landscape and visual assessment...rolling arable fields and close-cropped grassland on the bold...

11Report No: CSa/2098/01b

Revised: April 2014

Kidmore Farm, Denmead Now known as Land East of

Village Centre

Landscape and Visual Assessment

Prepared by

CSa Environmental Planning

On behalf of

Persimmon South Coast Ltd.

Report No: CSa/2098/01Report No: CSa/2098/01b

Date Prepared by Authorised by File Ref

First Issue 03.05.13 SM CA/CS 2098/01

Revision A 07.05.13 SM CA 2098/01a

Revision B 14.04.14 CS GC 2098/01b

Revised: April 2014

Kidmore Farm, Denmead Now known as Land East of

Village Centre

Landscape and Visual Assessment

Prepared by

CSa Environmental Planning

On behalf of

Persimmon South Coast Ltd.

Kidmore Farm, Denmead Landscape and Visual Assessment CSa/2098/01b Page 1

CONTENTS Page

1.0 Introduction 2

2.0 Site Location and Policy Context 3

3.0 Site Description and Visibility 9

4.0 Suitability of the Site to Accomodate Development 13

5.0 Conclusion 17

Appendices

Appendix A: Site Location Plan

Appendix B: Aerial Photograph

Appendix C: Photographs

Appendix D: Heritage Plan

Appendix E: Magic Map Extract


1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 CSa Environmental Planning has been appointed by Persimmon South Coast Ltd to undertake a landscape and visual assessment of land at Kidmore Farm, Denmead. The findings of this assessment will inform the proposed residential development of the site as allocated in the draft Denmead Neighbourhood Plan under Policy 2i.

1.2 The site comprises two land parcels at the northern edge of Denmead, to the north and south of Tanner’s Lane, but development is only proposed on land to the south of Tanner’s Lane. The southern boundary of the South Downs National Park is approximately 700m north of the site.

1.3 The site consists of several pastoral fields with the northern field separated from the southern part of the site by Tanner’s Lane. The location and extent of the site is shown on the Site Location Plan at Appendix A and on the Aerial Photograph at Appendix B.

1.4 This assessment describes the existing landscape character and quality of the site and the surrounding area. The report then goes on to discuss the development opportunities and potential landscape or visual effects on the wider area.

Methodology

1.5 This site assessment is based on site visits undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced Landscape Architect in March and April 2013, during which time the deciduous vegetation was still out of leaf, and the site was at its most visible.

1.6 In landscape and visual impact assessments, a distinction is drawn between landscape effects (i.e. effects on the character or quality of the landscape irrespective of whether there are any views of the landscape, or viewers to see them) and visual effects (i.e. effects on people’s views of the landscape, principally from any residential properties, but also from public rights of way and other areas with general public access). This report therefore considers the potential impact of the development on both landscape character and visibility.

1.7 Photographs contained within this document (Appendix C) were taken using a digital camera with a lens focal length approximating to 50mm, to give a similar depth of vision to the human eye. In some instances images have been combined to create a panorama.


2.0 SITE LOCATION AND POLICY CONTEXT

Site Context

2.1 The site extends to approximately 7.35ha and is divided into two parts by Tanner’s Lane, with the northern part of the site (Area B) consisting of an irregularly shaped, pastoral field, while the southern part of the site (Area A) consists of three pastoral fields. The location of each of the land parcels is shown on the aerial photo at Appendix B. The site location and context are illustrated on the site location plan (Appendix A) and aerial photograph respectively, and on the photographs contained in Appendix C.

2.2 The village of Denmead is located approximately 1.6km west of Waterlooville and has developed as a nucleated village along the route of Hambledon Road which is the principal route through the settlement.

2.3 Anmore Road (B2150) extends alongside the greater part of the southern site boundary of Area A, with the western boundary defined by Kidmore Lane in the north, a number of residential properties in the central section, and a public car-park to the south. It is bounded to the north by Tanner’s Lane, to the east by farmland and north east by a large, twentieth century house.

2.4 The northern part of the site (Area B) sits within a largely agricultural context, with pastoral fields to the north and east. The southern boundary is defined by Tanner’s Lane while the western boundary is marked by Kidmore Lane, with an area of playing fields, a car-park and a corrugated metal building indented into the south-western corner. Pyles Farm lies to the north-west of this area, on the western side of Kidmore Lane.

2.5 Anmore Road is a relatively narrow street with residential development in the form of Victorian/Edwardian terraces to the south of the site and twentieth century development to the north, which comprises mainly bungalows. The Forest of Bere public house can be found to the south of Anmore Road at the junction with Hambledon Road, and Denmead Baptist Church is a short distance to the east.

2.6 The southern part of Kidmore Lane features large, detached residential properties and a car-park and public toilets, whereas the northern part adjoins a paddock. To the north of Tanner’s Lane Kidmore Lane is bounded by native hedgerows and takes on a more rural character. Tanner’s Lane, which bisects the site, is a narrow road bounded by hedgerows giving it a leafy, rural character.


2.7 The countryside to the north of Denmead is gently undulating and is characterised by a patchwork of pastoral and arable fields, bounded by mature, sparsely-treed hedgerows, which give the landscape a relatively open character. The elevated, domed plateau of the South Downs forms a prominent backdrop in views to the north of Denmead and to the south of Denmead is Creech Wood, a distinctive feature of the landscape.

National Landscape Character

2.8 ‘The Character Map of England’ (a national assessment of landscape character by the former Countryside Commission and English Nature (now Natural England)) identifies Denmead as lying on the southern edge of the ‘South Downs’ (Character Area 125), with the ‘South Hampshire Lowlands’ (Character Area 128) a short distance to the south of the settlement.

2.9 The Character Map describes the South Downs as ‘a chalk landscape of rolling arable fields and close-cropped grassland on the bold scarps, rounded open-ridges and sculpted dry valleys’. It goes on to state that the high, exposed and rounded uplands of the white chalk have a simple land cover of a few trees, an absence of hedgerows and large arable areas. It is a sparsely settled landscape with flint prominent in the walls of villages, farms and churches. Roman roads are a common feature, and the area is rich in prehistoric remains such as Neolithic and Bronze Age barrows and prominent Iron Age hillforts.

2.10 The South Hampshire Lowlands is described as a varied landscape, particularly in comparison to the wide scale, relatively treeless landscape of the South Downs Character Area. The document states that this area is of a rural character of arable farmland with dispersed settlements, with a more wooded and semi-enclosed character, which blends into the openness of the lower dip slopes of the South Downs to the north. Oak dominates the woodland and hedgerows, providing a strong network of small fields.

County Character Assessment

2.11 The Hampshire Integrated Character Assessment undertaken by Hampshire County Council provides an assessment of landscape, townscape and seascape character of the county. A series of landscape character areas have been identified, and Denmead is included within the northern part of the Forest of Bere East Character Area (2f) and the Lowland Mosaic Small Scale Wooded Landscape Character Type. The key characteristics of this area are identified in the document as follows:

� A low lying landscape with shallow undulations, predominantly south sloping;

� Predominantly pasture, commercial forestry and woodland with smallholdings;


� High proportion of woodland, both coniferous plantation and ancient semi-natural woodland, some fairly extensive, often accessible;

� Woodland creates a secluded landscape, although there are strong urban fringe influences around large settlements;

� Routes vary from straight roads with wide verges associated with formal enclosure, to narrow, winding, hedged lanes;

� Historically, mixed settlement pattern of low density dispersed farms, with linear settlements along stream tributaries and common edges; and

� Extensive mid to late 20th century development of Waterlooville, Horndean and Cowplain which divides the area in two. Other significant modern expansion at Denmead and Soberton Heath.

2.12 The assessment notes that the Lowland Mosaic Small Scale Wooded Landscape Character Type is characterised by generally small fields with straight edges and low clipped hedgerows with often closely spaced oaks. It goes on to state that topography and woodland cover combine to give varying views, sometimes framing views to higher ground, but often limiting and containing them. The transition from urban to rural areas is described as marked, though urban fringe characteristics are evident.

Local Character Assessment

2.13 Winchester City Council has also undertaken a Landscape Character Assessment (March 2004) of the district. This identifies Denmead as falling within the ‘Forest of Bere Lowlands’ (Area 18), which is described as:

� Undulating landscape at the foot of the Chalk Downs which drops into the coastal plain at Portdown Hill to the south;

� A high proportion of assarted woodland with arable and pasture farmland on the lower ground;

� High cover of semi-natural ancient woodlands;

� 19th century settlements associated with chalk-clay spring line, including Denmead;

� A highly biodiverse area with several SINC designations; and

� Sprawling 19th century woodland plantations are evident e.g. Creech Walk within Creech Wood south-east of Denmead.

2.14 This document identifies a built form strategy for the character area which includes the following:


� Enhance the local urban edge, by planting locally indigenous hedgerows; and

� Retain the rural character of the local minor roads within the character area.

Landscape Sensitivity Appraisal

2.15 As part of its preparatory work for the Winchester District Local Plan Part 2 a Landscape Sensitivity Appraisal of Denmead has been undertaken by Winchester City Council. Using the County Character and Local Character Assessments already referenced, the appraisal assessed the sites in and around Denmead promoted for development through the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) using five main attributes of physical landscape; experiential/perceptual; historic environment; biodiversity and visibility. Each site was ranked in one of four categories ranging from most sensitive; highly sensitive; moderately sensitive to least sensitive.

2.16 The assessment for this site together with the adjoining car park site was as follows:

� Context: area of farmland within urban fringe close to village centre, recreational facilities and car park;

� Character: relatively low-lying, gently sloping fields on edge of settlement bordered by narrow rural lanes well contained by grass verges, hedgerows and large spreading oaks; lanes used by local traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and horses (no footpaths);

� Agricultural land quality: grade 4 (poor);

� Important or panoramic views: none; and

� Landmarks to connect with place: church.

2.17 The summary of landscape sensitivity for these two sites was ‘a least sensitive location in terms of visual impact and biodiversity based on known constraints and the character of Denmead as a settlement in the wider context. Retention of the rural lane character may be an issue’.


Landscape Policy Context

2.18 The Winchester District Local Plan Part 1 - Joint Core Strategy was formally adopted by Winchester City Council in March 2013. This document covers Winchester District, including the area that now lies in the South Downs National Park (SDNP), and has been adopted both by Winchester City Council and the SDNP Authority. The Local Plan Part 1 is the long term strategic plan for development within Winchester District, and includes the strategic vision, objectives and the key policies needed to achieve sustainable development in Winchester District to 2031.

2.19 Provision of Open Space, Sport and Recreation facilities is dealt with in Policy CP7. This policy states that the Local Planning Authority will seek improvements in the open space network and in built recreation facilities within the District, to achieve the type of provision, space required and levels of accessibility set out in the Council’s most up to date open space and built facilities standards.

2.20 Policy CP15 sets out the Council’s approach to Green Infrastructure and states that the Local Planning Authority will support development proposals which:

� Maintain, protect and enhance the function or the integrity of the existing green infrastructure network identified at a District and sub regional level; and

� Provide a net gain of well managed, multifunctional green infrastructure, appropriate for the scale of development, through on-site provision.

2.21 Policy CP18 relates to gaps between settlements and identifies the gap between Denmead and Waterlooville as a vulnerable area. The proposed Kidmore Farm site lies beyond the gap.

2.22 Policy CP19 relates to the South Downs National Park, part of which falls within Winchester District. This policy states that development within and adjoining the South Downs National Park which would have a significant detrimental impact to the rural character and setting of settlements and the landscape should not be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal is of over-riding national importance, or its impact can be mitigated.

2.23 Heritage and Landscape Character are dealt with under Policy CP20. It states that the LPA will support new development which recognises, protects and enhances the District’s distinctive landscape and heritage assets and their settings. Particular emphasis is given to conserving:

� recognised built form and designed or natural landscapes that include features and elements of natural beauty, cultural or historic importance; and


� local distinctiveness, especially in terms of characteristic materials, trees, built form and layout, tranquillity, sense of place and setting.

South Downs National Park

2.24 The southern boundary of the South Downs National Park lies approximately 700m north of the site. This is a nationally important landscape which has the highest protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (Paragraph 115).

Listed Buildings

2.25 There are a number of listed buildings within 1km of the site, mainly consisting of local farmsteads and associated buildings. The locations of the listed buildings are shown on the Heritage Plan in Appendix D. These include the listed building at Pyles Farm House approximately 300m to the north-west of the site, which is largely screened from the site by the mature conifers within the garden.

Scheduled Monuments

2.26 There are no scheduled ancient monuments within the site or the village of Denmead.

Tree Preservation Orders

2.27 There are no protected trees within the site, there are however two tree preservation orders relating to trees in the wider area. A single Oak on the eastern side of Kidmore Lane is covered by TPO number 1491T1. Trees on the northern boundary of properties at Anmore Road are also covered by TPO number 1629G1 which extends to the eastern edge of the site.


3.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND VISIBILITY

3.1 The two parts of the site are described below; it is only the southern part (A) which is proposed for development; the northern area is for amenity use only.

Vegetation and Boundary Conditions

Area A

3.2 Area A comprises three fields of rough, permanent pasture sub-divided by two agriculturally managed hedgerows. The southern site boundary of Area A adjoins Anmore Road and a short section of Hambledon Road and is defined by a well-maintained, low thorn hedge, with three notable oak trees located in close proximity to this boundary.

3.3 To the west, the boundary with the public car-park is defined by a dense thorn hedge, approximately 1.5m in height. The central part of this boundary is marked by the rear gardens of several existing dwellings and is defined by a mixture of hedging and out-buildings, with the properties readily visible beyond. The remainder of the western boundary with Kidmore Lane is marked by a heavily treed hedgerow.

3.4 The northern boundary with Tanner’s Lane is defined by a mature, native hedgerow, with the western section containing a number of hedgerow trees. The northern part of the eastern boundary adjoins the garden of The Elms, and the boundary is marked by a dense, well maintained hedge, approximately 1.5m tall. The central and southern portion of the eastern boundary is marked by a hedgerow containing closely spaced, mature, broadleaf trees.

Area B

3.5 Area B comprises a single irregularly shaped area of rough grassland and some tall ruderal vegetation, sub-divided by a post and wire fence. There is a small pond in the south-eastern corner of this area.

3.6 The boundary with Tanner’s Lane is marked by a mixed species hedgerow containing young hedgerow trees; the hedgerow is unmanaged at its eastern end. A field gate provides access off Tanners Lane in to Area B at the mid-point of the boundary. To the south-west, the boundary skirts the playing field and is marked by a hedgerow with closely-spaced, mature hedgerow trees. The northern site boundary is defined by an outgrown hedgerow and belt of mature trees. The western boundary with Kidmore Lane is characterised by a dense, well maintained hedgerow.


Landscape Quality

3.7 Area A comprises a relatively undistinguished area of pasture on the edge of the settlement. It is adjoined by existing development to the south and west, and by the recent development at The Elms to the north-east. In terms of landscape character, this part of the site is influenced by its proximity to the existing urban area of Denmead and is considered to be of medium landscape quality.

3.8 Area B is located to the north of Tanner’s Lane and sits within a largely agricultural context. The proximity of the settlement edge is less apparent, although the playing fields indented into the south western corner of this area are characteristic of the urban fringe. In terms of landscape character, Area B is pleasant, and considered to be more rural in terms of character than Area A, but is still considered to be of medium quality.

3.9 The wider countryside to the north of Denmead is generally characteristic of the Forest of Bere landscape character area, with the rolling downland of the South Downs National Park beyond. The area immediately to the north of the settlement comprises a relatively intact landscape framework of hedgerows, hedgerow trees and woodland blocks, which create a sense of enclosure and limit views. Further to the north, a transition in character occurs as the landscape takes on the more open qualities of the South Downs. The quality of the wider countryside to the north of Denmead is therefore considered to be medium to high, with the nationally recognised landscape of the South Downs of very high quality.

Topography

3.10 The site at Kidmore Farm is broadly flat and lies at approximately 50m AOD (Above Ordnance Datum). The landscape to the north is gently undulating, rising to 116 AOD at Denmead Hill and 158 AOD at Monarch’s Way, at the southern edge of the South Downs National Park.

Visibility

3.11 The proliferation of heavily treed hedgerows, woodland blocks and the topography of the area restrict opportunities for views of the site to a limited number of near and middle distance views. Area B is however visible in distant views from higher ground at the edge of the South Downs National Park. Photographs illustrating the key views of the site are contained in Appendix C, and the locations from which the photographs were taken are shown on the location plan and aerial photograph in Appendices A and B respectively. A summary of the key viewpoints is considered below.


Near and middle distance views

3.12 There are partial views, over the existing hedgerow, of Area A from a short section of Hambledon Road (Photographs 02 and 03). There are also views of the site from the properties on the southern edge of Hambledon Road and the Forest of Bere public house.

3.13 There are relatively open views of Area A from Anmore Road and from the properties on the southern side of the road, (Photograph 04), although in these views the site is seen within the context of existing residential development on the southern side of the street and that at Kidmore Lane to the west. The bungalow which abuts the site to the east presents its gable to the site and as such there are no significant views from it.

3.14 There is a narrow framed view of the northern part of Area A from a short section of Cemetery Lane to the west of the site (Photograph 05).

3.15 The boundary hedgerow of Area B is visible from the northern portions of Kidmore Lane. Further south, where the site steps in around the playing fields, Area B is partially visible beyond the playing fields while views to Area A are restricted by the hedgerows and hedgerow trees which line the lane.

3.16 There are some views of the north-west corner of Area A from the section of Kidmore Lane which lies to the south of Tanner’s Lane although views are filtered by the existing boundary hedge and hedgerow trees. Views from further south, where the lane adjoins existing properties, are largely screened by the buildings and car-park. The site is also visible from the public car-park above the boundary hedge (Photograph 01) and there are some views from the properties backing onto the site.

3.17 Views of the site from Tanner’s Lane are largely screened by existing hedgerows and hedgerow trees (Photograph 07).

3.18 There are some views of the site from The Elms to the east, although the site is partially screened by the boundary hedgerow.

3.19 In middle distance views from the west the site is largely screened in views from Wayfarer’s Walk by a well-maintained hedgerow (Photograph 13). Where views of the site can be discerned these are of the northern part of the site only with the southern part screened by existing buildings and vegetation. The southern part of the site is likewise screened from the cemetery by existing buildings and vegetation.

3.20 Middle distance views from the north, such as those from the public footpath to the north of Pyles Farm, were also considered (Photographs 14 and 15); however views are prevented by the buildings at the farm and by existing vegetation.


3.21 Two further public footpaths can be found to the north of the site. The first runs from Kidmore Lane to Tanner’s Lane, passing close to the northern edge of the site (Photograph 17). The trees and hedgerows which mark the northern site boundary are prominent within views from the path, and the southern part of the site is largely screened by intervening vegetation. The second path can be found slightly further to the north, and again hedgerows within the northern part of Area B are visible, though the southern part of the site is largely screened by existing vegetation (Photograph 16). Views of Area A would be further reduced when the vegetation is in leaf.

3.22 The northern part of the site is also visible in middle distance views from the properties at Little Denmead Farm and the two cottages on White Horse Lane. The southern part of the site is however screened by existing vegetation and a slight undulation in the landform.

3.23 Views from the section of White Horse Lane to the north of Tanner’s Lane are of Area B only, with Area A being screened by existing vegetation and a slight undulation in the landform. Views of Area A are available from the southern section of White Horse Lane, to the south of Tanner’s road, though these views are filtered by the hedgerow which borders the lane, and by mature trees on the eastern site boundary. There are also middle distance views from Merritt’s Farm; although these are again filtered by the existing mature trees, with housing at Anmore Road visible in the background (Photograph 20).

Long distance views

3.24 The impact on views from the South Downs National Park was also considered. Photograph 18 illustrates the view from the lane, near to Pitthill Farm, at the edge of the National Park. Area B is just visible in the middle distance however Area A is screened by intervening vegetation.


4.0 SUITABILITY OF THE SITE TO ACCOMODATE DEVELOPMENT

4.1 This section provides a brief description of the draft Neighbourhood Plan policy proposals for the site and considers the suitability of the site to accommodate the development proposed, in terms of the main landscape and visual effects resulting from the proposals.

4.2 The draft Neighbourhood Plan allocates the land south of Tanners Lane for up to 90 dwellings subject to the following requirements:

� A mix of 2, 3 and 4 bed houses and bungalows;

� Incorporates a layout which subdivides the total site area into at least four distinct development parcels using the existing landscape features;

� Makes provision for a highway access to the adjoining land to the east for development (site 2 ii).

� Provides a pedestrian and cycle access to Tanners Lane;

� Access to be provided from Hambledon Road;

� Provides at least 0.5 public open space including a village green on the site frontage to Hambledon Road;

� Retains a landscape buffer to Tanners Lane as part of a green infrastructure strategy for the site; and

� Provides a private car park for the use of residents of Anmore Road.

Relationship to the Existing Development Edge

4.3 Area A, where development is proposed, is well related to the existing urban area of Denmead, with development at Anmore Road and Kidmore Lane extending along the southern and western boundaries. There is also peripheral development such as the large house at the Elms, and the playing fields located immediately north of Tanner’s Lane.

4.4 The proposals will result in a modest extension to the built area of Denmead, but it will extend no further north than the existing housing at Cemetery Lane and will be contained to the east by the housing at Anmore Road. To the north, Tanner’s Lane forms a robust and defensible boundary and to the east there is a belt of mature trees and a hedgerow. At the detailed design stage a suitable location can be agreed to provide access to the eastern parcel of development land included within the draft Neighbourhood Plan under Policy 2ii, without harm to this landscape boundary.


Impact on landscape features

4.5 An assessment of the site concludes that the vast majority of the existing vegetation located at the boundaries of Area A can be retained within a layout including the mature oak trees close to the southern boundary. A short section of hedgerow will need to be lost to create the proposed site access although this can, in part, be replaced. The recently planted, species-poor hawthorn hedgerows within the interior of Area A should not be considered as a significant constraint, and their removal would facilitate a more harmonious layout to achieve the creation of distinct development parcels, in accordance with the requirements of Policy 2i (criterion a). Any loss of vegetation can be more than compensated for by areas of new planting within the residential layout.

Landscape and Townscape Effects

4.6 The proposed residential development is contained within the southern part of the site (Area A). Development here, will inevitably result in the loss of some agricultural land at the edge of the settlement, however the visual assessment identified that this part of the site is well contained in views from the wider countryside and any effects will be relatively localised. As a result, there will be little impact on the wider countryside to the north.

4.7 Area A is well related to the existing urban area at Anmore Road and Kidmore Lane. The criteria for the development of the site indicate that the proposals will be set back from Anmore Lane behind an area of open space, containing a number of mature oak trees, providing an attractive frontage and landscape setting to the street. In addition, the layout can and should respond sensitively to the setting of Kidmore Lane and Tanners Lane, with development set back from the boundary so that the leafy character of these boundaries is preserved.

Public rights of way

4.8 There are no public rights of way crossing the site, however there are a number of public rights of ways within the wider countryside to the north, including the Wayfarer’s Way. Views towards the site from the public rights of way are largely confined to Area B only, with Area A being substantially screened by existing vegetation. Consequently, the proposed housing area will not have any significant effects on these views.


Visibility

4.9 An assessment of the visibility of the site was made in Section 3. This assessment found that near and middle distance views of the site are relatively limited. The northern part of the site is also visible in long distance views from the South Downs National Park to the north; however the southern part of the site is screened by intervening vegetation.

4.10 In views from Hambledon Road and Anmore Road, the existing relatively open view will be replaced with one of built form (Photographs 02, 03 & 04). New development however will be comparable in scale to the surrounding residential area and will not appear incongruous in views from these locations. It will be set back from the road behind an area of open space and existing mature trees, and subject to the detail design of the buildings, the proposed housing should make a positive contribution to the street scene at this point.

4.11 There will be near distance views of the housing in Area A from Kidmore Lane, Cemetery Lane, and Tanner’s Lane. The proposed development will be set back from the boundaries with these lanes, while the existing hedgerows and hedgerow trees will be retained and supplemented with additional planting. As a result, views of the new buildings will be heavily filtered and will not be an intrusive component of the view. Any limited effects will recede as the new landscaping becomes established.

4.12 There will be filtered views of the proposed housing from the grounds of the adjoining dwelling at The Elms, over the existing mature, hedgerow. In order to minimise any impacts, development will be set back from the boundary, with the existing vegetation retained and strengthened.

4.13 The site is visible from three properties to the west of Kidmore Lane, though views are filtered by existing planting within gardens and by the hedgerow and hedgerow trees which mark the site boundary. Again, the development will be set back from this boundary and there will be no significant loss of visual amenity as a result of the proposals.

4.14 There will be some views of the development from the rear of three properties which adjoin the site to the west; Kidmore Farm and two further residential properties. The two properties have large rear gardens which separate the dwellings from the site, while views of the site from Kidmore Farm are partially obscured by an existing hedgerow, trees and a garage building. The existing boundary vegetation will be retained and reinforced in this location and development can be sensitively oriented in relation to the boundary to minimise the impact on these properties.


4.15 The housing in Area A will be discernible in views from a short section of White Horse Lane between Merritt’s Farm and the junction with Tanner’s Lane, above the existing hedgerow, although any views will be heavily filtered by the existing treed hedgerow at the site boundary. In views from this location the development will be seen in context with existing housing at Anmore Lane which is already apparent. As a result there will be no significant impact on the character of views from this vantage point.

4.16 Middle and long distance views towards the site from the north, including the South Downs National Park, are restricted to the proposed open space in Area B. New landscape planting within this area of open space will potentially have a positive impact on views from these vantage points.

Landscape Character and Quality

4.17 The site does not carry any designation for landscape character or quality and there will be no material impact on views from the South Downs National Park. The southern part of the site will change from farmland to suburban development but all of the important vegetation will be retained and enhanced and the scale of the development will be compatible with that in the locality.


5.0 CONCLUSION

5.1 The site lies at the northern edge of Denmead and comprises two parcels of land separated by Tanner’s Lane. The southern portion of the site is proposed for housing and associated open space. The northern portion is not promoted for any form of development in the proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

5.2 The visual assessment of the site identified that views of the southern part of the site are limited to near distance views from adjoining roads and a small number of dwellings, and any effects will therefore be localised. As a result, development within this location will not impact on the wider landscape to the north of the settlement, including the South Downs National Park.

5.3 Taking into account the size of the site and this assessment, it is concluded that a well considered layout which responds to the criteria set out within the draft Neighbourhood Plan could be accommodated on the site, which would positively address the frontage with Anmore Road, and respond sensitively to the setting of Kidmore Lane and Tanners Lane. Accordingly, the assessment concludes that residential development to accord with the provisions of the draft Neighbourhood Plan as set out under Policy 2i could be accommodated at the site without significant impacts on the quality of the adjoining townscape or the visual amenity of local views.

5.4 This conclusion accords with the finding of the Winchester District Local Plan Part 2 Landscape Sensitivity Appraisal which confirms that the site is a least sensitive location in terms of adverse visual impact and biodiversity based on known constraints and the character of Denmead as a settlement in the wider context.

Appendix A

Location Plan

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EF1281 L 141013-1

aRegistered in England & Wales, Company Reg. No: 2847568 Reg Office: Willow House, Brotherswood Court Great Park Road, Bristol, BS32 4QW

13 October 2014

Charles Church South Coast

Park View House

100 Wickham Road

Fareham

Hants

Po16 7HT

FAO: Paul Bedford

EF1281/APT

Dear Sirs

RE: KIDMORE FARM, DENMEAD

Further to our meeting yesterday I have sifted the consultation responses for those which

pertain to drainage and flooding. The statutory regulators and undertakers comments can

be summarised as follows:

• The Environment Agency(EA) are the regulatory body in relation to flood risk and

confirm all the proposed allocations are in Flood Zone 1 (FZ1), which are areas with

the lowest probability of flooding. Proposals for housing in FZ1 areas accord with

the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The EA

identify that the proposed allocations are in Source Protection Zone 1 (SPZ1) and

advise that this is acceptable in principle and that careful consideration will need

to be given during the works to safeguard the groundwater quality. The EA also

advise that wastewater from the development will need to be disposed of in line

with current regulations and guidelines and there is a presumption that this will

connect to the mains foul sewer where it is available.

• Southern Water (SWS) are the statutory sewerage and wastewater undertaker for

Denmead. We had prior to the consultation process commissioned a Foul Water

(FW) capacity check from SWS in which they reported back in October 2013 that

network upgrade would be required to service the development. SWS have

expanded upon this in their consultation response which also includes adjacent but

smaller proposed allocations 2ii-2iv. SWS propose an additional policy “New and

improved utility infrastructure will be encouraged and supported in order to meet

the identified needs of the community.” We have further discussed FW provision

in relation to item 2 below.

• Portsmouth Water(PW) are the statutory undertaker for water supply in Denmead

and are the main abstractor of groundwater for drinking water purposes. PW did

not have any specific comments about the policies proposed and noted that the

Opus International Consultants (UK) Ltd Fareham Office Modulus House, Salterns Lane Fareham, PO16 0QS United Kingdom t: +44 1329 822021 f: +44 1329 825274 w: www.opusinternational.co.uk

sites are close to the existing mains system and that where reinforcement of the

system is required this would be paid for by the developer.

In summary the site is in the lowest flood risk zone, reinforcement of the local FW and

water supply networks will be required. Also careful consideration will need to be given

during the works to safeguard the groundwater quality in the Chalk aquifer which

underlies Denmead. The regulators and undertakers raise no objections to development

on the proposed sites.

The points raised by the public in relation to flooding ,drainage and sewers can be

summarised as follows:

1. Flood water reported in:

i. Lower Anmore Road *1

ii. Mill Road *1

iii. Mill Close *1

iv. White Horse Lane *1

v. Lower Tanners Lane*2

vi. Edney’s Lane*2

vii. Upper Anmore Road*3

viii. Kidmore Lane & adjacent Hambledon Road*3

ix. Martin Avenue*3

x. Upper Tanners Lane*4

2. Foul sewer flooding in:

i. Lower Anmore Road *1

ii. Mill Road *1

iii. Mill Close *1

& Capacity of Denmead WWPS

3. Groundwater emergence from the underlying Chalk.

4. Impact of new hard surfaces in the development compared to current grass field.

I have attached several schematics to discuss the various points.

1. The catchment of the stream, ditch and dry valley/topography down to Kings

Pond/Mill Close totals some 4,800,000 m2 (see Fig 1) and is mainly farmland other

than the contributing area from Anmore Road and properties. A storm depositing

20mm (3/4 “) of rainfall on this area would amount to about 100,000m3 of rainfall

over that time. Much of the catchment is Chalk so a relatively high amount of

infiltration would occur, but when high groundwater levels are present in the Chalk

there may be re-emergence at the base of the Chalk ‘valleys’. Runoff which occurs

will gravitate to the ‘valley’ lines and flow down these as surface water flows. Fig 2

yellow areas are the low level surface water flood risk areas which should be noted

include all the mentioned roads *1 & *2. The red shaded area(Fig 2) indicates areas

of historic flooding which includes the streets with worst flooding *1. These streets

are built on the valley bottoms.

Fig 2 shows the subdivision of the western arms to the catchment. The southern

subcatchment further subdivides as shown in Fig 3. The original ditch system along

Anmore Road and Kidmore Lane has generally been historically piped by the

Parish/District/County authorities probably for convenience of generating surface

footways or widening carriageway surface. The pipes are undoubtedly much

smaller than the former ditches and have a limited capacity. For rainfall events in

excess of this limited capacity the surplus flow follows the lowest level pathway

down hill, ie contained by highway kerbs or banks either side of the highway it

generally flows along the highway surface but will drop into properties at lower

level where private driveways and garden levels facilitate this. These flow paths are

shown on the EA surface water flood risk mapping (Fig 4) and include the streets

indicated *3. Upper Tanners Lane adjacent the scout hut is a sunken road between

banks and drainage of water accruing in this area is dependent upon the adequacy

and maintenance of the highway drainage pipes running down Kidmore Lane. This

is the source of the flows witnessed down Kidmore Lane and out to Hambledon

Road.

The Carpenter’s Field site comprises some 1.0% of the total catchment to Kings

Pond and the developed roof and pavement surfaces would amount to about 0.35%

of the total catchment. Development of the site with a (Sustainable Urban Drainage

System)SUDS design (refer to 4 below) would maintain the natural greenfield

discharge characteristics for the 1% of the catchment it occupies. The remaining

99% of the flow rates at Kings Pond/Mill Close cannot be materially affected by the

proposed development. There is potential to facilitate some reduction in flood

effects outside the site:

a) A small amount of storage in the site to attenuate some flow to the highway

drains running down Kidmore Lane.

b) Include an offline storage volume under the retained green space on the site

frontage to Hambledon Road. The volume of this would be limited and the

location is near the head of Anmore Road so no influence can be made on

runoff generated from surfaces downstream of this point. Ie this could not

solve the existing problem but could effect some reduction.

2. Much of the older parts of Denmead are on a combined sewer (ie combines surface

water and foul water). Southern Water asset drawings indicate that Anmore Road,

lower Edney’s Road, Mill Close and the northern end of Mill Lane are on a separate

feed from adjacent Kings Pond south around the eastern side of the village to the

pumping station on Hambledon Road. The accounts given in the consultation

responses state FW manhole covers being lifted by pressure during and after

rainfall. This can only be occurring as a result of surface water discharge or

connection into the sewer. The sewer is being surcharged by high surface water

flows. Consultation has been made with Southern Water who have indicated a need

to upgrade the existing sewer from the junction of Edneys Lane/Anmore Road

down to the pumping station. Southern Water are unable to provide detailed design

at this stage but based on the information received to date and assuming the

existing sewer is at minimum gradient then we would expect the capacity of the

trunk sewer connection to the pumping station to approximately double. That

increase in capacity would be sufficient to accommodate the foul water from 600

new houses compared to the approx. 130 units in DNF neighbourhood plan v6 draft

allocation 2i-2iv. It therefore follows that an upgrade of this size would therefore

provide some capacity to address existing surcharge and better the existing

situation. Southern Water have also indicated a second possibility of making

connection via upgrade along Hambledon Road. If this were done there would be

no impact, positive or negative on the sewers in the Anmore area.

3. There are a number of unsubstantiated allegations that groundwater emanates

from Carpenters Field onto Anmore Road. The original soils site investigation (SI)

of August 2013 did not encounter groundwater at depths up to 5mbgl but it was a

summer investigation and all but two of the holes terminated in the thick Lambeth

Clay strata below the site and only the two at the Northeast corner of the site

encountered Chalk at about 3mbgl.

The attached schematic plan (fig 5) and a couple of geological sections (Fig 6)

suggest two avenues for further investigation:

• The trial pit (TP)E location was very low towards the base of the valley

running away to the East and 50m North of this the top of the Chalk is about

the same level as the base of the valley at the edge of the site. There may be

occasional groundwater issue from here into the base of the ditch

• The site is topsoil over clay with some gravelly clay over clay. The topsoil will

easily saturate and dry and to a much lesser extent the clay with gravel

content nearer the surface as the underlying clay has been shown by the

permeability tests to be impermeable.

A programme of groundwater monitoring has been instigated with twin monitoring

wells to identify and distinguish between water emerging from depth (groundwater

from Chalk aquifer below) and water that never leaves the surface in the first place

(topsoil over clay).

We do not anticipate true groundwater issue other than adjacent TP-E, which

would not affect Anmore Road as it runs East towards Merrits Farm.

4. Understandably there are concerns about the impact of the proposed hard surfaces

built on the site amongst which is the crude logic of hard surface = more run-off.

At face value this would be correct, however national planning policy is that you

cannot increase flood risk elsewhere, hence it is implicit you cannot increase the

rates of runoff above the natural greenfield rates. To achieve this the development

will use SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System). In layman’s terms runoff

from these surfaces will be collected into various storage infrastructure, features or

devices and released at the normal, slower natural rates. Thus there will be no

adverse impact. In point of fact the outflow from these stores is generally set for a

1:1 year flow rate but receives a 1:100 year flow rate in plus climate change effect.

Thus whereas at present for the 1:100 year rainfall the site would discharge at the

1:100 year natural rate (probably similar to that seen in the last 2 winters), post

development the site would temporarily hold the extra rainfall but only discharge

at the much lower 1 in 1 year natural rate. Ie there would be a betterment on the

natural discharge that currently occurs for events upwards of 1in 1 year to 1 in 100

year.

Overview

The site is not in a flood risk area but a number of the surrounding roads can flood at times

and residents are concerned that this does not get worse and would like to see current

problems reduced if possible. The development of the site would use SUDS principles

which would actually reduce discharge from the site to below natural runoff rates from 1:1

year up 1:100 year rainfall events (see 4 above). Development of the site also has potential

to reduce some of the existing flood effects outside the site (see 1a-1c). The source of this

is outside the development site and 99% of the catchment draining to Kings Pond is outside

of the control of the developer so although beneficial impact can be made it can only be

made to a limited degree to a very small part of the total catchment. The GWL monitoring

programme will determine any existing groundwater behaviour. The site is in a

groundwater Source Protection Zone and generally covered with a substantial depth of

clay. The SUDS (4 refers) would ‘replace’ shallow surface behaviour. It is not viable or

permitted to interfere with the chalk aquifer below. The Chalk aquifer behaviour, although

problematic to some residents is natural.

Yours sincerely

A P Traves

for Opus International Consultants (UK) Ltd

enc Figs 1-6

Fig 1a catchment to Kings Pond

Fig 1b Historic Groundwater Emergence within catchment

Fig 2 subdivision of western catchments

Surface water flood risk areas (yellow)

Historic flood areas (red)

Fig 3 subcatchments and flow lines in and around site

Fig 4 existing Surface Water Flood Flow paths (EA)

Fig 5 site contours and surface flows and SI locations

Fig 6 Geology Sections AA and BB

EF1281 L Drainage capability 141021

Registered in England & Wales, Company Reg. No: 2847568 Reg Office: Willow House, Brotherswood Court Great Park Road, Bristol, BS32 4QW

21 October 2014

OPUS- DRAINAGE CAPABILITY STATEMENT

Opus is a global infrastructure development and management consultancy. Our rich history dates

back to colonial New Zealand, when the Public Works Department was opening up the country’s

notoriously difficult terrain through the combination of national road and rail networks.

This pioneering and ambitious spirit helped to shape what we were to become. We have since evolved from a handful of engineers in New Zealand to a global network of more than 3,000 designers, architects, planners and engineers working across Australasia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States.

Today, we are a trusted partner in the creation of sustainable communities, facilities and environments through world leading social and fixed infrastructure. We are proud to be part of the communities we work within and we care about the quality of the work we deliver.

Over the years we have worked under several monikers. In 1988 the Ministry of Works and Development became a state owned enterprise, Works and Development Services Corporation NZ Limited, and we were its consultancy division. In 1996 Works Consultancy Services was sold to Kinta Kellas of Malaysia, and the following year the company rebranded to Opus International Consultants Limited (Opus).

We have focused globally over many years and now work in more than 37 countries. We built our international team through a series of acquisitions, establishing a strong presence in regions with high demand for our expertise. We have 40 offices in New Zealand, 18 in Australia, 12 in the UK, and 16 across Canada and the US. In 2007 Opus was listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.

Opus has considerable experience designing stormwater solutions for municipal and highway projects, and developing catchment management plans. Our stormwater specialists include senior engineers, environmental scientists and other specialists.

We work with our clients to provide technically sound, environmentally sustainable and economically viable solutions that meet current needs and anticipate future ones. Our clients include local and central government agencies, transportation organisations and private sector businesses. We offer leading edge capability with creative thinking between stormwater pipe networks and receiving environments.

ANDY TRAVES

I have been at Opus since 1994 and am Civils Director for the Drainage, Flood Risk and Highways team at the Fareham office. I have worked in the industry since 1986 and have a wide range of experience in drainage, flood risk and marine schemes from small one plot sites and investigations to strategic allocations of thousands of plots size. Our work ranges from services to developers and contractors to investigation, review and advice work to local authorities and expert witness work.

A P Traves BSc CEng MIStructE MCIHT

Opus International Consultants (UK) Ltd Fareham Office Modulus House, Salterns Lane Fareham, PO16 0QS United Kingdom t: +44 1329 822021 f: +44 1329 825274 w: www.opusinternational.co.uk

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Site Proposed for Residential Developmentunder Policy 2i - Denmead Neighbour Plan

Site B - No development proposed

0m 100m 200m 300m

Southern Planning Practice

Land at Kidmore Farm, Denmead

Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432.Getmapping plc 2014. Plotted Scale - 1:5000

landscape and visual assessment...rolling arable fields and close-cropped grassland on the bold...

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