Warwickshire County Council

Upper and Lower Brailes

Further Study Areas

Produced by

WCC Landscape Architects

September 2016

1

Landscape Assessment of Potential Development Sites within the parish of Brailes

1.0The Commission

1.1In September 2016 Warwickshire County Council Landscape Architects were appointed by Brailes & Winderton Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group to undertake a further landscape assessment of potential development sites within the parish. The survey is based on two areas, A and B, identified on theenclosed plan. The landscape assessment includes a review of zone Br06 previously covered within the 2012 Stratford Landscape Sensitivity Study for Brailes ( The primary purpose of this assessment was to see if the landscape sensitivity had changed since the Stratford study was carried out.

1.2The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of landscape character for the above mentioned zones, identifying areas of low, moderate and high quality.

1.3The landscape assessment comprises:

(a)Further refinement of the Land Cover Parcels based on a field exercise to gather information on verification of character, condition, function, tranquillity and visual quality;

(b)Site specific analysis on the above information, and

(c)Suggested mitigation should part of a zone have the capacity to accommodate some development.

1.4The Land Cover Parcels are referred to as ‘zones’ in this report and are shown on the map titled ‘Brailes (Upper & Lower) Landscape Sensitivity to Housing Development’ in the 2012 Stratford Landscape Sensitivity Study. It should be noted that only publically accessible routes / footpaths have been used to carry out the field survey.

2.0Methodology

2.1The methodology used for the ‘Landscape Sensitivity & Ecological & Geological Study’ undertaken for Warwick District Council in 2013 was broadly followed for this assessment. (

2.2The first step in this study has been to use the information available to us to extend the initial Land Cover Parcel (LCP) analysis. The ‘zones’ have been assessed on site using a standard checklist taking into account physical characteristics, visibility, the settlement edge and potential receptors. Each ‘zone’ report includes a site description within the context of the overall LCP followed by more detailed field notes.

2.3The focus for this landscape sensitivity assessment is on identifying the landscape value lost from potential development. Although this means we have concentrated on individual fields, these have been assessed in the context of the zone.

Not to scale at A4
Zone:Br06Settlement:BrailesParish: Brailes

SITE A

Site description

The Henbrook Lane site forms part of Br06 and comprises agently undulating medium-scale field, used for hay/silage with good species rich hedgerow boundaries with mature ash. Only a small section of hedgerow has become gappy and this has been strengthened by recent tree planting. A garden boundary defined by a neatly trimmed hedge and young hedgerow trees creates an indented edge on the south eastern corner of the site. The dense mature roadside hedge provides a leafy framework to the northern end of Henbrook Lane with views into the site from the lane generally restricted to field gate access points. Just beyond the north western boundary is a pond / wetland area with willow and some ornamental tree species. Along with additionalornamental tree planting in the vicinity,the use of non-native species has introduced an alien featureinto the countryside which is serving to erode the rural character of the zone. There are views across the site towards an overgrown hedge with the roof-line of new dwellings off Blakes Close clearly visible against a rural backdrop of hills. There is one listed building in close proximity to the site, tucked behind a garden boundary but visible from the lane. Public Right of Way SS60 runs south of the site.

Potential for housing development High

This area of land contributes to the physical separation between Upper and Lower Brailes and is referenced as an “open green gap between the two settlements”, “rising land” and “relationship with Brailes Hill” in the zone notes for Br06, Stratford Landscape Sensitivity Study (2012). The land has retained its agricultural function and development along the lane is intermittent with individual traditional dwellings set within large plots with pasture / old orchards in between. Therefore this parcel of land is inappropriate for housing development.

Policy suggestions

  • Maintain roadside hedgerow and internal field boundaries.
  • Replace ornamental planting with locally occurring native alternatives.
  • Reinstate hedge where gaps exist using local native species.

Landscape characteristics(DESK TOP)+

LDU LevelCOTSWOLD FRINGE

Physiographic

Ground typeSoft rock vales and valleys

LandcoverPastoral farmlands

Settlement patternVillages and estate farms

Cultural sensitivity-

Ecological sensitivity-

Visual sensitivity-

Land Cover Parcel data

Landscape / planning

Green Belt Parks, Gdns & Amenity Green Spaces □ Ancient woodland □ TPO unknown

Biodiversity

SSSI □Local Wildlife Sites□, Warks Wildlife Trust Reserves □

Historic /archaeology

Cons. Area □ SAMS □ Historic Parks / Gdns □ Listed Bldgs □ Registered Battlefield □

OtherAONB

Characteristics

Landform gently rolling farmland

Land use pastoral farmland managed for hay / silage

Field boundaries (FIELD SURVEY)

Type hedgerows

Species mixed

Condition good

Mgmt outgrown

Hedge /stream trees

Extent scattered

Age structure mixed age

Other trees

Extent apparent

Age structure immature

Patch survival

Extent localised

Mgmt traditional

Ecological corridors

Condition declining

Intensity of use

Impact moderate

Pattern

Settlement patternno settlement within site, intermittent adjacent dwellings set within large plots with pasture / old orchards inbetween.

Other built features-

Presence of waterpond

Scalemedium

Sense of enclosureframed - enclosed

Diversitydiverse

Key views

Views are of a medium scale pastoral landscape enclosed by outgrown species-richhedgerows with scattered hedge trees andhills visible to the east. The roofline of the new Blakes Close development reduces the sense of scale and disrupts the continuity with the wider farmed landscape.

Intervisibility

Site observationHigh

The field is visible from the B4035 and from Henbrook Lane. There are views across the field to the new developments off Sutton Lane.

Tranquillity

Noise sources:Road traffic on Sutton Lane, and the nearby B4035.

Urban views:Roof-line of Blakes Close development.

Presence of people: Infrequent

Tranquillity rating: Medium / high

Functional relationship

The zone functions as an important green wedge between Upper and Lower Brailes and forms part of the wider farmed landscape.

Visual relationship

The small pastoral character of the zone acts as a transition between the settlement and the larger arable fields beyond.

Settlement edge

The intermittent settlement edge along Henbrook Lane is indented and softened to a great extent by trees / vegetation and by the consistent use of traditional building materials.

Key receptorsSensitivity

Rural residentsHigh

PRoWHigh

Road usersMedium

Zone:Br06Settlement:BrailesParish: Brailes

SITE B

Site description

The site adjacent to Blakes Close forms part of Br06 and comprises a gently undulating medium-scale field managed as paddocks with good hedgerow boundaries adjacent to Public Right of Way SS60 and a recently established hedge on the western boundary adjacent to the car parking area for Blakes Close. The older hedgerowsare species-rich with mature trees. Scattered trees within the newer hedge line and occasional garden trees have yet to make any significant impact. Views into the site are limitedby hedgerows and topography which falls gently towards thethickly vegetated Hen Brook which runs along the northern boundary. There are limitedviews across the site to the rooflines of individual properties along Henbrook Lane and the High Street which are partially screened by mature vegetation. There are also planning consents granted for an additional 7 dwellings and garages off the High Street and a further18 dwellings and garages adjacent to Millers Way, off Sutton Lane. These developments will change the character of the settlement edge to the south creating a more urban context.

Potential for housing development High/ medium

This area of land helps to maintain a physical separation between Upper and Lower Brailes and is referenced as an “open green gap between the two settlements”, “rising land” and “relationship with Brailes Hill” in the zone notes for Br06, Stratford Landscape Sensitivity Study (2012). The sense of separation has been eroded by recent developmentswhich will only be intensified by planning consent already granted for further housing on the southern edge of the settlement (refer to enclosed plan). Therefore in order to maintain a functional green wedge between the two settlements only a smaller plot size could be considered, with the western corner excluded. A sensitively planted landscape buffer could reduce the potential visual impact of newhousing providing a more organic edge whilst softening the impact of recent development. Designs should use local materials and fabrics which blend in with the existing vernacular.

Policy suggestions

  • Maintain species rich hedge boundaries.
  • Retain the vegetated corridor along the brook course.
  • Create new footpath links with the countryside from existing developments.

Landscape characteristics(DESK TOP)

LDU LevelCOTSWOLD FRINGE

Physiographic

Ground typeSoft rock vales and valleys

LandcoverPastoral farmlands

Settlement patternVillages and estate farms

Cultural sensitivity-

Ecological sensitivity-

Visual sensitivity-

Land Cover Parcel data

Landscape / planning

Green Belt Parks, Gdns & Amenity Green Spaces □ Ancient woodland □ TPO unknown

Biodiversity

SSSI □Local Wildlife Sites □, Warks Wildlife Trust Reserves □

Historic /archaeology

Cons. Area □ SAMS □ Historic Parks / Gdns □ Listed Blgs □ Registered Battlefield □

OtherAONB

Characteristics

Landform gently rolling farmland

Land use pastoral farmland

Field boundaries (FIELD SURVEY)

Type hedgerows

Species mixed

Condition good

Mgmt outgrown

Hedge /stream trees

Extent scattered

Age structure mixed age

Other trees

Extent -

Age structure -

Patch survival

Extent relic

Mgmt traditional

Ecological corridors

Condition declining

Intensity of use

Impact moderate

Pattern

Settlement patternAlthough there is no settlement within the site, the Blakes Close development and immediate environment creates an urban character in an otherwise rural setting.

Presence of waterpond

Scalemedium

Sense of enclosureenclosed

Diversitydiverse

Key views

Views are of a medium scale pastoral landscape enclosed by outgrown mixed hedgerows and scattered hedge trees. PRoW SS60 includes views of St. George’s Church, a Grade I listed building. The roofline of the Blakes Close development and its associated lighting and car parking provides an abrupt urban edge diminishing the rural character and continuity with the wider farmed landscape.

Intervisibility

Site observationMedium

There are views across to the rooflines of individual properties set within mature gardens off Henbrook Lane and the High Street.

Tranquillity

Noise sources:Road traffic on Sutton Lane.

Urban views:New developments sit prominently in the landscape.

Presence of people: Infrequent

Tranquillity rating: Medium / high

Functional relationship

The zone forms part of the wider farmed landscape with the PRoW connecting the settlement to the wider countryside.

Visual relationship

The small pastoral character of the overall zone acts as a transition between the settlement and the larger arable fields beyond.

Settlement edge

The settlement edge along Blakes Close is prominent from ProW SS60 and over time will be softened to only a limited extent by hedge trees and garden vegetation.

Key receptorsSensitivity

Rural residentsHigh

PRoWHigh

Road usersMedium

1