LAND AT REDLANDS, EAST OF BASINGSTOKE LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

APPENDIX 7

Review of existing landscape Character Assessments & other relevant documents

FOR COOPER ESTATES STRATEGIC LAND LIMITED

MAY 2016

INDIGO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 518 – Appendix 7 - Review of LCA / other docs.

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1.1 INTRODUCTION 1.1.1 Numerous Landscape Character Assessments exist for the Study Area around the Application Site. These include national, regional and local level assessments:

 At a national level the landscape around the Site falls within ‘Character Area 129, Thames Basin Heaths’ of the National Landscape Character Assessment published by Natural England on the 30th September 2014.1

 At a regional level Hampshire County Council produced an Integrated Character Assessment in 2010.

 At a local level Landscape character assessment is contained within the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Assessment 2001. 1.1.2 Other relevant documents reviewed include the Basingstoke and Deane Countryside Design Summary (2008) and the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape and Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document (2008) (both Supplementary Planning Documents and therefore reviewed separately in Section 4 of the main LVIA document); the Basingstoke and Deane Urban Character Study for Basingstoke (2008); the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Capacity Study (2008); and the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Capacity Study: Site Options (2010).

1.2 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT - NATIONAL LEVEL ASSESSMENT National Character Area (NCA) Profile 129, Thames Basin Heaths2 Geographic extent / scale and level of detail: 1.2.1 The Thames Basin Heaths National Character Area Profile is a broad scale assessment (one of 59 across England) covering an area which stretches from Weybridge in Surrey (to the east) to the countryside around Newbury in Berkshire to the west (refer to plan on page 3 of the NCA document). It stretches from areas of acid heathland to the east, to areas of chalk downland to the west, with around 17% falling within the designated landscape of the North Wessex Downs AONB (the closest point lying some 7km to the west of the Application Site). 1.2.2 The Study Area defined by the Zone of Visual Influence of the proposed development lies in the centre of the NCA’s southern boundary. Description: 1.2.3 Within the NCA Profile the Thames Basin Heaths is described as a plateaux and river valley landscape; a densely settled area of the London Basin with a major road network incorporating the M25 and M3. 1.2.4 A quarter of the NCA is woodland. The heavily wooded appearance of the NCA is emphasised by the ancient hedgerows and hedgerow trees, parkland landscapes and rhododendron cover in conurbation gardens. 1.2.5 Agricultural land is generally low-grade. Common land is also a feature of the NCA, with the largest commons being found on the raised sand and gravel plateaux, along with large estates. There is a high proportion of non-agricultural land use, including large plantations and military bases, such as Aldershot. The historic royal hunting forests of Bagshot, Eversley, Pamber and Windsor comprise parkland, ancient woodland and small to medium-sized grazed fields.

1 The boundary with ‘Character Area 130, Hampshire Downs’ falls approximately 1.8km to the south of the site, however, there is no inter-visibility between the Site and this Character Area and it has not therefore been considered in detail in the text below. 2 National Character Area (NCA) Profile 129, Thames Basin Heaths (ISBN 978-1-78367-090-1): Natural England 2014

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1.2.6 A relatively high proportion of this NCA (focused to the east) is protected for its biodiversity. The valley bottom and associated riparian landscapes support designated wet woodlands, wet grasslands, marsh and ditches, chalk rivers and reedbeds, whilst on the higher, sand and gravel plateaux, are heathland, acid grassland and oak birch woodlands, predominantly designated within an expansive mosaic habitat to the east of the NCA. 1.2.7 The heathland areas support internationally important populations of woodlark, nightjar and Dartford Warbler, notable at the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, which includes a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) at over 7.5km from to the east of the site. Dragonflies such as the rare brilliant emerald and the ruddy darter enjoy the mosaic woodland and heath habitats. 1.2.8 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) comprise 10% of the NCA. Much of this designated land falls within a complex of sites to the east of the NCA and at some distance from the site, incorporating the South West London Waterbodies SPA and Ramsar site, the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, the Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham SAC, the Kennet Valley Alderwoods SAC and the Kennet and Lambourn Flood Plain SAC. 1.2.9 There are 69 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within this NCA, the closest of which is the Hook Common and Bartley Heath SSSI, some 4.6km to the south-east of the Site. 1.2.10 The NCAs landscape heritage principally relates to the former royal hunting forests, historic parklands and the well-preserved archaeological sites found within the heathland areas. 1.2.11 The NCA’s large areas of informal greenspace, focussed to the east and notably the designated heathland mosaic, perform a significant recreational function, being well linked to London and the local conurbations by the road transport network.

Key characteristics identified in the NCA Profile document: 1.2.12 Key characteristics identified in the NCA Profile are as follows:

 Plateaux of Tertiary sands and gravels in the London Basin, with intervening river valleys floored by London Clay. In the far west, Chalk forms the Hampshire Downs escarpment and the river beds of the Kennet and Pang.

 High woodland cover, offering an array of colour in the autumn. Conifers and large plantations on former heathland are dominant features in the east, while the west is scattered with small, semi-natural woodlands on ancient sites.

 Acid, leached soils mean that farming on the plateaux is limited to rough pasture, and that alternative land uses (such as forestry, golf courses and horse paddocks) have emerged. Heather, gorse, oak and birch all thrive here. Arable land and improved pasture are found in the valleys, on alluvium.

 Beyond the large areas of heathland and woodland, there is a patchwork of small to medium-sized fields with woods. The legacy of historic hunting forests includes veteran trees, ancient woods, ancient hedgerows and parklands. Historic meadows remain as fragments along watercourses.

 Prehistoric earthworks such as barrows and hill forts mark promontories on the plateaux. Archaeology is well preserved on historic heathland. Mosaics of open heathland and grassland with scrub, secondary woodland and plantation. Valley bogs, ponds and streams enhance diversity. Large, continuous mosaics are found in the east: they include Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and Chobham Common National Nature Reserve (NNR).

 Historic commons offer tranquillity and unenclosed views, while other rights of access are enjoyed across farmland, canals and downland. Ministry of Defence ownership restricts (but does not entirely prevent) public enjoyment.

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 ‘Churring’ nightjars, dragonflies and purple heather are all readily identified with heathland. The Thames Basin Heaths SPA protects internationally important populations of woodlark, nightjar and Dartford warbler.

 Valley floors are wet with ditches, numerous watercourses, ponds, waterfilled gravel pits, reedbeds and carr. Historic features include mills, relict water meadows, and canals such as the River Wey Navigations.

 20th-century conurbations, including Camberley, sprawl along the Blackwater Valley, with associated roads (including the M3) dissecting heathland and woodland into blocks. Elsewhere, there are winding lanes and historic dispersed villages and farmsteads of traditional, locally-made brick and tile. Actions identified in the NCA Profile document: 1.2.13 There are Four Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO) identified: SEO 1: At a catchment scale, manage and create woodlands, highway verges, field margins, reedbeds and other features in urban and rural settings to intercept run-off and to filter pollutants. In the heavily developed flood plains of the Blackwater and Thames, adapt the urban environment to manage floodwaters, and restore or enhance modified watercourses. SEO 2: Maximise the variety of ecosystem services delivered by wooded features – from wet woodlands in the Kennet Valley to the large conifer plantations around Camberley and new woodlands. Conserve soils, water, biodiversity and the sense of place and history; enhance timber and biomass production; and provide for recreation and tranquillity as appropriate. SEO 3: Enhance the sense of history and biodiversity by conserving, restoring and building the resilience of long-established habitats such as heathland, ancient woodland and meadows, and of archaeology such as hill forts. Work at a landscape scale to conserve and restore key attributes of the historic hunting forests (such as Eversley) and historic common land. Engage the public in enjoying this heritage. SEO 4: With a focus on the Blackwater Valley, Newbury and nearby major settlements such as Reading, provide good-quality green infrastructure (incorporating commons, woodlands and restored gravel pits) to facilitate people’s sustainable engagement with the local landscape. In doing so, also seek benefits for wildlife, water quality, flood amelioration and climate regulation.

1.3 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT - REGIONAL LEVEL ASSESSMENT The Hampshire County Integrated Character Assessment3 1.3.1 The Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment 2010 is a county level document which is intended to complement local assessments by providing a strategic overview and an evidence base which will be used in the county’s work, including strategic planning, land management work and place shaping programmes. 1.3.2 It replaces the previous character assessment entitled ‘The Hampshire Landscape: A Strategy for the Future’ (2000) and builds upon the analysis contained within the Hampshire Historic Landscape Characterisation (February 1999); and incorporates landscape character assessment, townscape character assessment and seascape assessment on a county wide basis. 1.3.3 The Assessment sets out 62 broad Landscape Character Areas and 23 generic Landscape Types; and in addition 23 of the larger settlements in Hampshire have been subject to assessment, including Basingstoke (which itself is made up of 16 Townscape Character Areas and 32 Townscape Types).

3 The Hampshire County Integrated Character Assessment – See http://www3.hants.gov.uk/landscape-and- heritage/hampshire-integrated-character-assessment.htm ; dated March 2010.

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1.3.4 The Application Site and surrounding area lies within Landscape Character Area (LCA) 2C ‘Loddon Valley and Western Forest of Eversley’ and the Landscape Type ‘Lowland Mosaic Open’. It lies adjacent to the Townscape Character Area ‘BAS07 Residential suburbs, Sub-area 07h Chineham’, and principally the ‘Townscape Type 08 Residential Post 1945 – Present (Houses and Bungalows)’, with a pocket of ‘Townscape Type 03 Post Medieval Development 1600-1819’ immediately to the south-west of Sherfield Hall, and a pocket of ‘Townscape Type 24 Open Space (Sports/Recreation)’ off Foxes Furlong to south-west of the site. 1.3.5 The key characteristics of the Landscape Character Area (2C ‘Loddon Valley and Western Forest of Eversley’) are listed as follows:  Low lying gently undulating landscape divided on a north-south axis by the shallow, broad valley of the River Loddon.  A poorly draining landscape, dissected by a network of often wooded streams and minor tributaries. It contains a mosaic of habitats supporting a rich and varied biodiversity.  Distant views of continuous plantation woodland on elevated sand and gravel plateaux in adjoining character areas to the east and west.  Thick hedges often with banks and ditches and many ancient trees.  A high density of public rights of way and permissive access network.  A secluded intimate feel, and a sense the landscape has had a long history of small settlement and farms by the presence of timber framed and old brick small farm buildings.  Early disafforestation of medieval deer parks in the 14th century, resulting in an assarted landscape in which woodland has become increasingly fragmented. Fields have been reorganised but generally retain their irregular pattern.  A significant concentration of large historic parks and gardens, such as Stratfield Saye, Tylney Hall and The Vyne.  A high density dispersed settlement pattern which has mid medieval origins and remains relatively little altered, including a concentration of medieval moated sites. Villages often have greens.  GHQ defence line.  High voltage power lines stride through the landscape. 1.3.6 Under Experiential/Perceptual Characteristics, it states that “The well wooded landscape, often with ancient trees, numerous streams and a wealth of traditional buildings in quiet hamlets with limited modern development contribute to a sense of tranquillity. This contrasts strongly with the intrusion of major roads including the M3 and the A33, and significant extents of modern development around Hook, Chineham and North Basingstoke suburbs and Bramley.” 1.3.7 Under Historic Landscape, it states that: “During the C. 19th parks were modified and planted with newly introduced species. New parks were also created at Sherfield Manor and Sherfield Hall.”

1.3.8 Forces for Change are identified as:  New housing development and changes to existing stock.  Farm conversion to residential and land management changes.  Pressure from urban fringe use related activities.  Recreation pressures  Climate change

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1.3.9 Key Qualities are identified as:  Tangible medieval enclosure landscape with assarts, shaws, wavy boundary valley floor field systems, ditched boundaries, commons, greens, winding lanes, moated sites and an unusually high proportion of designed landscapes some with deer park origins.  High density dispersed pattern of small settlements centred on greens and farmsteads, with springline settlements on the southern boundary and a comparatively high concentration of timber framed and pre 1700 buildings.  A lowland agricultural landscape, much of which has been farmed continuously from mid medieval times, resulting in a mosaic of habitats including chalk streams, hedgerow, damp and wet meadow, fen, carr, wet and ancient woodlands and occasional heath.  Very local countryside to large centres of population to the east and south served by a dense footpath network on the stream valley floor – in a pastoral setting with views enclosed by woodland on surrounding higher ground. 1.3.10 Within this assessment the ‘Lowland Mosaic Open’ Landscape Type covers areas around Basingstoke, Eastleigh and within the Test Valley. ‘Key Identifying Characteristics and Boundary Definitions’ are listed as:  Low lying, relatively flat on clay and alluvial soils and perhaps lighter and richer soils than medium scale and heath associated lowland mosaic landscapes.  Close proximity to streams.  Nearly all farmed land - no remnant open land / common.  Little intensive exploitation pre Saxon period.  Intensively farmed landscapes post disafforestation resulting in high density dispersed settlement of hamlets and farmsteads particularly in the Loddon valley and lower part of the Test.  Often found close to settlement – particularly market towns like Romsey and Petersfield.  Their open nature is attributable to relatively large fields and boundary loss and very low woodland cover and few undulations.  Relatively little biodiversity interest apart from neutral grassland, remaining woodland and hedges.  Mid-19th century - medium density dispersed settlement pattern. 1.3.11 Details of the physical aspects of the landscape; experiential aspects; biodiversity; historic environment; and visibility are also listed. Within these descriptions, references are made to ‘north Hampshire’ and ‘south Hampshire’, with ‘north Hampshire’ being relevant to the area around the Application Site:  PHYSICAL o GEOLOGY, LANDFORM, ELEVATION: . Bedrock and Superficial Geology: The dominant formation is London Clay but where the LCT occurs in south Hampshire it has significant associations with the Wittering formation. Here, there is varied coverage of superficial and alluvium deposits. . Landform and Elevation: Predominantly flat to gently undulating and low lying. This is a fundamental factor in giving the feeling of openness. The flatness sets it apart from the other lowland mosaic types. o SOIL TYPES . Typical soil type pattern: Consistently one type of soil; slowly permeable seasonally waterlogged fine loam over clay. Gley soil profiles. Predominantly 711h in north Hampshire and 711g in south Hampshire.

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o FUNCTIONS: . Hydrological function: Not related to high hydrological function indicators, but varied where this type occurs. Generally minor or no groundwater vulnerability zones. Occasionally grade 3 or 4 source protection zones. . Food and Biomass: Very varied agricultural land grade from 2 to 4. The higher grade land is much less extensive and occurs in pockets associated with lighter alluvial soils close to watercourses. Biomass potential is very varied. . Biodiversity potential: Very low for the habitats where opportunity mapping has been carried out. o LANDCOVER AND LAND USE PATTERN: . Markedly higher proportion of arable land (frequent/abundant) in comparison with other lowland mosaic landscape types. Low trimmed hedges containing isolated hedgerow trees. Very low woodland cover. Hedge bounded fields are relatively large compared and varied in size with other lowland mosaic landscapes. They average about 7ha but are frequently above 20ha. o HYDROLOGY: . Associated with watercourses. Drainage ditches along field boundaries are a frequent feature.  EXPERIENTIAL o ACCESS AND TRANSPORT ROUTES: . Generally well developed road and lane network, perhaps because of often close proximity to settlement and or transport corridor. Not particularly dense footpath and bridleway network. o TRANQUILLITY: . Not identified as being particularly tranquil in the 2006 CPRE study. Due to the lack of woodland and substantial hedgerows and proximity to development, in south Hampshire there is little sense of tranquillity and seclusion. In north Hampshire where this type occurs there is less development to influence tranquillity.  BIODIVERSITY . The Lowland Mosaic Open landscape character type is an agricultural landscape comprising improved grassland and arable land, unimproved grassland and limited woodland. . Unimproved grasslands exist within this landscape; these are mainly neutral, although there are some acid grasslands. Unimproved grassland provides an important habitat resource, particularly when most of the surrounding grassland resource has been improved for agriculture, reducing its habitat potential. . Woodland is limited in the Lowland Mosaic Open landscape character type: it is less wooded than other Lowland Mosaic landscape character types. There is some broadleaved woodland and some parkland which may represent old pasture landscapes and are often species rich. There is also some active coppicing without standards. Hazel coppice woodlands can support rich flora and butterfly populations but this potential is reduced when there are no standards and if coppicing is no longer carried out.

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. The Loddon Catchment BOA4 exists within this landscape character type and identifies opportunities for lowland heath, lowland mixed deciduous woodland, lowland dry acid grassland, wet woodland and lowland meadow habitat creation and enhancement.  HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT o ARCHAEOLOGY . There is light evidence of exploitation during the Mesolithic and Neolithic. In the Bronze Age there is little evidence and no suggestion that this is a farmed or settled landscape, and there are few Bronze Age burial mounds except along the fringes of the Avon valley (and a noticeable concentration on Petersfield Heath). Likewise in Iron Age there is little evidence of settlement, although there is some on the fringes of the Avon valley. However, where the river valleys cut through the bands of lowland mosaic there are several examples where the valley is marked by an Iron Age hill fort, such as Bulls Down Copse (Loddon). In the Roman period there are some Villa sites on the margins of these areas suggesting that exploitation, such as for woodland, hunting and quasi industrial activity such as pottery or tile production is making them slightly less marginal. There is a close correlation between lowland mosaic landscapes and pottery/tile production which may well reflect the availability of clay and fuel. In the medieval period assart landscapes, moats and deer parks, speak eloquently of the release of forest land to farming at this late stage in the evolution of the landscape. o HISTORIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER . Parts of the Loddon and Whitewater valleys are associated with large wavy fields which suggest areas that the land was enclosed by informal agreement and areas have seen significant boundary/woodland loss. In the south Hampshire lowlands the previous historic field pattern appears to have been predominantly more regular enclosures and these have suffered significant boundary loss to produce an open feeling to the landscape. o HISTORIC BUILT ENVIRONMENT . Settlement types by form: typically, historically medium density dispersed small settlement and farmsteads and areas surrounding modern expanded settlements in south Hampshire. o Building materials and type; . Typically associated with older material distributions of clay brick and tiles and timber framed buildings especially in the north Hampshire lowlands of the Loddon valley.  VISIBILITY . Prominency: Locally low lying above the lower reaches of river valley floor. . Enclosure: Distant views to wooded horizons and development. Low woodland cover, low hedges, and very gently undulating landform makes this landscape makes this the most intervisible lowland mosaic landscapes. . Public perceptions: This LCT is not associated with popular visitor areas. However it is close and visible to urban populations in south Hampshire.

4 BOA = Biodiversity Opportunity Area.

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1.3.12 Although the Site is barely visible from this area, the closest townscape area to the Site is Townscape Character Area BAS07 Residential suburbs, Sub-area 07h Chineham. Key Characteristics of this area are identified as follows:  Fine-grain residential suburb built around blocks of woodland. Linear development in the 1970s was followed by a complex network of sweeping spine roads and closes in the 1980s  Generally flat, rising in the south  Predominantly detached houses set in mixed small or medium-sized plots with gardens or driveways to the front, side access and rear gardens. Some individual plots are larger and enjoy larger rear gardens  Mostly consistent building lines in streets; houses set back, often staggered around closes  Characteristic mix of red, buff and brown brick stock with clay or concrete interlocking tiles. Some houses with mock timber-framing and sash-style windows  Two-storey houses with limited use of roofspace for additional accommodation, occasional bungalows  Predominantly residential with private dwellings, few amenities, churches, school etc.  Large green spaces. Large sections of former woodland have survived, especially flanking the A33. Other open spaces include school playing fields and recreation grounds  Well-maintained public realm. Footpaths, grass verges, boundary hedges and walls, street trees and shrubs, some on-street parking  Good road networks. Southern area is within walking distance of supermarkets, some distance away from Basingstoke’s commercial centre. Good access to recreation grounds and close proximity to countryside.

1.4 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT - LOCAL LEVEL ASSESSMENT

The Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Assessment 20015 1.4.1 The Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Assessment 2001 draws on both the original Countryside Character Areas produced by the Countryside Commission, the previous Hampshire Landscape Character Assessment (1993), and the Borough’s previous landscape assessment (1995). It divides the Borough into 20 Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) and 30 generic Landscape Types (LTs). Eight settlements are also assessed, with Chineham being defined separately from Basingstoke. 1.4.2 The Application Site and surrounding area lies within LCA 6 ‘Loddon and Lyde Valley’, the key characteristics being defined as:  broad, shallow valley sides of the River Lyde and River Loddon that meander through, and unify, the varying landscape types;  pattern ranging from open farmland around Stratfield Saye, Blacklands Farm and Mapledurwell, to that which is smaller-scale and more enclosed in the mid-section of the area and within the valley itself. The flat, lowlying valley floor pasture has a distinctive pattern of drainage ditches, willow-lined watercourses, water meadows and an often pastoral, remote character;  generally unspoilt, quiet and rural character, and a sense of remoteness in less accessible parts of the river valley, but with intrusion by major roads, the railway and electricity pylons in some areas, and by an incinerator immediately east of Chineham ;  relatively large-scale, open arable fields with low, well-trimmed hedgerows and infrequent woodland in the north and far south, reflecting 17th - 18th century informal enclosure and late 18th – 19th century parliamentary enclosure respectively;

5 The Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Assessment; Landscape Design Associates in association with Wessex Archaeology: June 2001

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 more enclosed assart fields within an intact, strong hedgerow and woodland structure (some of it assarted) between Stratfield Saye and Newnham;  nationally important habitat types, including the ancient semi-natural woodland, unimproved neutral grassland associated with the River Loddon alluvial floodplain (including the Stanford End Mills SSSI), areas of fen vegetation (the SSSI at Mapledurwell Fen holding one of central southern England’s richest associations of fen species), and Greywell Tunnel SSSI (sheltering Britain’s largest bat population);  localised, well-managed quality added by the Grade II Stratfield Saye Park, and 17th garden at Basing House;  relatively low intervisibility within the area, due to landform and vegetation minimising views, but more extensive views possible in the more open northern and southern landscapes;  low settlement density, with dispersed villages, hamlets and isolated farmsteads, linked by a network of narrow winding roads, except for the adjoining urban areas of Basingstoke and Chineham and the village of Old Basing;  many historic landscape features across the area, from medieval moated sites, deer parks, hunting lodges and castles, to scheduled ancient monuments including Bulls Down Camp Iron Age hillfort and remnant enclosed strips and furlongs in Stratfield Saye parish. Old mills, which have contributed to the Valley’s development, add to the sense of place. 1.4.3 None of the key designations identified above or listed within the detailed description of this LCA are within or in close proximity to the site; however, it is noted in the more detailed descriptive text that “Basingstoke and Chineham exert an urban influence on the immediate south-western edge of the character area.” 1.4.4 Key Issues identified for this LCA are as follows:  poor species and structural diversity and ecological value within coniferous plantations;  under-management of ancient semi-natural woodlands including hazel coppice woods;  loss of broadleaf woodlands;  extensive hedgerow removal in the past, and general decline in condition of hedgerows and trees (with frequent stag-headed trees), particularly within more open arable landscapes on clay areas to the north;  management of hedgerows (and retention of tree saplings within them), and field patterns of historic significance;  management of road verges and hedgebanks and damage from scrub encroachment, road improvements and legacy of agrochemical use on adjacent farmland;  lack of permanent grass field margins, including uncultivated buffer strips next to rivers, streams and other sensitive wildlife habitats;  management of unimproved/semi-improved neutral/acidic grasslands, to maintain or enhance biodiversity;  reduction in biodiversity levels through agricultural practices;  identification and conservation of all water meadows, and their appropriate management to allow for shallow winter flooding;  inappropriate management of floodplain grazing marsh;  some localised visual intrusion and noise from built development and roads, especially around the fringes of Basingstoke, and near the M3, A33, A30 and the railway, which have an impact on the tranquility of immediate areas;  the intrusion caused by the high number of electricity plyons/lines north, east and south- east of Bramley/Bramley Green, and also north of Old Basing, along the River Loddon;

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 potential visual intrusion of new incinerator under construction east of A33. 1.4.5 In terms of Landscape Types (LTs), the Site is within Landscape Type FW2, one of four sub-types of ‘Mixed farmland and woodland landscapes’ within the Borough. As defined in the Landscape Assessment: “These represent the most extensive landscape types across the northern part of the Borough and form a distinctive and highly complex mosaic of mixed farmland and woodland of varying scales and degrees of enclosure. There are no strongly discernible heathy characteristics to the vegetation. Species common in hedgerows and woods tend towards those more typical of neutral or calcareous soils, such as oak, ash, field maple, dogwood etc. Fields tend to be irregular in shape and bounded by thick hedgerows, mature trees and blocks of woodland, creating a strong sense of enclosure and intimacy. The complex pattern of small-scale valleys, which cross this area from the edge of the chalk to the River Enborne, add to this diversity and enclosure. Some areas have a larger-scale pattern of farmland and are less enclosed by woodland.” 1.4.6 The defining characteristics of the sub-type ‘Mixed farmland and woodland: large-scale (FW2)’ are:  medium to large-scale mosaic of predominantly arable  farmland and woodland; strong hedgerow structure creates moderate sense of enclosure; 1.4.7 Chineham is one of the eight settlements described in detail within Part 3 of the Landscape Assessment. Its key characteristics are identified as:  southern boundary indistinguishable from the northern edge of Basingstoke;  primarily cul-de-sac housing development, with business park area to the west, and the district centre to the south;  wooded railway line physically, and visually, divides housing from business park area;  lacks a central core;  important landscape areas within the settlement, linked by a network of footpaths;  moated site open space;  Petty’s Brook forms important open space/vegetation links into the settlement;  predominantly soft edges to the north, east and west with limited intervisibility with the surrounding landscape,  due to numerous woodland blocks/tree lined hedgerows. 1.4.8 Conservation and enhancement priorities for Chineham are also identified:  retain and conserve the important ecological and landscape value of Carpenter’s Down Wood/Martins Bushes, Long Swains Row and Gallaries Copse to the west, Petty’s Copse and other copse/woodland areas to the north, and Great Binfield Copse to the south-east, which are valuable entities in the settlement setting;  conserve and strengthen planting along the A33;  conserve and enhance screening and landscape value of strong vegetation along the railway line, dividing residential and business use;  conserve and enhance the important Petty’s Brook floodplain and ‘green route’ through the settlement, encouraging biodiversity and habitat creation, as well as softening the urban form;  encourage new tree planting adjacent to modern housing overlooking Petty’s Brook to the east, to integrate built form into the landscape;  introduce off-site planting to screen Chineham incerator; conserve the predominantly soft edge and contained nature of the settlement;  retain woodland blocks within the settlement; retain individual trees and tree groups;

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 retain and conserve historic Park Pale to the east of Chineham;  retain internal open spaces, especially the moated site.

1.5 REVIEW OF OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS 1.5.1 Other documents that give insight into the landscape character and value of the landscape around the Application Site include the Hampshire Historic Landscape Characterisation 1999; the Basingstoke and Deane Landscape and Biodiversity 2008; and the Basingstoke and Deane Countryside Design Summary 2008. These final two documents are Supplementary Planning Documents (or are appended to them) and are therefore reviewed in Section 4 of the main LVIA text below. Hampshire Historic Landscape Characterisation6 1.5.2 The Hampshire Historic Landscape Assessment was undertaken for Hampshire County Council and English Heritage by the Oxford Archaeological Unit and Scott Wilson Resource Consultants in February 1999. 1.5.3 It is a detailed county level assessment covering the entire Study Area, and is intended to support local planning authorities in plan and decision making. The formation within the Hampshire Historic Landscape Characterisation was integral to the development of the Hampshire County Integrated Character Assessment, however, it is not adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The Urban Character Study for Basingstoke 20087 1.5.4 The Urban Character Study for Basingstoke was published in September 2008 and has, since 2012, been integrated as an Appendix in the Basingstoke and Deane Design and Sustainability Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). 1.5.5 Although of limited relevance to the Application Site, the Urban Character Study for Basingstoke 2008 divides Basingstoke into 14 subareas, of which ‘6. Chineham’ is one subarea, introduced as follows: “The parish of Chineham is located to the north of Basingstoke. The A33 is to the south of the area, and Hampshire International Business Park is to the west. Open countryside lies to the north, which separates Chineham from Sherfield-on-Loddon. The land use is predominantly residential, with schools, nurseries and other local facilities provided to serve the residents. Chineham originally grew as a linear development along Reading Road, and was extended in the late 1970’s and 1980’s.” 1.5.6 Chineham is further subdivided into two distinct character areas: ‘6.1 Chineham’ (which includes the area of Chineham closest to the Site) and ‘6.2 Reading Road’ (to the south west of the Site). The key characteristics of 6.1 Chineham are recorded as follows: Size 139 ha Land Use Residential, with a school, public house, dental surgery and a nursery for local residents House Type Late 1970’s and 1980’s detached, semi-detached and terraced housing, with occasional blocks of maisonettes Architecture Architectural features vary between pockets of housing. Most dwellings are two storeys with a pitched roof. Materials Materials vary between the different phases of development, and there is a wide palette of materials which include brick, cladding, wood and tile hangings, and render. Building Form Gaps between houses and plot widths vary, creating an informal rhythm and layout

6 Hampshire Historic Landscape Characterisation; Oxford Archaeology Unit and Scott Wilson Resource Consultants: February 1999. 7 The Urban Character Study for Basingstoke; Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: September 2008.

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to the buildings. Building Line Staggered setback of buildings around cul-de-sacs and shared drives does not create an overarching building line Plots Range of plot sizes – rear gardens are between 10m and 18m in length, and can be irregular in shape. Layout Series of cul-de-sacs and shared drives which branch off from a distributor road. Houses are aligned towards the cul-de-sacs, with little frontage onto Black Dam Way. Enclosure Enclosure varies within the character area. The cul-de-sacs are more enclosed, whereas the distributor road is open due to the set back of the buildings.

Parking Resident parking is provided in garages and driveways, with some on-street parking. Landscaping Open spaces divide the area into pockets of development, and are important in creating a spacious setting for the houses. There are also small areas of woodland, which create a green setting to the houses. Density 30 dph

1.5.7 The key characteristics of 6.2 Reading Road are as follows: Size 14 ha Land Use Predominantly residential, with a restaurant and shops located on the southern tip of Reading Road House Type Range in house types, from 1950’s bungalows to modern detached houses. The more modern housing tends to be backland development. Architecture Range in architectural detailing due to different building ages. Materials Materials vary due to range of building age. Building Form Plot widths vary between 5m and 35m. The older housing along Reading Road tends to have larger gaps between buildings and wider plots than the modern backland developments. Building Line Steady building line along Reading Road, but the building line is less evident in the backland development. Plots Rear gardens for the houses along Reading Road range between 30m and 65m in length. Backland houses have smaller rear gardens, tending to be around 15m. Layout Linear form of development, with backland housing, along a previous route into the town centre. Enclosure Width of road and set back of houses creates an open streetscape – any enclosure tends to be formed by mature trees. Parking Parking is provided on drives and in garages Landscaping An open and spacious character is created by wide verges, large front gardens, and small areas of open space. Mature trees in gardens create a soft green backdrop to the area. Density 14 dph Other Scale of buildings vary from small bungalows to large two-storey houses

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The Basingstoke, Tadley and Bramley Landscape Capacity Study 20088 1.5.8 The Basingstoke Tadley and Bramley Landscape Capacity Study 2008 assesses the possible impacts of development upon areas immediately surrounding Basingstoke, Bramley and Tadley, without identifying specific sites. The site lies at the south-western edge of character area ‘BA08 Wildmoor Mixed Farmland and Woodland’, which is a rural landscape to the east of the A33 including small and numerous copses and woods, isolated farmsteads and occasional residential properties. 1.5.9 In this study the BA08 Wildmoor Mixed Farmland and Woodland is considered to have a Low overall landscape capacity, which is defined as “The landscape character area could not accommodate areas of new development without a significant and adverse impact on the landscape character. Occasional, small scale development may be possible, providing it has regard to the setting and form of existing settlement and the character and the sensitivity of adjacent landscape character areas.” In summary the capacity is derived from the following assessments of the character area: Overall Landscape Sensitivity: Medium  The land is generally flat although there are a number of subtle highpoints, from which the land falls away towards the River Loddon and Petty’s Brook (along the northern, eastern and southern boundaries).  The character area contains a number of woodlands, copses, parkland trees and shelterbelts.  The main land uses here include North Foreland Lodge school (19th Century Parkland) with grounds, a golf course and smaller areas of farmland and mixed woodland.  There are a number of farmsteads, occasional groups of properties and a garden centre along Wildmoor Lane. There is a network of footpaths within the area.  This area is representative of the local landscape character; however parts of the historic parkland and a number of field boundaries have been removed.  Field sizes along with the landform and extent of vegetation create a sense of enclosure within a landscape of medium scale.  The ridge within the southern part of the site is significant in the local context. Overall Visual Sensitivity: Medium / High  Views are of a rural landscape with any urban influence limited to the western boundary (A33 road) and occasional views of an incinerator chimney which is beyond the site.  Views are generally framed by vegetation although it comprises a mixture of longer and near distance views, depending on field size.  Residents in this area are limited, although there is an extensive footpath network and a golf course.  The historic pattern of this landscape indicates that there is potential to provide mitigation planting within this area. However, this is more evident in the rural area away from the existing settlement at Chineham. Overall Landscape Value: Medium / High  There are 4 SINCs, two listed buildings and Sherfield Hall Park is listed as one of HCC's Historic Parks and Gardens  Tranquillity is generally limited to occasional areas within the east of the area, due to the A33, an incinerator and the golf course. Scenic beauty is higher to the east.  The area has a strong and distinct rural character and is important to the setting of the urban area.

8 The Basingstoke, Tadley and Bramley Landscape Capacity Study; Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: February 2008

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1.5.10 It should be noted that within the detail of the assessment, the landscape value of the settlement edge is considered to be Medium, not Medium/High.

The Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Capacity Study 2010: Site Options 9 1.5.11 The Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Capacity Study 2010: Site Options document looks at the capacity of the landscape to accommodate development at specific sites in Basingstoke and its surrounding villages. 1.5.12 The majority of the site (but not including the northern field which is proposed as access) is identified within the Landscape Capacity Study 2010 as ‘SOL 002’ (SOL being Sherfield on Loddon parish). It is considered to be of Medium/Low Capacity for Development, which is defined as “A minimal amount of development could be accommodated only in limited situations, providing it has regard to the setting and form of existing settlement and the character and the sensitivity of adjacent landscape character areas.” 1.5.13 The analysis of site SOL 002 is based on 6 viewpoints which are all to the south-east of the site. The justification for the Medium/Low Capacity of this site is detailed below: 1. Medium/High Visual Sensitivity  Due to its hill top location and open character the site is visually exposed;  The site is visible from the busy A33 and local footpath network;  The visual contrast with the adjacent built up area is marked;  The potential to screen the site through planting is limited without damaging the landscape character. 2. Medium Landscape Sensitivity:  Remnants of parkland landscape;  Tranquillity disturbed by presence of the A33;  Open landscape with good tree cover along boundaries. 3. Landscape Character Sensitivity: Medium/High (combines 1 and 2) 4. Medium/High Wider Landscape Sensitivity:  Site is affected by the proximity of the A33;  However there is a good level of intervisibility with the wider rural landscape, and in particular Church End;  It also shares landscape characteristics with the wider rural landscape and links with Sherfield Hall, a local historic park. 5. Overall Landscape Sensitivity: Medium/High (combines 3 and 4) 6. Medium Landscape Value  No designations;  No evidence of local community value;  Part of setting to Sherfield Hall Park. 7. Landscape Capacity: Medium/Low (combines 5 and 6)

9 Landscape Capacity Study 2010: Site Options; The Terra Firma Consultancy Limited, Kirkham landscape planning limited and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council; November 2010

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1.5.14 The recommendations and comments for site SOL 002 are as follows: “The site is considered to have a slightly higher landscape capacity than landscape character area BR08 because of the proximity and influence of the A33 and Chineham. However despite this, it appears more remote from the urban area than it actually is (partly due to the extensive open area to the north of Old Basing) and shares many of the strong rural landscape and visual characteristics of the wider landscape to the north and east. It has park-like features which link it to the historic parkland of Sherfield Hall Park which would be eroded through any more extensive development. Any limited development on the site would need to carefully sited and designed to avoid visual intrusion on this prominent site and relate well to the built form at Redlands.”

1.6 EVALUATION 1.6.1 Whilst the National Character Area profile provides some insight into the landscape around the Application Site it covers a large area and it is evident that many of the aspects identified within the NCA text are not applicable to the small Study Area defined by the Zone of Visual Influence of this development. 1.6.2 Equally, the various urban studies covering Chineham have limited direct relevance to the Application Site, although they assist in setting the scene for a development in this area and are part of the baseline, albeit the urban area is generally well buffered from the site by the vegetation along the west side of the A33. 1.6.3 It is the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment (2010) and the 2008 and 2010 Landscape Capacity studies that form the most up to date and relevant studies. Although a regional level document, the Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment (2010) is a more up-to date assessment than the earlier Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Assessment (2001) which is now 15 years old. As a consequence it is better aligned with current guidance on landscape character assessment and is a more comprehensive document containing a finer grain of detail than the earlier assessment. 1.6.4 An understanding of the key attributes of this landscape and the value attributed to it therefore falls largely to this regional level assessment, coupled with the two Landscape Capacity studies which focus on the area immediately around the Site.

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