10 effects on landscape and visual impacts · 123 715/m8 motorway & greenock road (a8),...

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715/M8 MOTORWAY & GREENOCK ROAD (A8), INCHINNAN CASS ASSOCIATES ROYAL ORDNANCE, BISHOPTON MARCH 2015

10 Effects on Landscape and Visual Impacts A) Assessment Methodology

Introduction

10.1 This landscape and visual impact assessment has been undertaken to assess the implications of the proposed junction on the landscape and visual resource. The process comprises an appraisal of the existing landscape and visual resource, and an impact assessment and description of mitigation measures to address the landscape and visual impacts.

10.2 The methodology for the landscape and visual impact assessment is based on The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment, Second Edition produced by The Landscape Institute and the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Part 5, Landscape Effects. In addition, the previous Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment for the junction proposals which support the planning permission for the proposed junction has been taken into account. A consultation process has been carried out. Responses are provided in Chapter 4.

The Proposed Development

10.3 The proposed scheme and alternative design options are described in Chapter 2. The key engineering components of the proposal include: two roundabouts on the A8 road, one either side of the M8 motorway (a larger roundabout on the west and a smaller roundabout on the east); realignment of the A8 road to accommodate the roundabouts; and the creation of two ramps linking the roundabouts with the M8 motorway to the south of the existing bridge. The west roundabout comprises four arms including an access road to Craigmuir Farm. The east roundabout comprises three arms. Pedestrians and cyclists will be accommodated by the provision of a shared cycleway/footway segregated from the realigned carriageways through the planned works. The proposed roundabouts and the link between them across an existing bridge will be lit. The lighting will be up to 12 metres high. The slip roads on and off the M8 motorway will not be lit. Chapter 2 also describes the drainage, embankments, lighting, fencing, landscape and construction details. The landscape proposals are described in greater detail later under mitigation measures.

10.4 To the north-western end of the proposals, the scheme links into a new road which is currently under construction. The new road is known as the Southern Access Road and creates a new link to a former Royal Ordnance factory site. The former factory site is currently being redeveloped into a mixed use development and county park. The Southern Access Road links into the proposed scheme via a new roundabout. The Southern Access Road rises on earth embankments to gain height to cross the railway line between the A8 and former factory site. The Southern Access Road scheme will include tree and hedge planting along the edge of the new road. As part of the Southern Access Road scheme a footpath/cycleway will be constructed on the western edge of the A8 road between the Southern Access Road roundabout and an access to a pond in front of Lochranza Cottage. The Southern Access Road will also install road lighting including along the stretch of the A8 road between the Southern Access Road roundabout to approximately the location of the existing Craigmuir Farm access. The proposed A8/M8 junction forms part of the overall redevelopment package of the former Royal Ordnance factory site.

Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

10.5 A landscape assessment has been undertaken to identify the predicted impacts of the proposed scheme on the landscape resource and considers the changes in the fabric, character and quality of the landscape that are likely to occur as a result of the implementation of the proposal.

10.6 The potential to mitigate adverse impacts has been taken into account in the assessment and the residual impacts identified.

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10.7 Landscape assessment consists initially of the collection of baseline data relating to the components the character and scenic quality of the landscape and an assessment of the sensitivity of the landscape. Consideration is given to data presented in related sections of this Environmental Statement including Cultural Heritage, Flora and Fauna, Water, Geology and Soils. Data collection was undertaken by way of desk study and field survey on foot and by car. The site survey work was carried out on 15 November 2012. The weather was sunny with occasional cloud cover. Visibility was good.

10.8 The sensitivity of a landscape element or assemblage of elements that will be directly or indirectly affected by the proposed development are assessed. Evaluation of the sensitivity to change combines a review of value or importance of the main elements, which together comprise the landscape character, with their vulnerability to degradation in relation to the type of development proposed.

10.9 The assessment of value or importance of the landscape components is set out below.

Table 10.1: Landscape Value Criteria

Landscape Value Criteria

High Sites of designated landscape value; a landscape, element or feature of national importance, or of particular importance locally with strong positive character and/or rarity and in particularly good condition.

Medium An undesignated but attractive landscape, element or feature in relatively good condition or of regional or particular importance locally.

Low A landscape, element or feature with few redeeming qualities or negative character and in a poor or degraded condition.

10.10 Landscape quality and condition contributes towards the assessment of both value and their vulnerability to degradation due to change and hence landscape sensitively. The assessment of landscape quality concerns the public perception of aesthetic and visual attractiveness of the landscape, and considers the following:

• visual factors (proportion, scale, texture, colour and views)

• pattern and composition of features

• purity of character

10.11 In order to evaluate how vulnerable a landscape character or component is to degradation, professional judgement was used and considered the following:

• landscape character and context

• landscape quality

• current and future likely landscape trends

• the nature and extent of landscape components and their importance and positive or negative contribution to the landscape character area within which they are situated and also to the wider landscape

• rarity

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10.12 The criteria used to evaluate the overall landscape sensitivity area outlined below.

Table 10.2: Landscape Sensitivity Criteria

Sensitivity Criteria

High Landscape or landscape elements of particular distinctive character, highly valued and considered susceptible to relatively small changes.

Medium A landscape of moderately valued characteristics considered reasonably tolerant of change.

Low A landscape of generally low valued characteristics considered potentially tolerant of substantial change.

10.13 An evaluation of the magnitude of the proposed changes on the elements of the landscape was carried out though a review of the nature and scale of the change, together with its duration and degree of permanence as set out below.

Table 10.3: Landscape Magnitude of Change Criteria

Magnitude Criteria

High Notable change in landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to very intensive change over a more limited area.

Medium Minor changes in landscape characteristics over a wide area ranging to notable changes in a more limited area.

Low Minor changes in landscape characteristics over a limited area.

Negligible Minor or virtually imperceptible change in any area of landscape components.

10.14 An initial indication of impact significance (adverse or beneficial) was gained by combining sensitivity and magnitude in accordance with the matrix below. However it should be noted that this provides an indication of the likely impact arising from the assessment of magnitude and sensitivity. Given that the criteria represent levels on a continuum or continuous gradation, professional judgment and awareness of the relative balance of importance between sensitivity and magnitude was also required.

Table 10.4: Landscape Significance of Impact Criteria

Sensitivity Magnitude

High Medium Low Negligible

High Major Major/Moderate Moderate Slight

Medium Major/Moderate Moderate Slight/Moderate Slight/Negligible

Low Moderate Slight/Moderate Slight/Negligible Negligible

10.15 Impacts of moderate and above are considered significant, as this is the level at which the changes to the landscape would be clearly perceived. Impacts below moderate are not considered significant.

Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

10.16 Visual amenity is defined as the pleasantness of the view or outlook of an identified receptor or group of receptors. The visual impact assessment determines the degree of anticipated change to visual amenity of buildings, areas of public open space, roads and footpaths that would occur as a result of the proposed scheme. The buildings, opens spaces, roads and footpaths that offer people views of the road development are

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collectively referred to as ‘receptors’. The potential to mitigate adverse impacts has been taken into account in the assessment and the residual impacts identified.

10.17 The following data sources were utilised in the visual assessment:

• scheme drawings.

• field studies to identify buildings, roads and footpaths inter-visible with the site.

• landscape features and visual receptors plans prepared to indicate those areas of land and buildings that may have views of the proposed scheme during construction, during the winter of year opening and during winter 15 years after completion.

10.18 Photographs were taken to represent views to/from the proposed scheme for identified receptors. These photographs represent views similar to that seen by the human eye (taken with a digital camera with an appropriate field of view angle). The photographs were taken from safe places of public access (i.e. public footpaths, road verges or roads that were not busy) or where access onto private land had been made by prior arrangement. The photographs are taken from: the nearest accessible point of the proposals looking towards the receptor; or the nearest accessible point to a receptor and looking towards the proposals. In additional photographs have been taken from the A8 road bridge to illustrate the views part way along the A8. The photographs illustrating the M8 motorway receptor have been taken from the A8 road bridge and land adjacent to the motorway corridor.

10.19 In order to assess the significance of any impacts on the visual receptors, the sensitivity to change of the receptors and the likely magnitude of change were considered as outlined below.

10.20 The sensitivity of the visual receptors/viewpoints was assessed by evaluation of a range of factors including:

• the nature and context of the receptors/viewpoints

• an assessment of the expectations of users/receptors

• the importance and value of the changed landscape in the view of the receptor

• the nature of the existing view

10.21 The criteria used to determine the sensitivity of the receptors to the proposed changes are shown below.

Table 10.5: Visual Sensitivity of Receptors to Change

Sensitivity Criteria

High Receptors where the changed landscape in the view is the view of a high value and importance and the receptor will notice a significant change to visual amenity, e.g. residential properties/footpaths.

Medium Receptors where the changed landscape in the view is not perceived as a major element in the overall view and not crucial to their visual amenity, e.g. sporting/recreational facilities.

Low Receptors where the changed landscape in the view is unimportant/irrelevant and/or the users are not particularly sensitive to change, e.g. industry/places of work.

10.22 The assessment of magnitude of change includes the consideration of the likely effects of development on visual amenity, taking into consideration the scale of the change to the landscape, the addition or loss of landscape elements, the change in landscape character and the amount/extent of the view affected.

10.23 The main elements of magnitude evaluation include:

• the extent of the receptor’s view affected by the development as a proportion of the view available

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• the distance of the receptor from the changed landscape

• the angle of the view relative to the main activity of the receptor

• the level of integration or contrast created by the proposal, the traffic on it and its associated elements within the view

• the potential for effective mitigation of adverse impacts and opportunities for landscape enhancement

10.25 The criteria for the magnitude of change are set out below.

Table 10.6: Visual Magnitude of Change Criteria

Magnitude Criteria

High The proposals dominate the view and fundamentally change its character and components.

Medium The proposals are noticeable in the view, affecting its character and altering some of its components and features.

Low The changes are only a minor element of the overall view, which are likely to be missed by the casual observer and/or scarcely appreciated.

Negligible Virtually imperceptible change (equates to a no change situation) to existing views and visual amenity.

10.26 The significance of the impact (adverse or beneficial) was determined using a matrix of sensitivity and magnitude, as below. As with consideration of landscape impact significance, professional judgement and experience were used to confirm the assessment of significance taking into account that the criteria represents levels on a continuum or continuous graduation depending on the relative importance of sensitivity and magnitude.

Table 10.7: Significance of Visual Impact Criteria

Sensitivity Magnitude

High Medium Low Negligible

High Substantial Moderate/substantial Moderate Slight

Medium Moderate/substantial Moderate Slight/moderate Slight/negligible

Low Moderate Slight/moderate Slight Negligible

Note: Impacts considered significant are hatched in grey

10.27 Impacts of moderate or greater are considered to be significant, as this is the level at which changes would be clearly perceived. Impacts less than moderate are not considered to be significant. This does not imply that mitigation measures would not be considered for impacts that are not significant.

B) Baseline Conditions

Landscape Resource

10.28 The planning context and the way in which the development relates to these are described in Chapter 5. With reference to the landscape and visual resource the Renfrewshire Local Plan notably contains reference to the site falling in the Green Belt and that a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) lies to the south of the application site. The relevant polices are defined in Chapter 5 along with how the proposal responds to its planning context. In particular, the landscape and visual impacts associated with the development are assessed and mitigation measures proposed. Road construction and introducing road lighting do not align with the aims

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of the Green Belt (maintaining openness of character) or SINC (nature conservation). Therefore, the Green Belt and SINC designations are assessed as having a high level of sensitivity to the type of development proposed.

10.29 The general landscape character of the area is described in the Landscape Character Assessment Guidance, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Agency, 1999 and the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Landscape Assessment, Scottish Natural Heritage and its partner authorities.

10.30 The Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland identifies the landscape character types across Scotland (Figure 10.1). The site lies in an area dominated by Lowland Plateaux and Plains.

10.31 Scottish Natural Heritage and its partner authorities have completed a national programme of landscape character assessment for the whole of Scotland. This has identified the area in which the site is located as having a regional landscape character defined by the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Landscape Assessment. The area in which the site is located is identified as being Alluvial Plain and is the only example of this landscape type in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley area (Figure 10.2). The character of the Alluvial Plain is described in this document as set out below.

The Alluvial Plain is bordered by the Black and White Cart Waters to the east and by the Rolling Farmlands of Kilmacolm to the west and south. The Clyde Estuary bounds the area to the north. The town of Bishopton lies on the Alluvial Plain. Much larger areas of former floodplain on either side of the Clyde are now urbanised and therefore do not fall into this predominantly rural landscape character type.

The Alluvial Plain area occurs partly on underlying carboniferous limestone and partly on the igneous rock with basaltic drifts which underlie the adjacent hills. It is, however, the alluvial deposits associated with the Clyde and its tributaries together with the peat deposits which have the greatest influence on the landscape.

10.32 The document also includes the following features in the Alluvial Plain landscape character type:

• low, flat land susceptible to flooding

• fertile land; agriculture dominated by arable with remainder improved pasture; minimal woodland cover and generally limited to field boundaries; pockets of deciduous woodland and semi-mature vegetation along watercourses; 3 large area of coniferous forestry plantations

• settlements: scattered farmsteads and villages with considerable growth over recent decades

• large scale industry in parts, e.g. Royal Ordnance site and Glasgow International Airport

• former estate landscapes with eroded landscape features

• transport routes and facilities including the M8, east-west train line, Glasgow International Airport

• tracts of underused and unfarmed land plus tipping and dumping

• visual presence of urban areas particularly in the west of the Alluvial Plain

10.33 The Glasgow and Clyde Valley landscape assessment identifies the key characteristics of this landscape type as:

• distinctive, low-lying landform

• generally open character though woodland blocks and remnant field boundary trees create containment in some areas

• lush pasture, arable fields and a number of surviving mosses

• significant urban influences in some areas, resulting from urban expansion, transport infrastructure and activities such as waste disposal

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10.34 This description accurately describes the site and its surroundings. An aerial photograph of the site and its surroundings (Figure 10.3) along with the context plan (Figure 10.4) show the rural nature of the area along with urbanising influences. Key features include: agricultural land with irregular field patterns and scattered farmsteads, in particular, Craigmuir to the northwest and Nether Southbar and North Commonside to the southeast of the site; industry, particularly the former Royal Ordnance factory currently being redeveloped and the closed landfill site; transport routes, notably the railway line, the M8 motorway and the B790 to the south (the minor route of Dargavel Road to the north is not open to the public); the encroachment of development of nearby settlements such as Erskine to the northeast of the site; eroded landscape features associated with the historic parkland at Southbar House; Lin Burn to the southeast; an overhead power line that traverses the landscape to the south of the site. Topography, vegetation, historic and cultural components of the landscape are discussed further below.

10.35 The Topographical Plan (Figure 10.5) shows the general contours of the area. Within the vicinity of the site the underlying contours undulate gently around 10 metres AOD. There is a hill to the east rising to over 45m AOD and high land to the north and northeast rising to about 25 to 30m AOD. The embankments associated with the crossing of the A8 road over the M8 motorway create artificial landforms that have relatively steep engineered gradients in this otherwise more rolling landscape. Landfill sites in the area, notably, the one to the west of the site, also create artificial topographical features in the landscape but these are more naturalistic in form and have gentler gradients than those associated with the road bridge embankments. To the northwest of the proposed scheme the Southern Access Road is currently being constructed on earth embankments. To the south of the proposals the land is relatively flat. The site is therefore bounded by raised land features of various types to the north, east and west while facing a plain centred on Lin Burn to the southeast. In the far distance hills can be seen: Kilpatrick Hills to the north (at approximately 5km distance) and high land to the south (at approximately 8.5km distance) to the south of Paisley.

10.36 The existing vegetation in the vicinity of the site (Figure 10.6) includes the following features:

• Trees. Groups of mature trees and woodlands occur across the area. Notable examples include: the former Royal Ordnance factory site to the west of the proposed scheme which has extensive areas of woodland (it should be noted that some of these woodlands are currently being removed to facilitate the redevelopment of the former factory); Linburn plantation by the M8 motorway; a belt of mature trees along the ridge line containing Dargavel Road; a belt of mature trees along the railway embankments; woodland associated with the SINC to the south of the proposals; mature remnant parkland trees and woodland associated with Southbar,

• Hedgerows. Hedgerows are a common feature of the area. The hedges are usually dominated by Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn). Some hedges are cut regularly usually to around 1.2 metres height while others are less managed and grow to several metres height. There are occasional hedgerow trees some of which are mature. The hedgerows provide boundaries to some of the fields, for example, to the southeast of the proposals the fields are bounded by hedgerows with occasional trees. Some roads are also bounded by hedgerows, for example much of the A8 road in the vicinity of the proposed junction is bounded by hedgerows.

• Aquatic/marginal vegetation. Aquatic/marginal vegetation is found in association with the surface water network. There are areas of reeds in the ponds to the east of the closed landfill site. There are also a series of ditches running along the edges of fields which provide field drainage and link into Lin Burn.

• Agricultural land. Extensive areas of pasture and arable farming remain in the area.

10.37 key historic and cultural components of the area (Figure 10.7) include:

• remnants of Southbar Parkland. Mature trees remain in and around the vicinity of Southbar. These are remnants of the property’s historic parkland setting.

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• agricultural landscape. The agricultural landscape is characterised by: isolated farmsteads; fields with an irregular pattern; hedgerows and mature trees; stone walls and ditches.

• site of interest for nature conservation. Area to the south of the site.

10.38 As discussed above, it should also be noted that the redevelopment of the former Royal Ordnance factory site to the west of the proposed scheme will result in the landscape character of this former factory site being altered from a well wooded derelict factory site to a mixed use development including a substantial community woodland park. This work is currently underway. Associated with the redevelopment of the former Royal Ordnance factory is the construction of two access roads. The more southerly of the two access roads links into the A8 road with a new roundabout immediately to the north of the works associated with the proposed A8/M8 junction. This Southern Access Road rises on embankments to cross the railway line to the northwest of the proposed A8/M8 junction. This structure therefore represents a new engineered structure in the landscape with embankments and associated hedgerow, ponds and tree planting.

10.39 Due to the gently undulating nature of much of the underlying topography, the vertical components of the landscape are particularly visually dominant. Notably, the trees, engineered embankments associated with the transport routes, and field boundaries limit more distant views. Rising land, in particular, the naturally higher land to the north and east, the closed landfill site to the west and Southern Access Road embankments to the northwest, restrict visibility of the site.

10.40 Some of these key elements of the landscape of the area are illustrated in photographs in Figure 10.8.

10.41 The site itself reflects the wider landscape character of the area. Historically the site contained an agricultural landscape which continues to be represented in the fields on the site to this day. Also historically there was a road substantially on the current alignment of the A8 road. The M8 motorway is a more recent introduction along with its boundary fences, hedges and associated tree planting. These features give rise to a number of relatively discrete landscape character zones within the site (Figures 10.9 and 10.10). These are:

• A8 road corridor. This comprises a bridge over the M8 motorway, the road and footpath surface, associated embankments, and boundaries of fences and hedgerows including trees, scrub and grass.

• M8 motorway corridor. This comprises the motorway carriageways, signage, associated embankments of grass and trees, and boundary treatments of fence and hedgerows. The motorway is not lit.

• Derelict road corridor. This is an abandoned road surface which was used to provide access to Bishopton from the M8 motorway but was abandoned when the motorway was extended. This area is now used as an access track and storage area.

• Woodland blocks. Areas of young to semi-mature deciduous trees located to the southeast of the A8/M8 crossing and to the west of the M8 motorway.

• Fields. The fields are irregular in shape and principally bounded by fences, hedgerows and ditches.

• Ponds. There are a number of ponds associated with the drainage of the closed landfill area to the west of the site.

• Closed landfill site. This is a domed area of grassland located to the west of the site.

• Residential property. Isolated rural property (Craigmuir Farm) including gardens and driveways.

10.42 The trees and hedgerows are particularly important landscape features on the site and are described in greater detail below (Figure 10.11):

• Hedgerows. The hedgerows are dominated by Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn). There are trimmed hedges: along either side of the M8 motorway with occasional trees; along the northern side of the A8 road between the driveway to Craigmuir Farm and Lochranza Cottage (with and upper surface similar to

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the height of the road surface due to the land dropping away from the road); and at the base of the woodland to the southeast of the M8/A8 crossing. The majority of trees within the site bound transport routes, principally the A8 road (including parts of the embankments raising the road level to that of the bridge over the M8 motorway) and M8 motorway. The more historic hedge pattern has changed in relatively recent times to accommodate the M8 motorway.

• Trees. There are two main areas of woodland. One woodland area is young, mixed species planted to the southeast of the M8/A8 crossing. These trees are etiolated and require thinning. The second area of woodland is to the west of the M8 motorway and is associated with the SINC. There are also groups of self-regenerated deciduous trees along the A8 road. Some of these trees fall within the planning application boundary on the A8 road embankments, while others are located just outside the planning application boundary along the northern edge of the eastern section of the A8 road. There are two mature trees of high value on the southern side of the A8 road towards the eastern end of the proposals.

• Scrub. There are areas of scrub regeneration along the A8 road corridor on the embankments. These vary from very open areas containing occasional Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) trees to more dense stands containing young to semi-mature mixed deciduous species.

10.43 The above descriptions of the landscape components enables their level of sensitivity to this type of proposal to be defined as set out below:

• Trees and woodland – medium sensitivity

• Hedges – medium sensitivity

• Ponds – medium sensitivity

• Agricultural land – medium sensitivity

• Scrub and grassland – medium sensitivity

• Landform – medium sensitivity

10.44 The Green Belt designation of the landscape results in the value attributed to the landscape as being high. However, the attractive, rural aesthetic of the landscape is diminished by the presence of the major infrastructure elements. The sensitivity of the area has been determined to a large degree by balancing those elements that will remain unaffected (during and post development) against those which will suffer and indeed be lost. For example, the loss of pasture and arable land, the removal of a well-established area of vegetation, and the alteration of landform are all negative aspects of the development, and are elements that contribute to the unique grain of this landscape. The overall sensitivity of the landscape to the type of change proposed is medium.

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Table 10.8: Summary of Landscape Attributes

Landscape Attribute Description

Positive Character Mature trees, woodland blocks, ponds, hedgerows and field pattern.

Negative Character Presence of the M8 motorway and A8 road corridors including embankments, bridge and associated infrastructure.

Landscape sensitivity to change Medium

Likely Landscape Trends Increased traffic, roundabouts and road surface could reduce landscape and visual amenity; redevelopment of former Royal Ordnance factory including associated link roads; completion of the Southern Access Road including finished landscape treatment.

Public Value and Public Perception A rural landscape separating existing settlements but degraded by major transport and infrastructure routes.

Visual Resource

10.45 The landscape and visual assessments are separate although linked procedures. The landscape baseline contributes to the baseline for visual assessment studies. Therefore, the baseline landscape information provided above has been used in assessing the visual impacts.

10.46 The ridge of land that runs east-west between the village and the motorway obscures views from Bishopton village of the development. As a result, the properties in the vicinity that will be affected by the development are principally: to the south-east, and have views partially screened and filtered by hedgerows and trees along the field and road boundaries; and by the farms and cottage immediately adjacent to the roundabout on the western section.

10.47 The proposals include the removal of some trees (Figure 10.12) and new landscape proposals (Figure 10.13). These (which are described in detail later) along with the engineering works, contribute towards the visual impact of the proposed development.

10.48 The Visual Envelope Map (Figure 10.14) highlights where views of the proposed junction may be possible. It shows the predicted areas of land from where the proposed development is likely to be visible, barring visual obstructions such as built form and vegetation. The Visual Envelope Map draws upon information provided in the planning application for the junction, maps, aerial and ground photographs, and assessment on site. The visual envelope provides an approximate indication of the visibility of the development (views will change with the time or year, with less screening by foliage in the winter). The visual envelope is used as a framework, to establish which views are likely to be affected. Visual receptors within this area which are potentially affected by the proposals (located in Figure 10.15) are described in Tables 10.9 and 10.10 for viewpoints at transport routes and residential properties respectively. Photographs illustrating these viewpoints are located in Figure 10.16 and presented in Figure 10.17.

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Table 10.9: Visual Receptors – Transport Routes

Visual receptor Sensitivity Reason for Initial Selection Photograph references

Distance

T1. M8 motorway in vicinity of new junction

Low Views towards the new road scheme experienced by motorists and passengers.

T1-A, T1-B, T1-C

~0m

T2. A8 road in vicinity of new junction

Low Views of new road scheme experienced by motorists (drivers and passengers), pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

T2-A, T2-B, T2-C, T2-D

~0m

Table 10.10: Visual Receptors – Residential Properties

Visual receptor Sensitivity Reason for Initial Selection Photograph references

Distance

R1. Craigmuir Farm High View towards the new road scheme experienced by residents.

R1-A, R1-B ~0m

(~75m from nearest point of western roundabout on A8 road)

R2. Lochranza Cottage

High View towards the new road scheme experienced by residents.

R2 ~0m

R3. Barrangary Farm

High The orientation of the residential properties at Barrangary Farm and the current construction of the Southern Access Road and its associated embankments results in there being no views from this receptor as a result of the proposals. The Southern Access Road is located between the receptor and the proposed scheme as it links the A8 road and former Royal Ordnance factory site via a bridge over the railway line. In light of the changing landscape in the vicinity of this receptor it has been considered so that these issues are clearly presented.

R3-A, R3-B ~200m

R4. North Commonside

High Views towards the new road scheme experienced by residents.

R4 ~570m

R5. Nether Southbar

High Views towards the new road scheme experienced by residents.

R5-A, R5-B ~635m

10.49 Views for walkers and residents on the high land associated with the Kilpatrick Hills to the north (seen in the background of photograph T1-B in Figure 10.17) and high land to the south of Paisley to the south (seen in the background of photograph T1-A in Figure 10.17) have not been considered due to the distance of these areas from the proposals and the scheme being set in the context of the existing A8/M8 crossing. These factors would render any change to the views experienced by these receptors too small to warrant further consideration here.

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C) Assessment of Impacts

10.50 This section describes the potential landscape and visual impacts arising from the proposed scheme. Construction of/improvements to an existing road can result in positive (beneficial) and negative (adverse) landscape and visual impacts. These can be direct, indirect or cumulative and include the following:

Direct

• a change in the landform and land use.

• loss or gain of landscape elements both natural and man-made resulting in: a change in landscape patterns, character and sense of place; vehicles and/or the road structure, including signs, furniture and lighting, becoming more or less apparent in the landscape; and a change in amenity.

Indirect

• farm severance causing a change in land use.

• a change in vegetation resulting from changed ground conditions and micro-climate.

Cumulative

• combined loss of landscape elements such as hedges, walls, or other traditional features impacting on regional landscape character.

• increased level of adverse impacts due to increased use of the road.

• a change in the way the landscape is experienced.

Landscape Effects

10.51 The changes brought to the landscape by the development of the proposed junction will have an influence upon the landform, cover and features making up the existing landscape composition. These effects are localised and set against the existing A road/motorway corridors. The impacts on the landscape elements, predicted as likely receptors to change, are addressed below with the sensitivity, magnitude and level of the effects presented (Table 10.11). Each element considered plays a specific role in the landscape and when these are viewed together, they create a holistic picture of the effects upon the landscape.

10.52 The proposed development runs through Green Belt. Its construction will affect the quality of the landscape. Even though care will be taken to protect existing hedgerows and trees some of the specific landscape elements, (such as landform and pasture) will be lost permanently during construction and operation of the development.

10.53 The major negative impact of the proposals will be in the building of the two roundabouts and associated slip roads, as they will cut through farmland, trees and hedges on either side of the M8 motorway. The long term influence of the new roundabouts and slip roads would, however, not stretch much further than the influence of the existing motorway and A8 crossing as the proposed planting scheme will mature to substantially replace the vegetation lost. Lighting of the new junction also represents a key new negative introduction into the landscape as neither the M8 motorway or A8 road are currently lit in this area.

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Table 10.11: Landscape Assessment

Landscape Receptor

Sensitivity Magnitude Level of Effect

(+ positive, 0 neutral, - negative)

Rationale and Type of Effect

Construct-ion

Year 1 (winter)

Year 15 (summer)

Construct-ion

Year 1 (winter)

Year 15 (summer)

1) Landscape Element

Trees and woodland

Medium Medium Medium Low - Moderate - Moderate - Slight / moderate

The type of effect would be permanent, direct and negative during construction when trees/woodland are removed and at year 1 when new planting will be small. As the new trees mature the level of effect would reduce.

Hedges Medium Medium Medium Low - Moderate - Moderate -Slight / moderate

The type of effect would be permanent, direct and negative during construction when lengths of hedges are removed and at year 1 when new planting will be small. As the new hedges mature the level of effect would reduce.

Ponds Medium Medium Medium Medium + Moderate + Moderate + Moderate The type of effect would be permanent, direct and positive during construction when new ponds are created and pond planting carried out to existing ponds. While the vegetation will mature the magnitude of the positive effect remains moderate at years 1 and 15.

Agricultural land

Medium Low Low Low - Slight / moderate

- Slight / moderate

- Slight / moderate

The type of effect would be permanent, direct and negative during construction, at year 1 and year 15 due to the loss of a limited amount of agricultural land.

Scrub and grassland

Medium Low Low Negligible - Slight / moderate

- Slight / moderate

- Slight / negligible

The type of effect would be permanent, direct and negative during construction, at year 1 and year 15 due to the loss of scrub and grassland. The magnitude of the loss will reduce slightly (but not enough to change magnitude ranking) at year 1 with the creation and initial establishment of new scrub and grassland. The magnitude of the loss will further reduce at year 15 as the new scrub and grassland mature. The loss of maturity associated with the lost scrub/grassland elements results in this effect remaining negative.

Landform Medium Low Low Low - Slight / moderate

- Slight / moderate

- Slight / moderate

The type of effect would be permanent, direct and negative during construction through to year 15 as new engineered embankments will be created. The magnitude of the effect is low due to the existing embankments associated with the A8 road and M8 motorway.

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Landscape character

Medium High Medium Low - Moderate / substantial

- Moderate - Slight / moderate

The type of effect would be permanent, direct and negative principally due to the introduction of the roundabouts and slip roads. Whilst these elements are permanent, the maturing landscape proposals reduce the magnitude and therefore the level of effect.

2) Landscape designations

Green Belt High Low Low Low - Moderate - Moderate - Moderate The type of effect would be permanent, direct and negative principally due to the introduction of the roundabouts, slip roads and roadside lighting. The magnitude of the effect is low due to the limited extent of the works and the pre-existing road and motorway corridors.

SINC High Negligible Negligible Negligible -Slight -Slight -Slight The type of effect would be temporary, indirect and negative as no alterations are proposed within the SINC area. Any effects would be as a result of the nearby proposals associated with the construction and operational stages, for example, light pollution.


10.54 Summary of significant positive landscape effects:

• Ponds – moderate

10.55 Summary of significant negative landscape effects:

• Trees and woodland (Construction and Year 1) - moderate

• Landscape character (Construction and Year 1) - moderate/substantial reducing to moderate

• Hedges (Construction to Year 15) – moderate/substantial reducing to moderate

• Green Belt (Construction to Year 15) - moderate

Visual Effects

10.56 Changes to the elements of the landscape will ultimately mean a change in the way the landscape is perceived. This section discusses the views and viewers (visual receptors) of the landscape located within the visual envelope as identified earlier. The type of visual effect including sensitivity, magnitude and significance is presented and analysed below for receptors on Transport Routes (Table 10.12) and from residential properties (Table 10.13).

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Table 10.12: Main Visual Receptors – Transport Routes: Visual Impacts

Viewpoint Location and Description

Construct-ion

Year 1 (winter)

Year 15 (summer)

Viewpoint Analysis

T1. M8 motorway in vicinity of new junction

Figure 10.17, Photographs T1-A and T1-B

This viewpoint is the section of the M8 motorway that approaches the A8 road bridge from north and south.

During the night, the sky is seen as an orange glow from nearby settlements with the lights of vehicles travelling along the M8 motorway.

Proposals: A new motorway junction is proposed with two slip roads to the south of the bridge (to either side of photograph T1-A) and two roundabouts, one on either side of the motorway. The roundabouts and bridge would be lit.

Receptors: The view would be experienced by motorists and passengers (low sensitivity) on the motorway. It has been assumed that the works will result in the temporary lane closure of the motorway during limited periods of the construction programme.

Sensitivity: Low Low Low During construction: While the motorway will remain open with two lanes in either direction for the majority of the time, it will be reduced to single lanes during limited periods of the construction period to facilitate the linking of the new slip roads to the motorway. The views will be characterised by a live construction site. The magnitude of the impact will be greatest for traffic travelling north as they will see the slip roads more fully. The magnitude of the impact will also be greater when the viewer is close to the new road in comparison to when being viewed at greater distances along the motorway.

Year 1: Two new slip roads and two new roundabouts will be established with associated landscape works. When travelling towards the site from the south (photograph T1-A) the two new slip roads will be clearly visible with the roundabouts to the either side. When approaching the site from the north (photographs T1-B and T1-C) the western roundabout will be visible though the new planting associated with it. The eastern roundabout will be visually screened by offsite trees and the slip roads will be substantially screened by the bridge embankments.

Year 15: The proposed landscape works would have established and matured. The trees and hedges planted will now have substantially replaced the hedges lost though construction and result in the A8 road corridor once again being bounded by hedges. This will render the views from the north substantially similar to those currently experienced. Planting along the new slip roads will have matured but the slip roads will remain visible, particularly when approached from the south.

Night time: Lighting of the interchange will affect the views for this receptor by making the currently unlit scene visible from a distance.

Magnitude: Medium Medium Low

Significance: Slight / moderate

Slight / moderate

Slight

Duration: Temporary Permanent Permanent

Positive /

Neutral /

Negative

Negative Negative Negative

Cumulative: Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative

Probability The above assessment is certain, based on the proposals being implemented as set out in this document and the completion of the Southern Access Road scheme.

T2. A8 road in vicinity of new junction

Figure 10.17, Photographs T2-A T2-B, T2-C and T2-D

This viewpoint is the section of the A8 that approaches the bridge over the M8 from the northeast and southwest.

During the night, the sky is seen as an orange glow from nearby settlements. Vehicle lights on the motorway can be seen.

Proposals: A new motorway junction is proposed with two slip roads to the south of the bridge linking into the A8 via two roundabouts, one on either side of the bridge. A new access to Craigmuir Farm is also created via the western roundabout. The roundabouts and bridge would be lit.

Receptors: The view would be experienced by motorists (drivers and passengers),

Sensitivity: Low Low Low During construction: While the A8 road will remain open, it will be reduced to single lane traffic signal controlled at specific times during construction. The views will be characterised by a live construction site. The magnitude of the impact will be greater when the viewer is within the site in comparison to when the viewer is at a distance entering the site.

Year 1: The two new roundabouts, two new slip roads and Craigmuir Farm access will be established with associated ponds and landscape works. When travelling towards the site from the northwest (photograph T2-A) the new footpath/cycleway and hedge planting will be seen beyond the roundabout currently under construction as part of the Southern Access Road scheme. When travelling towards the site from the southeast (photograph T2-B) the new footpath/cycleway, eastern roundabout, eastern slip road and new planting will be seen. A vantage point for viewing the proposals is reached at the bridge as it is elevated and has views down across the proposals. To the northwest of the bridge (photograph T2-C) the western roundabout, the realigned A8 road with footpath/cycleway, the western slip road, the link to Craigmuir Farm and the associated pond and landscape works will be

Magnitude: High High Medium

Significance: Moderate Moderate Slight / moderate


Positive /

Neutral /

Negative

Negative Negative Neutral



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pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders (low sensitivity) on the A8 road. It has been assumed that the A8 will remain open but reduced to single lane traffic, signal controlled operation, at specific times in the construction programme.

seen. The existing vegetation on either site of the A8 road will be lost. To the southeast of the bridge (photograph T2-D) the eastern roundabout, the realigned A8 road with a footpath/cycleway will be seen. The existing vegetation on either side of the A8 road will be lost.

Year 15: The proposed landscape works would have established and matured. The trees and hedges planted will now have substantially replaced the hedges lost though construction and result in the A8 road corridor once again being bounded by hedges which provide visual screening. This will render the views substantially similar to those currently experienced with the exception of the presence of the two new roundabouts.

Night time: Lighting of the interchange will affect the views for this receptor by making the currently unlit scene lit.


Table 10.13: Main Visual Receptors – Properties: Visual Impacts

Viewpoint Location and Description

Construct-ion

Year 1 (winter)

Year 15 (summer)

Viewpoint Analysis

R1. Craigmuir Farm

Figure 10.17, Photographs R1-A and R1-B

This viewpoint is Craigmuir Farm. The two storey property faces the A8 road (photograph R1-A). Views of the M8 motorway are acute and partly screened by garden trees and shrubs (photograph R1-B).

During the night, the lights of vehicles are seen on the A8 road.

Proposals: A new motorway junction is proposed. A new road to the south of Craigmuir Farm will provide a new link between the farm and a new roundabout. The A8 road will be realigned and a footpath/cycleway added. A pond will be created in the field to the southwest of Craigmuir and associated hedge and tree planting carried out. The new junction including the western roundabout near Craigmuir Farm would be lit.

Receptors: The view would be experienced by the residents of Craigmuir Farm (high sensitivity). It has been assumed that the A8 road will remain open but reduced to single lane traffic, signal controlled operation, at specific times in the construction programme.

Sensitivity: High High High During construction: While the A8 road will remain open, it will be reduced to single lane traffic, signal controlled, at specific times during construction. The new access to Craigmuir Farm will be created prior to the closure of the existing access. The views will be characterised by a live construction site.

Year 1: A new road to the south of Craigmuir Farm will provide a new link between the farm and a new roundabout in front of the farm. The A8 road will be realigned and a footpath/cycleway added. A pond will be created in the field to the southwest of Craigmuir and associated hedge and tree planting carried out. The proposed slip roads and eastern roundabout will not be visible due to screening provided by retained trees and embankments.

Year 15: The proposed landscape works would have established and matured. The trees and hedges planted will now have substantially replaced the hedges lost though construction and result in the A8 road corridor once again being bounded by hedges. This will attenuate the magnitude of the effect on the views from the receptor.

Night time: Lighting of the interchange will affect the views for this receptor by extending the lighting scheme associated with the Southern Access Road.

Magnitude: High High Medium

Significance: Substantial Substantial Moderate / substantial


Positive /

Neutral /

Negative




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R2. Lochranza Cottage

Figure 10.17, Photograph R2

This viewpoint is Lochranza Cottage which faces the A8 road. The works associated with the creation of the Southern Access Road currently create a live construction site in front of the property. A footpath/cycleway, road lighting and planting will be installed on the A8 road in front of Lochranza Cottage as part of the Southern Access Road scheme.

During the night, the lights of vehicles are seen on the A8.

Proposals: A footpath/cycleway will be added to the far side of the A8 road to the south of Lochranza Cottage. A hedge in this vicinity will have been removed to enabled the Southern Access Road lighting to be installed. The hedge will be replanted. The A8 road and new footpath/cycleway will link into the roundabout currently under construction to the northwest of Lochranza Cottage as part of the Southern Access Road.

Receptors: The view would be experienced by the residents of Lochranza Cottage (high sensitivity). It has been assumed that the A8 road will remain open but reduced to single lane traffic, signal controlled operation, at specific times in the construction programme.

Sensitivity: High Negligible Negligible During construction: While the A8 road will remain open, it will be reduced to single lane traffic, signal controlled, at specific times during construction. The views will be characterised by a live construction site.

Year 1:The orientation of the property and retention of existing vegetation will result in partly screened oblique views of the proposed junction in particular the western roundabout.

Year 15: The proposed landscape works would have established and matured. The hedge planting will now have substantially replaced the hedges lost. The A8 road corridor once again will be bounded by a hedge along its south western edge to the south of the cottage. This will render the views substantially similar to those currently experienced (with the exception of the completion of the Southern Access Road scheme which also includes planting).

Night time: Lighting of the interchange will affect the views for this receptor by extending the lighting scheme associated with the Southern Access Road.

Magnitude: High Negligible Negligible

Significance: Substantial Slight Slight


Positive /

Neutral /

Negative




R3. Barrangary

Figure 10.17, Photographs R3-A and R3-B

This viewpoint is the residential properties at Barrangary Farm. These properties are orientated away from the proposals and the Southern Access Road is currently being constructed on the land between the proposal site and the receptor (photograph R3-A).

Proposals: The proposals will not affect the views from this receptor.

Sensitivity: High High High During construction, Year 1 and Year 15: The proposals will not be visible from this viewpoint.

Magnitude: - - -

Significance: - - -

Duration: NA NA NA

Positive /

Neutral /

Negative

NA NA NA

Cumulative: NA NA NA


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R4. North Commonside

Figure 10.17, Photograph R4

This viewpoint is North Commonside farm which is a two storey property facing the A8 road. Mature trees and vegetation (on and off site) and a single storey building partly screen the oblique views of the site from the front elevation. There is a second floor window which faces the site.


Proposals: A new motorway junction is proposed at an oblique angle to the front elevation of the receptor. The eastern roundabout, eastern slip road and two ponds with associated planting are the key components of the closest elements of the scheme. Retained vegetation on and off site, along with the orientation of the property, substantially reduces the magnitude of the visual effect on the receptor. The roundabouts and bridge will be lit.

Receptors: The view would be experienced by the residents of North Commonside. It has been assumed that the A8 road will remain open but reduced to single lane traffic, signal controlled operation, at specific times in the construction programme.

Sensitivity: High High High During construction: While the A8 road will remain open, it will be reduced to single lane traffic, signal controlled, at specific times during construction. The oblique, partially screened views will be characterised by a live construction site.

Year 1: The new motorway junction will be partially seen at an oblique angle from the receptor. The eastern roundabout, eastern slip road and two ponds with associated planting are the key components of the closest elements of the scheme.

Year 15: The proposed landscape works would have established and matured. The hedge and tree planting will now have substantially replaced those lost.

Night time: Lighting of the eastern roundabout and bridge will affect the views for this receptor by making the currently unlit scene lit.

Magnitude: Negligible Negligible Negligible

Significance: Slight Slight Slight


Positive /

Neutral /

Negative



Probability The above assessment is certain, based on the proposals being implemented as set out in this document.

R5. Nether Southbar

Figure 10.17, Photograph R5-A and R5-B

This viewpoint is Nether Southbar farm which is a two storey property facing the A8 road.


Proposals:

The orientation of the property results in the receptor looking towards the southern part of the scheme in an oblique way. The slip roads will be visually screened by intervening off site trees and hedges (photograph R5-A). Any potential side views from the property looking towards the two new roundabouts will be partially screened by off site trees (photograph R5-B). The nearer of the two roundabouts has the greater amount of existing retained vegetation

Sensitivity: High High High During construction: While the A8 road will remain open, it will be reduced to single lane, traffic signal controlled, at specific times during construction. The oblique, partly screened views will be characterised by a live construction site.

Year 1: The new motorway junction will be partially seen at an oblique angle from the receptor.

Year 15: The proposed landscape works would have established and matured. The hedge and tree planting will now have substantially replaced that lost further reducing the magnitude of the visual effect on the receptor.

Night time: Lighting of the eastern roundabout and bridge will affect the views for this receptor by introducing lighting into the currently unlit scene.

Magnitude: Negligible Negligible Negligible

Significance: Slight Slight Slight


Positive /

Neutral /

Negative



Probability The above assessment is certain, based on the proposals being implemented as set out in this document.

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providing visual screening.

The roundabouts and bridge will be lit.

Receptors: The view would be experienced by the residents of Nether Southbar farm. It has been assumed that the A8 will remain open but reduced to single lane traffic, signal controlled, operation at specific times in the construction programme.


10.56 There are no significant positive visual effects.

10.57 Summary of significant negative visual effects:

• Receptor R2: Lochranza Cottage (Construction stage only), substantial.

• Receptor T2: A8 road in vicinity of new junction (Construction and Year 1 winter); moderate.

• Receptor R1: Craigmuir Farm (Construction to Year 15 summer); substantial reducing to moderate/substantial.

D) Mitigation

Introduction

10.58 Mitigation of adverse impacts associated with the introduction of a new road or modification to an existing road within the landscape involves a combination of three approaches:

• Prevention: prevention of adverse effects at source, for example, alignment in cutting to prevent any visual impact.

• Reduction: reduction of adverse impacts that cannot be eliminated by prevention, for example, environmental barriers in the form of mounds, fencing or tree planting to reduce the impacts to acceptable levels.

• Offsetting: the provision of alternative or compensatory measures where appropriate and feasible, for example, the creation of new habitats to compensate for loss of habitat as a result of the proposals.

10.59 Landscape and visual factors are closely related and consequently the mitigation measures describe in this section relate to both.

Scheme Specific Mitigation Measures

10.60 The landscape proposals for the scheme are shown in Figure 10.13. The way in which the design of the scheme, including the landscape proposals, contributes towards mitigation of the landscape and visual impact is described below.

Prevention

• This particular junction and layout was chosen following a study involving an examination of potential environmental impacts of several alternatives. The option of building the western roundabout to the south of the A8 road was examined but rejected on highway grounds and because it would have involved cutting into a landfill site. The selected option utilises and existing road bridge crossing of the M8 motorway and general alignment of the existing A8 road and therefore requires relatively little new engineered infrastructure to be introduced into the landscape.

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Reduction

• The extent of vegetation loss has been reduced by keeping the engineering proposals as compact as possible.

• The extent of new embankments has been minimised by keeping their angles as steep as practical. This has the negative effect of introducing unsympathetic landforms into the landscape. However, the visual impact of the unsympathetic gradients is attenuated in the long term by the establishment of trees and hedgerows.

• Generally there are hedges and/or trees along both sides of the A8 road in the vicinity of the proposals. The extent of road realignment is minimised. This enables the retention of trees/hedge on one side of the road for as great a distance as possible.

Offsetting

• Planting mixed species hedges and trees to integrate the new engineered structures into the landscape.

• Planting mixed species woodland to integrate the new engineered structures into the landscape.

• Planting scrub, grasslands and wildflowers to integrate the new engineered structures into the landscape.

• Creation of three new ponds including aquatic/marginal vegetation.

• Marginal planting to the existing ponds by the closed landfill site.

• Use of locally native species for all planting as far as possible to create a sympathetic landscape setting and maximise wildlife habitat creation.

• The long term maintenance of the landscape will be secured as it will be carried out under the standard maintenance contracts by Renfrewshire Council along the A8 road and the Scottish Transport Authority along the M8 motorway.

General Principles of Landscape Design and Mitigation Objectives

10.61 During the development of the scheme, detailed consideration has been given to:

• consideration of how to achieve the best fit with the contours

• retention and best use of existing vegetation

• protection of nearby properties

• avoidance of the loss or damage to landscape elements such as hedges, woodlands, waterbodies and valued landform

10.62 The following techniques have been and will continue to be considered and developed during the detailed landscape design, in consultation with interested parties, in an effort to mitigate impacts and where appropriate take the opportunity to enhance amenity and landscape character:

• planting and seeding design

• earth moulding

• environmental barriers

• restoration of hedge patterns

• reinstatement and enhancement of habitat connectivity

• making a positive contribution to amenity and biodiversity

Planting

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10.63 The planting design will be developed to meet specific mitigation objectives including

• screening the junction and the vehicles on it from residential properties

• preserving and enhancing landscape character

• consideration of the views from the road

• designing with wildlife in mind to enhance biodiversity whilst not compromising other design objectives

• new woodland planting to meet the Forestry Commission Scotland’s new sustainable woodland management standards (UK Forestry Standard 2004)

• planting design to contribute to the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network

• limiting the proportion of trees which are berry bearing to comply with British Airport Authority’s requirements (as set out below)

• Fraxinus excelsior (Ash) has not been specified due to the current restrictions in place on their planting due to Ash Dieback disease (Fraxinea chalara).

10.64 Where the design objectives can be met effectively by locally native species they will be used. Non-native species that are characteristic of species growing well in the area may be considered if they are important contributors to local landscape character and do not contradict landscaping policy. Young stock is generally easier to establish and consequently will form the basis of most mixes with larger trees used to give the planting some instant recognition and increased screening to receptors. Woodland panting mixes have been developed and agreed through the planning application process for the redevelopment of the nearby former Royal Ordnance factory site at Bishopton. These woodland mixes have gained the support of consultation bodies including British Airport Authority who have specific requirements to minimise the attractiveness of new woodland planting to particular types of birds that have the potential to cause a hazard to its operations at nearby Glasgow Airport. Indicative woodland and hedgerow mixes are detailed below which take these considerations into account but make adjustments for the roadside location of the planting scheme. Endeavours will be made to translocate existing hedges which are to be removed into the proposed hedge lines.

Table 10.14: Indicative Woodland Specification

Species Percentage of mix

Specification

Woodland Core

• Main canopy

Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak) 13 BR, 1+1, group size 3-8, 4.5 metre centres

Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak) 9 BR, 1+1, group size 3-8, 4.5 metre centres

Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) 8 BR, group size 3-8, 4.5 metre centres

Total 30 30% of each area designated as woodland core mix to be planted with main canopy species

• Secondary canopy

Betula pendula (Silver Birch) 30 BR, 1+1, group size 3-8, 4.5 metre centres

Betula pubescens (Downy Birch) 30 BR, 1+1, group size 3-8, 4.5 metre centres

Ilex aquifolium, male form (Holly) 17 BR, group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan) 12 BR, 1+1, group size 3-8, 4.5 metre centres

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Taxus baccata (Yew) 6 BR, group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Sorbus aria (Whitebeam) 5 BR, 1+1, group size 3-8, 4.5 metre centres

Total 100 100% of each area designated as woodland core mix to be planted with main canopy species. Interplant with main canopy species.

Woodland Edge

Corylus avellana (Common Hazel) 35 BR, 1+1 group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn) 15 BR, 1+1 group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Alnus glutinosa (Common Alder) 13 BR, 1+1 group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Betula pendula (Silver Birch) 13 BR, 1+1 group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Betula pubescens (Downy Birch) 9 BR, 1+1 group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) 5 BR, 1+1 group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Rosa arvensis (Field Rose) 5 BR, 1+1 group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Sambucus nigra (Elder) 3 BR, 1+1 group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) 2 BR, 1+1 group size 10-25, 1.5 metre centres

Total 100 Note: standard trees 8-10 cm girth planted at 4.5 metre centres in prominent locations in whip groups of the same species.

Table 10.15: Indicative Hedgerow Specification


Specification

Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn) 40 BR, 1+1, 5-15 per group

Corylus avellana (Common Hazel) 30 BR, 1+1, 5-15 per group

Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) 10 BR, 1+1, 5-10 per group

Virburnum opulus (Guelder Rose) 10 BR, 1+1, 5-10 per group

Sambucus nigra (Elder) 5 BR, 1+1, 5-10 per group

Ilex aquifolium (Common Holly) 5 2L, 5-10 per group

Note: planted in a double staggered row with 5 plants per linear meter

Seeding Principles

10.65 The primary objectives for the grass and wildflower seeding will be to:

• seed all disturbed areas punctually to prevent surface erosion

• formulate a seed mixture that requires minimal maintenance

• contribute to visual amenity and biodiversity

10.66 The different design objectives for the areas to be grass seeded will require different mixtures. For example, land to be returned to agricultural use will probably require rapid growing, palatable species and the land surrounding land drainage features a mixture specifically formulated for its wildlife/filtration value. Wildflower species will be carefully selected to be appropriate for the locality.

10.67 Typical seeding mixtures are provided below by way of example. The wildflower mixes have been informed by those approved though the planning application process for the redevelopment of the nearby former Royal

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Ordnance factory site at Bishopton. Seed mixes to be used for agricultural restoration are to be agreed with the land owner.

Table 10.16: Example Grass Seed Mix


Aniset Strong Creeping Red Fescue 35

Cadix Perennial Ryegrass 20

Highland Bent Grass 17.5

Southlands Crested Dogstail 15

Calliope Chewings Fescue 10

Aberace Mini Leaved White Clover 2.5

Note: sowing rate 10g/m2

Over-sow areas to be wildflower with: Latin name

• Flowers

Yarrow Achillea millefolium

Kidney Vetch Anthyllis vulneria

Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra

Corn Marigold Chrysanthemum segetum

Wild Carrot Daucus carota

Foxglove Digitalis purpurea

Lady’s Bedstraw Galium verum

Meadow Cranesbill Geranium pretense

Cat’s Ear Hypochoeris radicata

Field Scabious Knautia arvensis

Ox-eye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare

Birdsfoot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus

Corn Poppy Papaver rhoeas

Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata

Slef-Heal Prunella vulgaris

Bulbous Buttercup Ranunculus bulbosus

Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor

Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa

Red Campion Silene diocia

Betony Stachys officinalis

Tufted Vetch Vicia cracca

• Grasses

Crested Dogstail Cynosurus cristatus

Slender Creeping Red Fescue Festuca rubra ssp litoralis

Tall Fescue Festuca arundinacea

Note: sowing rate 3g/m2

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E) Residual Impacts

10.68 In considering all the landscape implications and visual receptors the negative impacts can, to varying degrees, be mitigated through: careful consideration of the boundary treatments; opportunities for compensation planting; a landscape strategy including management; creation of a variety of screening vegetation types, from new hedgerows and woodland to birch and gorse scrub (Figure 10.13). The severity and number of significant effects reduces as the landscape proposals mature due to, for example, new trees and hedges increasing in height and thickness as they mature resulting in improved levels of visual screening and landscape restoration and integration. However, there are a number of significant residual effects on the landscape and visual resource as summarised below (Table 10.17).

Table 10.17: Residual Landscape and Visual Impacts

Receptor Level of Effect

(+ positive, 0 neutral, - negative)

Construction Year 1 (winter) Year 15 (summer)

• Landscape Receptor

Trees and woodland - Moderate - Moderate

Hedges - Moderate - Moderate

Ponds + Moderate + Moderate + Moderate

Landscape character - Moderate / substantial - Moderate

Green belt - Moderate - Moderate - Moderate

• Visual Receptor

T2. A8 road in vicinity of new junction - Moderate - Moderate

R1. Craigmuir Farm - Substantial - Substantial - Moderate / substantial

R2. Lochranza Cottage - Substantial


10.69 The majority of significant residual effects are negative (as described below). The exception to this is the significant residual effect on ponds which is positive due to the creation of new ponds and new planting to existing ones. The level of the positive effect on the ponds is moderate at construction stage through to year 15 (summer).

10.70 The significant residual negative effects associated with other landscape receptors are:

• Residual moderate effect on trees and woodland at construction stage and year 1. This is due to the removal of trees and woodland during construction followed by planting of new trees and woodland but the plants will be relatively small at year 1. The impact of the planting will have increased by year 15 as it will have matured. This reduces the impact on the tree/woodland resource so that the effect is no longer significant. The majority of the tree resource lost though construction is of relatively low quality: young to semi-mature and often of poor structural condition (etiolated) due to a need for thinning.

• Residual moderate/substantial effect on hedges at construction stage and year 1 reducing to moderate at year 15. This is due to the loss of hedges during the construction stage. The planting of hedges will have only a marginal positive impact at year 1 as the plants will be small. However, as they mature there will no longer be a significant impact.

• Residual moderate/substantial effect on landscape character at construction stage reducing to moderate at year 1. The combined impact of the proposal on the landscape resource will be relatively substantial at construction stage due to the disturbance caused by the works as analysed above. The level of this effect

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reduced at year 1 as the surface treatments, including the landscape proposals, will be in place. By year 15 the effect on the landscape is not considered significant as the landscape proposals will have matured and be integrating the new engineered structures into the landscape.

• Residual moderate effect on the Green Belt character at construction stage through to year 15. The magnitude of the proposed works is low due to the limited nature of the works and them being set in the context of the existing A8 motorway crossing. However, the creation of the roundabouts, slip roads and the introduction of roadside lighting are contrary to the aims of green belt policy and so the effect of the proposals remaining significant at each stage considered.

10.71 The significant residual negative effects associated with visual receptors are:

• Residual moderate effect on the users of the A8 road in the vicinity of the new junction at construction stage and year 1. This is due to the visual resource being characterised by a live construction site followed by the creation of an immature landscape. It is only when the landscape proposals mature (year 15) that the visual impact on this receptor is no longer considered significant. There will still be a visual effect on this receptor but it is not assessed as significant due to the pre-existing A road corridor.

• Residual substantial effect on residents at Craigmuir Farm at the construction stage and year 1 reducing to moderate/substantial by year 15. This receptor is close to the proposals facing the western roundabout and having a new access road created for the property. Therefore, the effect on the visual resource of this property is considerable but reduces in level by year 15 as the landscape proposals mature.

• Residual substantial effect on residents of Lochranza Cottage at the construction stage. This property faces directly onto the A8 road where a new footpath/cycle way, lighting, roundabout link and planting is being installed as part of the Southern Access Road scheme. The proximity of the site to the works elevates the level of the significance of the visual effect on this receptor at construction stage while the area is characterised by a live construction site. However, the level of the effect reduces once the landscape proposals have been planted (year 1) and matured (year 15). The proposals need to be put in the context of the current works currently being carried out in association with the creation of the Southern Access Road. The oblique nature of the permanent works from this receptor render the significance of the effect on the visual resource not significant at year 1 and year 15.

F) Conclusions

10.72 The proposed A8/M8 junction is an important component of the redevelopment of the former Royal Ordnance factory at Bishopton. It also has the potential to be a prominent feature leading to this redevelopment. The new junction is located at an existing A8 road crossing of the M8 motorway. The proposals therefore represent an adaption to this crossing including the installation of lighting. The presence of the existing crossing lessens the relative impact of the new junction. However, without effective mitigation and enhancement, the proposed engineering works would have a greater negative landscape and visual effect on its setting. The landscape mitigation has been designed to avoid, reduce, and remediate adverse effects on the landscape character and elements. Further landscape design and enhancement has been incorporated to further realise the potential opportunities and benefits of the project. Mitigation proposals include the choice of scheme location, tree planting, hedge planting, scrub and grassland planting, marginal/aquatic planting and landform design. As a result the significant landscape and visual impacts that remain at year 15 are limited to:

Landscape Effects – positive: ponds

Landscape Effects – negative: Green Belt designation

Visual Effects – negative: Craigmuir Farm

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10.73 The above receptors also have significant effects as a result of the proposed development at the construction stage and year 1. In addition to these receptors, the following receptors also have significant landscape / visual effects at the construction stage and in some cases year 1, but not at year 15:

Landscape Effects – negative, construction and year 1: trees and woodland; hedges; landscape character

Visual Effects – negative, construction and year 1: A8 road in vicinity of new junction

Visual Effects – negative, construction stage only: Lochranza Cottage

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Figures

FIGURE10.1

FIGURE10.2

FIGURE10.3

FIGURE10.4

FIGURE10.5

FIGURE10.6

FIGURE10.7

FIGURE10.8

FIGURE10.9

FIGURE10.10

FIGURE10.11

FIGURE10.14

FIGURE10.15

FIGURE10.16

T1-A View from A8 road bridge looking south along M8 motorway

T1-B View from A8 road bridge looking north along M8 motorway

Approximate location of eastern slip road

M8 motorway

Approximate location of western slip road

M8 motorway Kilpatrick Hills

FIGURE10.17

T1-C View from agricultural land by M8 motorway looking south towards A8 road bridge

M8 motorway Approximate location of eastern roundabout

A8 road bridge

Approximate location of proposed pond

Approximate location of proposed link road to Craigmuir Farm and western roundabout

FIGURE10.17

T2-A View along A8 road at northern entrance to proposals

T2-B View along A8 road at southern entrance to proposals

A8 road Current works associated with construction of South

Access Road

A8 road

FIGURE10.17

T2-C View along A8 road bridge looking towards Bishopton

T2-D View along A8 road looking away from Bishopton

A8 road bridge

Approximate location of western slip road

Approximate location of western roundabout

Approximate location of proposed access to

Craigmuir Farm

Craigmuir Farm

A8 road bridge Approximate location of eastern roundabout

Proposed eastern slip road behind trees

FIGURE10.17

R1-A View looking at Craigmuir Farm from the A8 road (proposed development)

R1-B View looking at the proposed development from Craigmuir Farm

Existing access to Craigmuir Farm to be cut off from A8 road

Craigmuir Farm Approximate location of proposed access

road to Craigmuir Farm

A8 road bridgeApproximate location of proposed pond

Approximate location of proposed access

road to Craigmuir Farm

FIGURE10.17

R2 View of proposed development from A8 road at Lorchranza Cottage

A8 road bridge

Approximate location of western roundabout

Approximate location of western sliproad

Works associated with construction of South

Access Road

FIGURE10.17

R3-A View of Barrangary Farm from A8 road (proposed development)

R3-B View of proposed development from the A8 road at Barrangary Farm

Embankments being created for South

Access RoadA8 road

Barrangary Farm buildings

A8 road Works associated with construction of South

Access Road

FIGURE10.17

R4 View of proposed development from A8 road at North Commonside

M8 motorway

A8 road

FIGURE10.17

R5-A View of proposed development from A8 raod at Nether Southbar

R5-B View of Nether Southbar from A8 road bridge over M8 motorway

Approximate location of eastern roundabout

Nether Southbar A8 road bridge

FIGURE10.17

10 effects on landscape and visual impacts · 123 715/m8 motorway & greenock road (a8),...

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