Land at Burton Road, Rosliston, Derbyshire

Mr and Mrs Housden

Land at Burton Road, Rosliston, Derbyshire

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Land at Burton Road,

Rosliston, Derbyshire

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL APPRAISAL

Reference: EMS.2484 Date: 28 October 2014

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EMS.2484 2 28.10.14 (REV A)

Mr and Mrs Housden

Land at Burton Road, Rosliston, Derbyshire

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Contents

1. Introduction 3

2. Appraisal METHODOLOGY 5

3. BASELINE INFORMATION 7

4. Landscape and visual analysis 30

5. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 35

Figures

Figure 1 Site Location and Planning Designations

Figure 2 Topography

Figure 3 Landscape Character

Figure 4 Viewpoint Locations and PRoW;

Figure 5 Viewpoint Photographs

Figure 6 Landscape and Visual Analysis

Figure 7 Illustrative Landscape Masterplan

EMS.2484 2 28.10.14 (REV A)

Mr and Mrs Housden

Land at Burton Road, Rosliston, Derbyshire

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

1.  Introduction

Overview

1.1.  Pegasus Landscape Design has been commissioned to undertake a landscape and visual appraisal (LVA) on behalf of Mr and Mrs Housden. The LVA will form part of the application for outline planning permission related to the proposed residentially led development on land to the west of Burton Road, Rosliston, South Derbyshire (referred to as ‘the site’). The site comprises both the application boundary (which contains the proposed residentially development) and also areas of land under the applicants control, immediately to the north.

1.2.  The scheme (referred to as ‘the proposed development’) will include residential led, sustainable development on c.0.49hectares (ha) of land; this comprises the provision of up to 13 dwellings, together with relevant infrastructure, public open space, sustainable urban drainage and landscaping. The scheme also includes 0.389ha of retained grassland, trees and woodland which will contribute to the National Forest.

1.3.  This LVA has been undertaken to determine the various landscape and visual constraints and opportunities regarding the site and its context, how these might serve to influence the development potential of the site in respect of a masterplan for the proposed development, and to influence an inherent landscape strategy as part of that masterplan.

1.4.  This report summarises the appraisal process. It describes the landscape and visual baseline i.e. a description of the site and its context, and any relevant planning policy background. It then looks at the constraints of the site and its context in landscape and visual terms, and finally discusses the various opportunities on site and associated landscape strategy. The LVA also discusses the nature of likely landscape and visual impacts. The report is supported by a series of drawings to illustrate the analysis.

Level of assessment

1.5.  The third edition of the Guidelines for Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA3) was published in April 2013. In this, the guidance acknowledges that landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) can be carried out either as a standalone appraisal or as part of a broader EIA. The GLVIA note that the overall principles and core steps in the process are the same but that there are specific procedures in EIA with which an LVIA must comply.

1.6.  EIA is not required for the proposed development. Therefore this report has been prepared as an LVA only and is not intended to be a full, explicitly detailed landscape and visual impact assessment, where matters of individual resources, character areas or views are discussed, against identified sensitivity and magnitude of impact with consequential likely effects scheduled out.

1.7.  The LVA aims to determine the likely impacts of the proposed development on the existing landscape and visual receptors in the study area, sufficient to inform a landscape led approach to mitigation. This mitigation will be integrated into a high quality design through an iterative process to ensure that the proposed development works with the potential of the existing site in terms of green infrastructure, reflects local character and includes sufficient and appropriate landscaping.

2.  Appraisal METHODOLOGY

2.1.  The approach and methodology used for this LVA has been developed in accordance with guidance set out in the following documents:

·  Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013) Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 3rd Edition;

·  Natural England (2013) An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment;

·  Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage (2002) Landscape Character Assessment – Guidance for England and Scotland; and

·  Landscape Institute Advice Note 1/11 Photography and Photomontages Guidance.

2.2.  Reference has also been made to a number of additional sources of data and information, these include:

·  National Character Area Profile 72 Mease/Sence Lowlands (NE421), Natural England (2013);

·  Landscape Character of Derbyshire (2003);

·  Adopted South Derbyshire Local Plan (1998) – Saved Policies (Beyond Sept 2007);

·  Pre-Submission Local Plan part 1 (March 2014);

·  National Forest Strategy (2014 – 2024);

·  National Forest Strategy (2004 – 2014);

·  National Forest Guide for Developers and Planners;

·  National Forest Design Charter;

·  Ordnance Survey Mapping (1:25,000);

·  Aerial photography of the site;

·  The MAGIC interactive website (www.magic.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx); and

·  The National Heritage List for England, English Heritage.

Approach

2.3.  The overall approach to the identification, evaluation and appraisal of landscape and visual effects is summarised as follows:

·  determining the scope of the appraisal;

·  collating baseline information for landscape and visual receptors, including completing desk study research and undertaking field based survey work;

·  review the proposed development and identify the nature and duration of likely impacts;

·  the considered appraisal of likely impacts against the baseline information;

·  the identification of measures to avoid or remedy impacts and incorporation of these measures into the design of the masterplan as an integrated landscape strategy.

Scope of appraisal

2.4.  The broad spatial scope for the LVA is based on an approximate radius of 2km from the site. This is considered sufficient to account for the likely impacts that will be generated by the proposed development. This has then been refined through the stages of desk study and field survey work.

2.5.  The following receptors have been considered to inform the appraisal process:

·  Landscape character, including physical landscape resources; and

·  Views and visual amenity experienced by residents, recreational users (including visitors and tourists) and road users.

2.6.  Landscape features and elements provide the physical environment for flora and fauna and the associated importance of biodiversity assets. This LVA does not consider the value, susceptibility or importance on ecology and biodiversity, nor does it consider impacts from an ecological stance.

Collating baseline information

2.7.  To capture a comprehensive description of the baseline position for landscape and visual receptors, information has been collated using a process of desk study and field survey. The desk study included reference to published landscape character studies other relevant planning policy guidance.

2.8.  Initial field survey work was completed during September 2014. Representative photographs were taken using a digital camera with a 50mm lens (equivalent focal length) at approximately 1.8metres in height. These are presented as a series of viewpoints (included as Figure 5, Viewpoints 1 to 8) and have been used to inform both the landscape and, separately, visual appraisal.

3.  BASELINE INFORMATION

Site context

3.1.  The site is located adjacent to the northern edge of the village of Rosliston, South Derbyshire. The context of the site to the north and east is defined by woodland areas associated with the nearby Rosliston Forestry Centre; immediately to the south is the residential edge of Rosliston; to the west the landscape becomes more open and is characterised by extensive areas of rolling, mixed farmland.

3.2.  The site is located to the south-west of the junction between Burton Road and Rosliston Road, less than 250m from the centre of the village (taken at a point on Main Street near to St Mary’s Church and the local primary school). The site is over 5km from the nearby town centre of Burton upon Trent (to the north-west).

Site description

3.3.  The site itself is regular in plan form and comprises an almost square area of land situated. The landform of the site is broadly level at c.+80m above ordnance datum (AOD). The site is defined along its northern and eastern boundaries by tall hedgerows and linear belts of trees but these merge with other areas of vegetation within the site. On site vegetation includes small clusters of scrub vegetation and mature trees. Vegetation cover is less dense in the southern part of the site and the tree cover gives way to patches of grassland and scrub. The southern boundary is defined by a dense hedgerow and this forms a division between the site and the adjacent residential properties of ‘The Chase’. A tall, linear belt of trees are located along the part of the western boundary of the site however there is a break in the tree belt to the south-west corner of the site where the boundary is defined by a post and rail fence. Overhead power lines pass through the northern half of the site. Existing access to the site is available off Burton Road via the roadside grass verge and a field gate.

Landscape planning framework

3.4.  In the context of the relevant planning framework, the following section sets out a summary of those policies specific to the landscape and visual matters relevant to the proposed development and which will have implications for the landscape strategy presented in this LVA (refer to Figure 1 Site Location and Planning Designations).

European Landscape Convention

3.5.  The European Landscape Convention (ELC) promotes the protection, management and planning of European landscapes. The convention was adopted on 20 October 2000 and came into force on 1 March 2004. The ELC is designed to achieve improved approaches to the planning, management and protection of landscapes and defines landscape as:

3.6.  “...an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors)”.

3.7.  The importance of this definition is that it focuses on landscape as a resource in its own right and moves beyond the idea that landscapes are only a matter of aesthetics and visual amenity.

National Planning Policy Framework

3.8.  The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and provides a framework within which the appropriate local council can produce local and neighbourhood plans; the NPPF is a material consideration in planning decisions.

3.9.  The NPPF sets out three dimensions to achieving sustainable development that include economic, social and environmental considerations. It places an onus on the planning system to perform a role in relation to the environment that “contributes to the protection and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment...” and this underpins the strategic guidance set out in the NPPF in relation to landscape and visual matters.

3.10.  High quality design and local character are repeating themes through the core planning principles and more specific guidance on delivering sustainable development. Specific issues addressed by the core principles of the NPPF include:

·  that decision making should secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity for all existing and future occupants of land and buildings;

·  that decision making should take account of the different roles and character of different areas and recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and supporting thriving rural communities within it (this reflects the aims of the ELC); and

·  that development should contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural environment.

3.11.  Under delivering sustainable development the guidance sets out a series of considerations relating to ‘good design’[1]. This includes reference to sense of place, responding to local character and materials and aiming for visually attractive solutions as a result of appropriate landscaping. It also notes issues relating to local distinctiveness and taking opportunities to enhance the character and quality of an area.

3.12.  The NPPF notes the importance that designs ‘evolve’ in response to local issues and views of the local community[2] and also sets out principles in relation to conservation and enhancement of the natural environment[3].

National Planning Practice Guidance

3.13.  The Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) came into force on 6 March 2014 and the content of these underpin the NPPF.

3.14.  Environmental matters are covered by the PPG under a series of sub-topics. Landscape is addressed under the ‘Natural Environment’ section of the PPG which explains the key issues in terms of implementing policy to protect biodiversity, landscape and green infrastructure, including local requirements. The Open space, sports and recreation facilities, public rights of way and local green space section of the PPG explains how the recent local green space designation is to be implemented and provides general guidance regarding open space. The Design section of the PPG explains those points pertinent to design issues.

3.15.  Matters pertaining to 'landscape’ are covered under the guidance for the Natural Environment. Para 001 of the PPG addresses how the character of landscapes can be assessed to inform plan-making and planning decisions. It states that:

3.16.  “One of the core principles in the National Planning Policy Framework is that planning should recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside. Local plans should include strategic policies for the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment, including landscape. This includes designated landscapes but also the wider countryside.”

3.17.  Where appropriate, landscape character assessments should be prepared to complement Natural England’s National Character Area profiles. Landscape Character Assessment is a tool to help understand the character and local distinctiveness of the landscape and identify the features that give it a sense of place. It can help to inform, plan and manage change and may be undertaken at a scale appropriate to local and neighbourhood plan-making.”