with sheltered woodland areas contrasting with more open and remote summits, as such the landscape is fairly inward-looking but with more open views and panoramic views closer to the scarp in the north. The dominant land cover is arable farmland, although enclosure is provided by hedgerows and a mosaic of woodland cover. It is described as a sheltered landscape with recreational opportunities provided by a high density of public rights of way, and a peaceful, tranquil and secluded rural character.

Management requirements for NWDLCT 2 are to conserve and enhance the secluded rural character of the Downland with Woodland landscape type, and its special qualities of peacefulness and tranquillity. The study notes that downland summits, strong skylines and open panoramic views are particularly vulnerable to large scale/tall infrastructure. These management requirements are considered to principally relate to development proposed within the AONB, but to also be of some relevance to development outside the AONB.

For NWDLCT 2 and its associated NWDLCAs, the assessment of landscape impacts found that there would be no significant effect as a result of the distance between the Site and the landscape types and areas (which are over 5 km away), their characteristics of being generally inward looking, and that there would be no physical change to the landscape. In relation to the management requirements, the Proposed Development is not located within the AONB and would have a very limited impact in the context of the management requirements. The landscape effects at construction, operational year 1, and operational year 15 would range from minor adverse to negligible adverse, which are not significant.

NWDLCT 7: River Valleys and NWDLCA 7C are characterised by intimate, enclosed and remote wooded valley landform, with varied intervisibility both within the valley and of the landscape beyond the valley. They are described as having short and relatively steep valley sides, with flat floodplains containing clear fast flowing waters and important chalk river habitats.

Management requirements for NWDLCT 7 are focused on conserving and enhancing the River Valley landscapes with their intimate, pastoral and tranquil character. The study notes that the small-scale character of the valleys makes them potentially sensitive to any development, including large scale farm buildings and communication infrastructure. These management requirements are considered to principally relate to development proposed within the AONB, but to also be of some relevance to development outside the AONB.

For NWDLCT 7 and NWDLCA 7C, the assessment of landscape impacts found that there would be no significant effects as a result of the distance between the Site and the landscape types and areas, and the very limited intervisibility that would occur as a result of the intimate and enclosed character of the valleys. In relation to the management requirements for the areas, owing to the very limited intervisibility there would be a limited change. The landscape effects at construction, operational year 1 and operational year 15 would be minor adverse, which is not significant.

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There would therefore be no significant landscape effects on the AONB.

Summary of Visual Impacts on the North Wessex Downs AONB Field work across the AONB found that in the southern parts of the AONB, closest to the Site, the lower elevation and more wooded character of the AONB lower slopes generally prevents views to the south, with views reflecting the published landscape character assessment description of being ‘inward looking’ within the AONB. From the more elevated positions in the north of the AONB along the scarp between Faccombe/Walbury Hill, Beacon Hill (Highclere), and Hannington there are more open views, including towards the Site, as the tree cover is reduced. Views from this northern part of the AONB area are also panoramic and far-reaching to the south.

Visual receptors within the AONB have been assessed with reference to nine representative viewpoints:

· RV 31 from the north of Hurstbourne Priors in the Bourne Valley, approximately 3.8 km from the Site; · RV 33 from the north of Whitchurch, approximately 6.4 km from the Site; · RV 34 from an elevated position and public right of way close to St Mary Bourne, approximately 7.2 km from the Site; · RV 35 from an elevated position and public right of way close to Stoke, approximately 10 km from the Site; · RV 36 from Beacon Hill, a promoted viewpoint, approximately 14.5 km from the Site; · RV 37 from an elevated position and public right of way close to Hannington, approximately 15.4 km from the Site; · RV 38 from an elevated position and public right of way close to Walbury Hill, approximately 18.1 km from the Site; · RV 39 from an elevated position and public right of way near Vernham Dean, approximately 18.1 km from the Site; and · RV 40 from an elevated position and public right of way near Upper Chute, approximately 17.2 km from the Site. The assessment of visual impacts found that with reference to the above viewpoints, in views from the North Wessex Downs AONB a combination of the distance, rolling landform and vegetation patterns would screen ground level construction activity and the ground level of the Proposed Development for all views, such that the impact of construction would relate only to views of cranes and the construction of upper parts of buildings and stacks, and the impact at operation would relate to views of the upper parts of the Proposed Development, stacks and the plume.

The assessment found that there would be no significant visual effects on the AONB.

Views towards the North Wessex Downs AONB Considering the impact on views towards the AONB from locations outside of the AONB, the Proposed Development would not have a significant impact as a result of the location of the Site some 3.5 km south of the AONB boundary at its closest point, and the nature of views towards the south of the AONB, which are not characterised by a distinctive backdrop such as a steep scarp landform. The Proposed Development would adversely impact views north which include the AONB in the distant background, but where these impacts are significant is not as a result of a loss or change in view specifically of the AONB.

Effect on the Setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB With reference to the stated four examples of adverse impacts on the setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB summarised above, the LVIA concludes that:

· With reference to example 1 (“development which would have a significant visual impact on views in or out of the AONB”), the Proposed Development would not result in any

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significant visual impacts on receptors within the AONB, as set out in the assessment of visual effects. · With reference to example 2 (“introduction of abrupt change of landscape character”), the Proposed Development would not introduce an abrupt change of landscape character as there would be no physical change to the landscape fabric and pattern within 3.5 km away of the AONB, such that the perception of the Proposed Development would be of a new element in the landscape, rather than an abrupt change to the landscape. · With reference to example 3 (“change of use of land where of a significant enough scale to cause harm to landscape character”), the Proposed Development would not be of a scale to result in a significant landscape effect on the landscape character of the AONB, as set out in the assessment of landscape effects. · With reference to example 4 (“development individually or cumulatively giving rise to significantly increased traffic flows to and from the AONB, resulting in loss of tranquillity and erosion of the character of rural roads and lanes”), the increased traffic flows arising from construction and operation of the Proposed Development would be distributed across the major road network outside of the AONB, such that in landscape and visual terms there would be no adverse impact on the AONB. In the context of the above and guidance contained within the North Wessex Downs AONB Position Statement on Setting, the Proposed Development would therefore not have an adverse impact on the setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB. South Downs National Park The South Downs National Park is located 11 km from the Site at its closest point, and as such the LVIA has found that a combination of distance, intervening landform and vegetation, and the nature of views are such that the effect on landscape character and views from the National Park would range from negligible adverse to neutral, which are not significant effects.

There would therefore be no adverse impact on the setting of the South Downs National Park. Summary of Landscape and Visual Effects Construction (temporary) The construction phase would have a significant effect on landscape character in close proximity to the Site, including the open downland in which the Site is located, the north and south parts of the Dever valley; the Dever valley, and the Test valley.

The geographical extent to which this landscape effect is predicted would be up to 5 km from the Site, and includes the settlements of Barton Stacey, Longparish, Hurstbourne Priors, Lower Bullington, and Bransbury.

The effect of construction across this area would principally relate to the perception of cranes and the construction of the upper parts of the building, such that there would be impacts on scenic beauty, a sense of remoteness, and the sense of seclusion in the Test valley and Dever valley.

There would be no significant landscape effects from beyond 5 km.

The construction phase would have a significant effect on a range of visual receptors, from within 5 km of the Site.

Beyond 5 km from the Site, a combination of the distance, landform, and intervening vegetation would reduce the impact such that there would not be significant visual effects.

The impact of construction activity around the ground level of the Site would not be widely visible for visual receptors, with views of the construction compound and laydown area limited to close range locations along The Street, and from close elevated positions at Tidbury Ring. A combination of the surrounding landform and vegetation pattern would screen views of the construction compound and ground level construction activity from other locations in both winter and summer.

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Views of construction from across the study area would therefore principally be with construction activity around the upper parts of the building and stacks, and views of cranes which would exceed the height of the stacks.

There would be significant visual effects for the following broad visual receptor groups:

· Views from The Street; · Views from the Dever valley (between Bransbury and Lower Bullington); · Views from Barton Stacey; · Views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey; · Views from Longparish; · Views from the north-west side of the Test valley (north-west of Longparish); · Views from the south side of the Test valley (along Nun’s Walk); · Views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site (including Tidbury Ring); and · Views from Hurstbourne Priors (at the most southern point of the village). Operational Year 1 The assessment of landscape effects at operational year 1 has found that there would be significant effects over a similar geographic extent as the effects of the construction phase, including the open downland in which the Site is located, north and south of the Dever valley, the Dever valley, and the Test valley.

The geographical extent to which the landscape impact of the Proposed Development would be significant has been found to extend up to 5 km from the Site, and includes the settlements of Barton Stacey, Longparish, Hurstbourne Priors, Lower Bullington, and Bransbury.

There would be no significant landscape effects from beyond 5 km.

The Proposed Development would introduce a new land use and operational energy generating facility into a Site which is close to the A303 and adjacent industrial land uses, including a MRF and IBA facility, and adjacent to a solar farm such that it is within a consolidated area of industrial land use.

However, the building and stacks would be of a greater height and scale than other structures within its immediate context.

The plume would also increase the sense of activity at the Proposed Development, such that when perceived from the surrounding landscape would slightly accentuate the building in its predominantly rural landscape setting.

At the Site level there would be activity within the Proposed Development including the delivery of waste by lorries, and operational activity from the energy generating activity, including the operation of the plume and localised noise impacts. These impacts would be highly localised to the Proposed Development and its immediate context.

The assessment of visual effects has found that similar to construction, at operational year 1 there would be a significant effect on a range of visual receptors from within 5 km of the Site.

Beyond 5 km from the Site a combination of the distance, landform, and nature of views would reduce the impact such that there would be no significant visual effects.

Similar to construction, the ground level of the Proposed Development would not be widely visible to visual receptors as a result of the surrounding landform and vegetation patterns. The upper parts of the Proposed Development, stacks, and the plume would however be widely visible as a result of their height and scale such that they would be visible above the surrounding vegetation.

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In most views the stacks would form the most notable part of the Proposed Development, with the plume forming slightly accentuating the Proposed Development in views from the surrounding landscape.

There would be significant visual effects for the following broad visual receptor groups:

· Views from The Street; · Views from the Dever valley (between Bransbury and Lower Bullington); · Views from Barton Stacey; · Views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey; · Views from Longparish; · Views from the north-west side of the Test valley (north-west of Longparish); · Views from the south side of the Test valley (along Nun’s Walk); · Views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site (including Tidbury Ring); and · Views from Hurstbourne Priors (at the most southern point of the village). The landscape and visual effects at operational year 1 would be permanent, representing the Proposed Development in winter and with the plume visible. Operational Year 15 The assessment of landscape effects at year 15 has found that there would be significant landscape effects over a similar geographic extent as the operational year 1, but that the effects would slightly reduce as intervisibility with the Proposed Development decreases when trees are in leaf and the plume is not visible, most notably from more distant locations, but also from Longparish.

Significant landscape effects would remain for the open downland in which the Site is located north and south of the Dever valley, the Dever valley, and the Test valley. The geographical extent to which the landscape impact of the Proposed Development would be significant has been found to extend up to 5 km, and include the settlements of Barton Stacey, Lower Bullington, and Bransbury.

The assessment of visual effects has found that at operational year 15 the extent to which there would be significant visual effects would be within 5 km of the Site.

Beyond 5 km from the Site a combination of the distance, landform, and nature of views would reduce the impact such that there would not be significant visual effects.

At operational year 15, the Proposed Development would be operational and the vegetation would be in leaf. The plume would not be visible, and as such the Proposed Development would be more recessive in the landscape, notably from longer distance views when the plume would not accentuate the location of the static buildings.

There would be a significant effect to the following broad visual receptor groups, set out in more detail below:

· Views from The Street; · Views from the Dever valley (between Bransbury and Lower Bullington); · Views from Barton Stacey; · Views from public rights of way around Barton Stacey; · Views from the north-west side of the Test valley (north-west of Longparish); and · Views from the open downland east and north-east of the Site (including Tidbury Ring). The landscape and visual effects at operational year 1 would be permanent, representing the Proposed Development in summer and without a visible plume.

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Decommissioning The landscape and visual effects of decommissioning of the Proposed Development would reflect the construction phase, and would be temporary in nature. Mitigation and Monitoring Given the inherent impacts that would occur during the construction and operational phases as a result of the nature of the Proposed Development, and as acknowledged by the NPS, it is not possible to avoid significant landscape and visual effects from occurring as a result of the Proposed Development.

As set out under the Design Measures and Impact Avoidance section of this LVIA, the iterative design process for the Proposed Development has already secured substantial embedded mitigation, and will continue following the DCO Statutory Consultation period to develop the final design of the scheme in response to comments made by stakeholders and members of the public, such that the significant impacts are mitigated as far as possible. The final design will be assessed as part of the LVIA for the ES submitted with the DCO application.

There are no landscape and visual significant effects which are considered to require monitoring, either during the construction or operation phase. Residual effects The LVIA has found that there would be residual significant landscape and visual effects resulting from construction and operation of the Proposed Development.

The residual significant effects resulting from the Proposed Development are summarised in Table 14-4 below. All significant and not significant effects are provided in PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-7 and PEIR Volume II: Appendix 14-8.

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Table 14-4 LVIA Summary of Effects

Description of Effect Sensitivity of Nature of Effect Magnitude of Initial Classification of Effect Mitigation and Residual Effect Receptor Impact (with embedded mitigation) monitoring Significance Landscape Effects - Construction Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment HLCT A: Open Downs High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse (Covers the Site) HLCT G: River Valley Floor High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse HLCA 3B: Test Valley High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse HLCA 8E: Mid Hampshire Open Downs Medium Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse (Covers the Site) Test Valley Borough Landscape Character Assessment TVLCA 5C: Upper Test Valley Floor High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse TVLCA 5G: River Dever Valley Floor High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse TVLCA 10D: Leckford and Chilbolton High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse Downs TVLCA 10E: Drayton Chalk Downland Medium Temporary High Major adverse n/a Major adverse (Covers the Site) Visual Effects – Construction RV 1 – Road users Low Temporary High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 2 – Road users Low Temporary High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 3 – Road users Low Temporary High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 4 – Road users Low Temporary High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 5 – Recreational users Medium Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 5 – Residents High Temporary Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse RV 6 – Residents High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 7 – Residents High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse

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Description of Effect Sensitivity of Nature of Effect Magnitude of Initial Classification of Effect Mitigation and Residual Effect Receptor Impact (with embedded mitigation) monitoring Significance RV 8 – Residents High Temporary Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse RV 9 – Residents High Temporary Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse RV 9 – School Medium Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 11 – Recreational users High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 12 – Recreational users High Temporary Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse RV 13 – Road users Medium Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 14 – Recreational users Medium Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 16 – Residents High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 17 – Residents High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 17 – Recreational users High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 18 – Residents High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 18 – School Medium Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 19 – Residents High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 19 – Recreational users Medium Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 20 – Residents High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 20 – Recreational users High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 21 – Recreational users High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 22 – Recreational users High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 23 – Recreational users High Temporary Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse RV 24 – Recreational users High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 26 – Residents High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 26 – Recreational users Medium Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse RV 27 – Recreational users High Temporary High Major adverse n/a Major adverse RV 28 – Recreational users High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse

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Description of Effect Sensitivity of Nature of Effect Magnitude of Initial Classification of Effect Mitigation and Residual Effect Receptor Impact (with embedded mitigation) monitoring Significance RV 29 – Residents High Temporary Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse Landscape Effects - Operational Year 1 Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment HLCT A: Open Downs High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse (Covers the Site) and Plume) HLCT G: River Valley Floor High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) HLCA 3B: Test Valley High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) HLCA 8E: Mid Hampshire Open Downs Medium Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse (Covers the Site) and Plume) Test Valley Borough Landscape Character Assessment TVLCA 5C: Upper Test Valley Floor High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) TVLCA 5G: River Dever Valley Floor High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) TVLCA 10D: Leckford and Chilbolton High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse Downs and Plume) TVLCA 10E: Drayton Chalk Downland Medium Permanent (Winter High Major adverse n/a Major adverse (Covers the Site) and Plume) Visual Effects – Operational Year 1 RV 1 – Road users Low Permanent (Winter High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 2 – Road users Low Permanent (Winter High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 3 – Road users Low Permanent (Winter High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 4 – Road users Low Permanent (Winter High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse

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Description of Effect Sensitivity of Nature of Effect Magnitude of Initial Classification of Effect Mitigation and Residual Effect Receptor Impact (with embedded mitigation) monitoring Significance and Plume) RV 5 – Recreational users Medium Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 5 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse and Plume) RV 6 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 7 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 8 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse and Plume) RV 9 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse and Plume) RV 9 – School Medium Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 11 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 12 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse and Plume) RV 13 – Road users Medium Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 14 – Recreational users Medium Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 16 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 17 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 17 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume)

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Description of Effect Sensitivity of Nature of Effect Magnitude of Initial Classification of Effect Mitigation and Residual Effect Receptor Impact (with embedded mitigation) monitoring Significance RV 18 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 18 – School Medium Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 19 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 19 – Recreational users Medium Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 20 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 20 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 21 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 22 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 23 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 24 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 26 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 26 – Recreational users Medium Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 27 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter High Major adverse n/a Major adverse and Plume) RV 28 – Recreational users High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume) RV 29 – Residents High Permanent (Winter Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse and Plume)

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Description of Effect Sensitivity of Nature of Effect Magnitude of Initial Classification of Effect Mitigation and Residual Effect Receptor Impact (with embedded mitigation) monitoring Significance Landscape Effects - Operational Year 15 Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment HLCT A: Open Downs High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse (Covers the Site) no Plume) HLCT G: River Valley Floor High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) HLCA 3B: Test Valley High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) HLCA 8E: Mid Hampshire Open Downs Medium Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse (Covers the Site) no Plume) Test Valley Borough Landscape Character Assessment TVLCA 5C: Upper Test Valley Floor High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) TVLCA 5G: River Dever Valley Floor High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) TVLCA 10D: Leckford and Chilbolton High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse Downs no Plume) TVLCA 10E: Drayton Chalk Downland Medium Permanent (Summer, High Major adverse n/a Major adverse (Covers the Site) no Plume) Visual Effects – Operational Year 15 RV 1 – Road users Low Permanent (Summer, High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 2 – Road users Low Permanent (Summer, High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 3 – Road users Low Permanent (Summer, High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 4 – Road users Low Permanent (Summer, High Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume)

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Description of Effect Sensitivity of Nature of Effect Magnitude of Initial Classification of Effect Mitigation and Residual Effect Receptor Impact (with embedded mitigation) monitoring Significance RV 5 – Recreational users Medium Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 5 – Residents High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 6 – Residents High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 7 – Residents High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 8 – Residents High Permanent (Summer, Medium Major adverse n/a Major adverse no Plume) RV 9 – Residents High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 11 – Recreational users High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 12 – Recreational users High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 13 – Road users Medium Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 21 – Recreational users High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 22 – Recreational users High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 23 – Recreational users High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 24 – Recreational users High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume) RV 27 – Recreational users High Permanent (Summer, High Major adverse n/a Major adverse no Plume) RV 28 – Recreational users High Permanent (Summer, Medium Moderate adverse n/a Moderate adverse no Plume)

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Cumulative Effects Cumulative landscape and visual effects result from additional changes to landscape and visual amenity caused by the Proposed Development in combination with other development.

GLVIA 3 notes that “in most cases the focus of the cumulative assessment will be on the additional effect of the project in conjunction with other developments of the same type”.

The assessment of cumulative landscape and visual effects has therefore focused on the potential cumulative landscape and visual impacts of the Proposed Development in addition to:

· Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects; · Development of the same type as the Proposed Development, i.e. change to industrial or energy generation land use; and · Development of a similar height and massing as the Proposed Development, i.e. such that it could be as widely visible as the Proposed Development. The cumulative schemes listed in Chapter 2: Assessment Methodology and Significance Criteria of this PEIR have been reviewed with regards to the above criteria and the 25 km study area.

There are two NSIPs in the list of cumulative schemes within the study area, namely the A303 Stonehenge and the Southampton to London Pipeline Project; however, as a result of the distance between the NSIPs and the Proposed Development, and the type and form of NSIPs being proposed, there would not be significant cumulative landscape and visual effects resulting from the NSIP in combination with the Proposed Development.

From the list of cumulative schemes, there is one cumulative scheme in close proximity to the Site, namely Cumulative Scheme (CS) 17 at the MRF east of the Proposed Development Site. This proposed building is a two storey office building in the context of the larger industrial buildings at the MRF and IBA Facility. As such, because of its low height and small scale there would not be significant cumulative landscape and visual effects resulting from the CS and Proposed Development in combination.

There is one other scheme within 5 km of the Proposed Development, namely CS 3 which involves the replacement of overhead power lines within the Test valley, approximately 1 km from the Proposed Development. The CS proposal would replace overhead power lines in the same locations and alignment as the existing, and as such on completion the CS would reflect the baseline situation described in this LVIA, and there would not be significant cumulative landscape and visual effects resulting from the CS and Proposed Development in combination.

Between 5 km and 10 km of the Proposed Development the only cumulative scheme is CS 4, which is a proposal for an energy recovery centre in the Walworth Industrial Estate in Andover, approximately 7 km from the Proposed Development. The CS would include a building of up to 16.4m in height, and two stacks of up to 25m in height. The location of the CS within the central part of the Walworth Industrial Estate at Andover means that its height is comparable with the existing built development in its immediate context, which includes buildings and stacks of a similar height to those proposed for the CS. The CS would therefore have a negligible change on the baseline given this context and its distance from the Proposed Development, and as such there would not be significant cumulative landscape and visual effects resulting from the CS and Proposed Development in combination.

Between 10 km and 15 km of the Proposed Development the cumulative scheme proposals relate to standby electricity generation facilities, energy storage facilities (batteries), and changes to existing power lines. The standby electricity generation facilities and energy storage facilities are all of a low height and massing and as such would not be intervisible with the Proposed Development, and the changes to existing power lines would not alter the baseline. As such, there would not be significant cumulative landscape and visual effects resulting from the cumulative schemes and Proposed Development in combination.

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Beyond 15 km from the Proposed Development as a result of distance and the nature of the cumulative schemes, none of which are of a similar height or massing to the Proposed Development, there would be no intervisibility with the Proposed Development. There would not be significant landscape and visual effects resulting from the cumulative schemes and Proposed Development in combination.

The Proposed Development will be connected to the National Grid via a buried electrical grid connection which will link the Proposed Development with a substation at Andover (CS 18). The precise route or route corridor of this grid connection has not yet been selected and as such cannot be assessed. Conclusion The LVIA has found that there would be residual significant landscape and visual effects resulting from construction and operation of the Proposed Development.

The significant effects resulting from construction would be temporary, and would be experienced in close proximity to the Site, and from across the open downland in which the Site is located north and south of the Dever valley, part of the Dever valley, and part of the Test valley.

The geographical extent to which the landscape impact of construction would be significant has been found to extend up to 5 km, and include the settlements of Barton Stacey, Longparish, Hurstbourne Priors, Lower Bullington, and Bransbury.

There would be no significant landscape effects at construction from beyond 5 km.

There would be significant visual effects at construction on a range of visual receptors within 5 km of the Proposed Development, including residents of Barton Stacey, Longparish, Hurstbourne Priors, Lower Bullington, and Bransbury

There would be no significant visual effects at construction from beyond 5 km.

The permanent significant effects at operational year 1 have been found to reflect the effects reported for construction, including the geographical extent in which landscape and visual receptors would likely experience a significant effect.

The permanent effects of the Proposed Development would slightly vary between operational year 1 and operational year 15 as a result of seasonal variation and the presence or not of the plume, which at operational year 1 would adversely impact the perception of the landscape, and slightly accentuate the location of the Proposed Development in views.

The permanent significant effects at operational year 15 would reduce in magnitude and geographical extent from operational year 1.

At operational year 15 there would still be no significant landscape and visual effects from beyond 5 km.

At both construction and operation, the Proposed Development would not harm the setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB.

There would be no significant cumulative landscape and visual effects resulting from the Proposed Development in combination with other cumulative schemes in the study area.

The NPS therefore acknowledges that significant landscape and visual effects are likely to arise from a development of this nature, and that those effects cannot always be satisfactorily mitigated. An emphasis is made on the need for good design to reduce landscape and visual effects and create energy infrastructure with an appearance that demonstrates good aesthetic as far as possible, although the NPS acknowledges that the nature of energy infrastructure

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development will often limit the extent to which it can contribute to the enhancement of the quality of the area.

The iterative design process focused on a number of key areas to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts as far as possible, the overarching objectives for landscape and visual have been to:

· Develop a Site layout that considers its context in the positioning and orientation of buildings within the Site, to reduce the visual impact of the structures; · Reduce the height of the main building as far as possible to reduce the extent of its visibility, in the context of the technical and engineering constraints; · Reduce the height of the stacks as far as possible to reduce the extent of their visibility whilst not resulting in unacceptable air quality impacts; and · Develop the architectural massing, form, materials and façade of the Proposed Development such that it responds to its landscape context and minimises visual impacts as far as possible. As set out in the ‘Design Measures and Impact Avoidance’ section of this LVIA, the iterative design process for the Proposed Development will continue following the DCO Statutory Consultation period to develop the final design in response to comments made by stakeholders and members of the public. The final design will be assessed as part of the LVIA for the ES submitted with the DCO application.

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Ref 14-13 North Wessex Downs Council of Partners. (2012). North Wessex Downs AONB Position Statement on Renewable Energy. [online]. Available at: [Last accessed 01 October 2019]

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