landscape and visual impact assessment final...landscape and visual impact assessment 2010 essex...

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

For Maldon District Council

more information please go to www.the-edi.co.uk

FINAL REPORTMarch 2010

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Contents 1.0 Background……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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1.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1 1.2 Brief……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 1.3 Methodology………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 2.0 Context…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment………………………………………………………. Maldon & Heybridge.………………………………………………………………………………………. Southminster…………………………………………………………………………………………………… Burnham on Crouch…………………………………………………………………………………………

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4.0 I II

Summary Tables……………………………………………………………………………………………… Appendices Project Brief Methodology

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List of Figures Figure

1.1 Location Plan…………………………………………………………………………………………… 2 2.1 Landscape Character Assessment of Maldon District……………………………….. 4 2.2 Environmental Designations A…………………………………………………………………. 5 2.3 Environmental Designations B…………………………………………………………………. 6 2.4 Environmental Designations C…………………………………………………………………. 7 3.1 Maldon study areas…………………………………………………………………………………. 9 3.2 Maldon environmental designations……………………………………………………….. 10 3.3 Southminster study areas………………………………………………………………………… 49 3.4 Southminster environmental designations………………………………………………. 50 3.5 Burnham-on-Crouch study areas……………………………………………………………… 70 3.6 Burnham-on-Crouch environmental designations……………………………………. 71

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2010 Essex Landscape Design

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1.0 Background 1.1 Introduction In 2009 Maldon District Council commissioned Essex Landscape design to prepare a landscape and visual impact assessment for sites around the edges of Maldon, Southminster and Burnham to provide an evidence base for informing the preferred options stage of the core strategy for the Local Development Framework. This study has been informed by: • Landscape Character Assessment

of Maldon District by Chris Blandford and Associates (Extract from Braintree, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character Assessments)

• Historic Landscape Characterisation data provided by Essex County Council

The key settlements that Maldon District Council are assessing for development, shown by Figure 1.1 are: • Maldon and Heybridge (refered to

later in the document as Maldon) • Southminster • Burnham-on-Crouch 1.2 Brief The project brief (see Appendix I) set out the objectives for the study. The key outputs from the study are: • Qualitative statement regarding the

landscape sensitivity of each of the locations,

• Comparative assessment of these

sites including a quantitative ‘sensitivity score’,

• Comparative assessment of

individual parcels of land within the

larger of the broad areas (in the refined list) including a quantitative ‘significance score’,

• Advice as to how any landscape

impacts can best be minimised/mitigated for each of the sites.

1.3 Methodology The assessment has comprised the following tasks: Desk based Analysis • Preparation of base maps for each

settlement • Review of relevant Landscape

Character Types and Areas around each settlement from landscape character assessment information

• Mapping landscape features and designations

Site Survey and Analysis • Identifying and recording key views

into and out of each settlement • Identifying key landscape features • Identifying impacts on the

landscape • Identifying opportunities for

creating a landscape structure

The detailed methodology for assessment of sites is set out in Appendix II.

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2.0 Context A review of the landscape character and environmental designations of Maldon District was carried out and is illustrated by the plans on the following pages. 2.1 Landscape Character The Landscape Character Map of Maldon District (fig. 2.1) is an extract from the Landscape Character Assessment of Maldon District by Chris Blandford Associates. The individual site assessments summarise the key landscape characteristics of the zone in which the site lies. 2.2 Environmental Designations The plans illustrating environmental designations (figs. 2.2a – 2.2c) have been produced using GIS software and Ordnance Survey data held by Essex County Council. The rights of way shown are indicative only and are not definitive. This refers to all the plans showing rights of way throughout the document.

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3.1 Maldon

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Figure 3.1 Maldon study areas

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Maldon: M1 Maldon: M1

Figure 3.2 Maldon environmental designations

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Maldon: M1

Site Description Context and Land Use The site is made up of an arable field to the west and two fields to the east, which are used as pasture. Broad Street Green Road (B1022) runs from north to south between the fields. A row of detached houses and a narrow grass paddock lie along the eastern side of the road. The site is bound to the north, east and west by attractive and sensitive countryside including: arable land to the north; mature pine woodland to the west; and an area of wetlands and scattered vegetation to the east. The edge of a residential development forms the southern boundary of the site. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium to high landscape sensitivity. Topography The landform of the site is very flat. Vegetation A tall deciduous hedge and scattered trees run along both sides of the B1022 as well as the northern side of

the footpath to the east. The pine woodland forms part of the western boundary of the site and scattered vegetation of varying density lies along the southern boundary.

Rights of Way A public footpath is found east of the B1022 and runs east to west between the two fields. Views Residential properties along the southern edge of the site have the following views through a thin hedge: north across the arable field to woodland and a slight ridge in the distance, west to the pine woodland, east to the fields used for pasture and countryside.

Five properties on the B1022 have ground floor views west through a hedge into the arable field as well as views east across the attractive countryside. Two properties on the B1022 have views south into the paddock and oblique views into the

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arable field. A listed building and two residential properties to the north have first floor views south to the arable field. Users of the B1022 have views into the fields to both the east and west and users of the the public footpath have views north and south across the fields to the east. These views are filtered to varying extents by the hedgerows and trees. Designations The eastern half of the site lies within the Coastal Protection Belt. The pine woodland to the west of the site is designated a County Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A right of way crosses the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape character area (sub-unit A7a). The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Mixture of arable and pastoral

fields on the valley floor. • The lower Chelmer where it meets

the river Blackwater has a wide, flat valley floor.

• Extensive linear poplar and willow plantations are a distinctive feature in close proximity to the river.

Historic Landscape Character Part of the site lies within a zone (HECZ 1.2) which has the following historical landscape character: A ridge of higher ground, sloping down to the Blackwater estuary. The backbone of the ridge is composed of London Clay, with small pockets of

sand and gravel scattered along it. There are larger expanses of sand and gravel along the sides of the ridge, as well as areas of Boulder Clay and head deposits. The fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields which are probably of medieval origin and some maybe even older, mostly regular in plan. This zone contains a large amount of ancient woodland with little change from the first edition OS of c.1880 to today’s extent. The historic settlement pattern was dispersed farmsteads with a very small community at Wickham Bishops. In the southern part of the zone lies the site of Langford Grove and Park which still retains elements of late 18th and early 19th century landscaping. A number of pollarded oak trees survive as a reminder of the parkland scene. The lakes and associated features such as the temple and bridge survive well, along with a pavilion and part of a haha. The modern settlement of Wickham Bishops largely dates to the 20th century. Another part of the site lies within a zone (HECZ 3.7) which has the following historical landscape character: The majority of the historic fields were rectilinear in form, albeit within an irregular framework, possibly determined by individual farm extents. Historically the settlement is dispersed, comprising isolated farms which survive today. The historic landscape character has radically changed with large scale quarrying occurring in the zone. This has resulted in very few original boundaries surviving. Elements of the built heritage in the form of farms do survive. Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact Attractive views from residential properties to the south across the west of the site, towards the woodland and

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the ridge to the north, would be affected by development. There would be a major adverse impact on five properties, a highly adverse impact on nineteen and a moderately adverse impact on seven. Views across the site from residential properties on the north and south of Scraley Road would also be affected. There would be a major adverse impact on one property north of the road. To the south, there would be a major adverse impact on four properties, a highly adverse impact on twelve and a moderate impact on nine. Of the five properties which lie along the B1022, there would be a highly to major adverse impact on three of these, which have attractive first floor views across the countryside. There would also be a moderately to highly adverse impact on the other two, which have filtered ground floor views of the arable field to the west. There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on the two properties to the north of the paddock. Five properties west of Scraley Road also have views to the south east part of the site. Four of these have filtered first floor winter views across the countryside to the rear and the impact of development here would be moderately to highly adverse. The other property has filtered ground floor winter views and the impact would be highly adverse. The visual impact of development upon the three properties to the north of the site would be moderately adverse as the edge of the town extends into the countryside. Users of the B1022 would lose glimpses of the Maldon skyline through gappy roadside vegetation. There would be a highly adverse impact on users of the footpath and a moderately adverse impact on a footpath to north. There is also likely to

be a highly adverse impact on users of the private fishing lake to the north-east of the site. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on ten properties, a highly to major adverse impact on three, a highly adverse impact on thrity-four, a moderately to highly adverse impact on six and a moderately adverse impact on nineteen. There would be a highly adverse impact on users of one footpath, a moderately adverse impact on users of another footpath, a highly adverse impact on users of a fishing lake and a slightly adverse impact on the users of a road. Landscape Impact The landscape impact is likely to be moderately to highly adverse. Mitigation Visual impacts could be partly mitigated through planting and creation of open space adjacent to existing housing. Landscape impacts could not be mitigated. M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual impact of this could be partly mitigated through its location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.

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Maldon: M2

Site Description Context and Land Use The site is made up of large arable fields to the north and smaller enclosures to the south. The northern part of the site is open to the attractive countryside beyond. An area to the south-east of the site consists of attractive features such as paddocks, small wetlands, wilder vegetation and mature trees, some of which have an interesting character. However, the presence of large run-down sheds, clutter and views of adjacent industrial buildings detracts from the quality of the landscape in this area. The housing to the east degrades the landscape setting of the northern fields although the pine woodland, despite being non-native, serves to enhance it. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium landscape sensitivity. Topography The area is reasonably flat. The countryside to the north rises gently to a wooded ridge.

Vegetation Most of the fields to the south are pasture but some are unmanaged grassland. Mature trees and areas of tree planting are also present to the south-east of the site. Fairly dense hedgerows and scattered trees lie along the southern boundary. Views Views into the site are screened by vegetation in several places. Views from the north-east are screened by an area of pine woodland and views from properties midway along the southern boundary are screened by a belt of trees. The site is also screened from users of Maypole Road as they approach from the north-west. However, a significant number of residential properties and users of roads and footpaths have views into and across the site. A large number of properties to the east have views, most of which are from the ground floor, into and across the arable fields to distant trees and a wooded ridge. Those at the most northern point have views to the pine woodland only and those to the south-east overlook the arable fields.

Properties to the south-west have filtered views and glimpses of two fairly attractive paddocks. Approximately four of these properties have first floor views and one has ground floor views to the countryside

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in the north. However, most properties along the southern edge are fairly well screened. There are some properties in the centre of the site, which have views to the open countryside and back across the fields to existing housing development. From northern parts of the site and some paths and a road to the north, there are views back to the distinctive Maldon skyline. A footpath running north-south across the north of the site enjoys attractive views to the north but views to the east are adversely affected by existing development. A public footpath also runs through and has views of the south-east part of the site.

Designations The site lies within a Special Landscape Area. The woodland to the north-east is a County Wildlife Site. Two public footpaths cross the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape character area (sub-unit A7a). The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Mixture of arable and pastoral




Historic Landscape Character Part of the site lies within a zone (HECZ 1.2) which has the following historic landscape character: A ridge of higher ground, sloping down to the Blackwater estuary. The backbone of the ridge is composed of London Clay, with small pockets of sand and gravel scattered along it. There are larger expanses of sand and gravel along the sides of the ridge, as well as areas of Boulder Clay and head deposits. The fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields which are probably of medieval origin and some maybe even older, mostly regular in plan. This zone contains a large amount of ancient woodland with little change from the first edition OS of c.1880 to today’s extent. The historic settlement pattern was dispersed farmsteads with a very small community at Wickham Bishops. In the southern part of the zone lies the site of Langford Grove and Park which still retains elements of late 18th and early 19th century landscaping. A number of pollarded oak trees survive as a reminder of the parkland scene. The lakes and associated features such as the temple and bridge survive well, along with a pavilion and part of a ha ha. The modern settlement of Wickham Bishops largely dates to the 20th century. Another part of the site lies within a zone (HECZ 2.1) which has the following historical landscape character: This zone is situated on the valley slope on the northern side of the river Chelmer. The fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields

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probably of medieval origin, some maybe older, mostly are regular in plan. There is a considerable degree of co-axiality in the field layout, usually relating directly to the immediate topography. The historic settlement pattern comprises dispersed farmsteads located on the valley slope of the Chelmer along with the historic settlement at Langford. Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be adverse visual impacts of varying degrees on a significant number of residential properties. There would be a major adverse impact on approximately nineteen properties, which would lose long ground floor views west across the site or of the wood. Fifteen properties, which lose these same views from first floor windows would suffer a highly adverse impact. There would be a highly to major adverse impact on four properties, which would lose ground floor views of the grassy field. The impact would be highly adverse for eleven properties, which have first floor views only. There would also be a moderately adverse impact on fourteen properties behind other houses. There would be a highly adverse impact on seven properties with views across the east of the site to the north. Development would affect properties with views north across the western part of the site. There would be a highly to major adverse impact on four properties and a major adverse impact on one. There would be a moderately to highly adverse impact on approximately eight properties to the south of Holloway Road and a highly adverse impact on two. There would be a highly adverse impact on four properties to the south-east of the site and a moderately adverse impact on three properties to

the north-east. The properties at the centre of the site would be impacted as follows: a major adverse impact on one, a highly adverse impact on one and a moderately adverse impact on one. There would be a highly to major adverse impact on the footpath, which runs north-south through the south-eastern part of the site. There would be a highly adverse impact on views from the footpath to the south, as the edge of development would move closer and degrade the view of Maldon’s skyline. There would be a highly adverse impact on the footpath running from east to west. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on twenty-one properties, a highly to major adverse impact on eight, a highly adverse impact on forty, a moderately to highly adverse impact on eight and a moderately adverse impact on eighteen. There would be a highly to major adverse impact on the users of one footpath and a highly adverse impact on users of another. Landscape Impact The landscape impact upon the site as a whole would be moderately adverse. Mitigation Visual impacts could partly be mitigated through planting and landscape impacts partly mitigated by creating adequate planting to set the development into the landscape. M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual impact of this could be partly mitigated through its location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.

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Maldon: M3

Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of a small, L-shaped, arable field and the landscaped grounds of a residential property to the south-west. The busy Maypole Road and tendency of oak trees on site to be stag-headed detracts from the landscape quality of much of the site. However, the landscape quality of the north-east corner is noticeably higher. Compared to M4, this site seems to be significantly less a part of the sensitive landscape to the north. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium landscape sensitivity. Topography The site is relatively flat. Vegetation A dense hedge containing willow, oaks and elm creates a vegetation screen to the north although there are gaps in places. A vigorous but gappy hedge runs along the north of Maypole Road.

Views There are oblique, first floor views to the site from approximately three properties to the south-west and one property on Langford road. These include views to the more attractive north-eastern part of the site. A distant property to the west has a first floor view to the site and a vicarage in the south-west has a filtered first floor view in winter. There are also distant views from four properties to the north and a number of others to the east.

Designations The entire site is within a Special Landscape Area. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape character area (sub-unit A7a).

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The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Mixture of arable and pastoral




Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 2.1) which has the following historical landscape character: This zone is situated on the valley slope on the northern side of the river Chelmer. The fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields probably of medieval origin, some maybe older, mostly are regular in plan. There is a considerable degree of co-axiality in the field layout, usually relating directly to the immediate topography. The historic settlement pattern comprises dispersed farmsteads located on the valley slope of the Chelmer along with the historic settlement at Langford. Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse impact on two properties to the south-west as development would affect a valuable view. There would be a moderately adverse impact on one property to the west. There would be a slightly to moderately adverse impact on eleven distant properties to the east. There would be a slightly adverse impact on one property to the south of Langford Road and on four distant properties to the north. There would be a slightly adverse impact on the footpath to the north and a moderately adverse impact on the footpath to the west, the setting of

which is already affected by a busy road. There would also be a slightly adverse impact on users of Maypole Road and Langford Road. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse impact on two properties, a moderately adverse impact on one, a slightly to moderately adverse impact on eleven and a slightly adverse impact on five. There would be a moderately adverse impact on the users of one footpath and a slightly adverse impact on users of another footpath and two roads. Landscape Impact Although the north-west part is relatively sensitive, the landscape impact is likely to be moderately adverse.. Mitigation Considerable planting would be required to retain a setting for the listed buildings. Visual impacts could be partly mitigated by planting and the landscape impact mitigated partly by creating a new green edge to any proposed development. M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual impact of this could be partly mitigated through its location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.

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Maldon: M4

Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of parts of two arable fields to the north of Langford Road. A ditch and public footpath lie on the boundary between the two fields. To the north, the landscape merges into Langford Park, which retains historical landscape features and is connected to Langford Grove, a listed building. Although not a landscape of particular distinction in itself, the site is part of a very attractive and extensive area of countryside. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Topography The site is part of an extensive, flat arable area. Vegetation There is little vegetation on the site other than some poor quality oaks to in the north-eastern corner. Views There are views into the site from the busy Langford Road from the south-west and views from the equally busy

Maypole Road for some distance to the north-east. There is a long, attractive view north across the site and beyond to the countryside and wooded ridges from three properties to the south of the site and from Langford Road.

There are views south across the site from two footpaths to Maldon on the higher land beyond. However, a line of pylons crosses the site and detracts from the quality of the views.

Designations The site is within a Special Landscape Area. It is also crossed by one public footpath and another lies along its south edge. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape character area (sub-unit A7a).

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The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Mixture of arable and pastoral




Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 2.1) which has the following historical landscape character: This zone is situated on the valley slope on the northern side of the river Chelmer. The fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields probably of medieval origin, some maybe older, mostly are regular in plan. There is a considerable degree of co-axiality in the field layout, usually relating directly to the immediate topography. The historic settlement pattern comprises dispersed farmsteads located on the valley slope of the Chelmer along with the historic settlement at Langford. Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on the three properties by Langford Road, which would lose a striking view to the north. There is likely to be a moderately adverse impact on Langford Grove, a distant property to the north-east and a property to the west. There would also be a slightly adverse impact on a distant property to the north-east, a distant property to the north-west and a property to the south-east. There would likely be a highly adverse impact on the footpath that runs beside Langford Road and a

moderately adverse impact on two footpaths to the north. There would be a slightly to moderately adverse impact on users of Langford Road, which is a less sensitive receptor, and users of Maypole Road. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on three properties, a moderately adverse impact on three and a slightly adverse impact on three. There would be a highly adverse impact on users of one public footpath and a moderately adverse impact on users of two others. There would be a slightly to moderately adverse impact on users of two roads. Landscape Impact As it is part of the open landscape to the north, the setting of Langford Grove and Langford Park, the landscape impact is likely to be highly adverse. Mitigation Appropriate planting would be required to retain a setting for the listed building. Visual impacts could be partly mitigated by planting and the landscape impact mitigated partly by creating a new green edge to any proposed development. M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual impact of this could be partly mitigated through its location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.

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Maldon: M5

Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of a length of disused railway, some paddocks and a residential property. The old railway is now a public footpath called the Blackwater Rail Trail.

Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Vegetation There is a belt of vegetation along the railway including numerous multi-stemmed oaks, which creates a landscape feature of significant value. An established garden is found at Langford Place. Mature oaks grow north and north-west of Langford Place and a row of willows lies beside

a ditch. For much of its length, a belt of vegetation screens Elms Farm Park from the busy road to its south-west. An area to the south-west has a relatively secluded character and contains a cricket bat willow plantation and winding stream lined by young willow. Views A large number of properties in the housing development to the east have first floor, often filtered, views across the road to the vegetation belt. Beyond the north-west end of the park, the site widens to include the paddocks and Langford Place. This part of the site occupies a roughly triangular area bounded by Heybridge Approach, Langford Road and the old railway. The garden of Langford Place is generally well screened. To the south of Langford Place is a paddock. There are views onto and across this to countryside beyond from Heybridge Approach and two properties on the other side of it.

To the north and north-west of Langford Place are interesting grass enclosures with trees, small wetland areas and some artificial grassed and mossy banks. This is a fairly high quality landscape and is overlooked from the two roads near their junction. Two properties have filtered, first floor

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views in winter and three properties to the north have direct ground floor views. A public footpath crosses the site in the north-west and runs parallel to the site further south. A row of pylons also crosses the site to the north-west. In the north-west corner is a property, which used to be a railway station and adds to the character of the landscape. This end of the site is largely screened from Langford Road by a hedgerow. Designations The site lies within the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Conservation Area. The north-west end of the site is within a Special Landscape Area. A public footpath runs the length of the site and another crosses the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape character area (sub-unit A7a). The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Mixture of arable and pastoral




Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 2.2) which has the following historical landscape character This zone is characterised by the flood plain of the river Chelmer and is contained within the conservation area

of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. Elements of the enclosed meadow pasture survive along the sides of the river Chelmer although a considerable amount has been turned into arable production. The boundary between these areas of traditional pasture is defined by clear boundaries often including lynchetts. Even where converted to arable remains of these boundaries often survive offering the possibility of relatively easy restoration. The settlement pattern within the zone comprises dispersed farmsteads and mills. The built character of the zone is dominated by the structures associated with the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation (Kemble and Gould 2001). The church at Ulting lies within the zone. Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on users of Elm Farm Park, as development would likely mean the removal of the existing treebelt. There would likely be a highly adverse impact on seventeen of the properties with views across Heybridge Approach and a moderately adverse impact on four others. There would be a highly adverse impact on Langford Place and a major adverse impact on three properties to the north. There would be a major adverse impact on the footpath that crosses and runs parallel to the site. There would also be a moderately adverse impact on users of the towpath beside the Navigation near Beeleigh Falls. The impact on users of the roads beside the site would be slightly to moderately adverse as they are a less sensitive receptor. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on the users of the park, a major adverse impact on three

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properties, a highly adverse impact on eighteen properties and a moderately adverse impact on four properties. There would be a major adverse impact on one footpath and a moderately adverse impact on another. There would be a moderately to slightly adverse impact on users of two roads. Landscape Impact Development would likely lead to the loss of valuable landscape features such as the old railway and Blackwater Rail Trail, the paddocks beside Langford Place, Elms Farm Park and the effect on the Conservation Area. There would be a highly adverse landscape impact. Mitigation It would not be possible to mitigate the impacts through planting or earthworks on this site.

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Maldon: M6

Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of fields to the east and west of the Maldon bypass, which runs north to south. The land to the west is mainly arable farmland. The bypass is contained by a ribbon of vegetation. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Topography This is an area of rolling landscape which extends to the west. Vegetation Most of the eastern slope consists of areas characterised by large numbers of scattered shrubs, which appear to be grazed by horses. There is also an open grassy area. Part of this slopes down and provides a good view of the landscape opposite and another part is flattened and could be used for sport. Views There are very attractive views of this area of landscape and extensive views down into the adjacent Chelmer valley from a number of properties near the

eastern edge of the site. Many of these properties are on the crest of the eastern slope and the bypass is generally screened from them by vegetation. Users of the elevated and publicly accessible Leech Memorial Garden, an attractive landscape in its own right, enjoy the same views. A footpath runs along the northern boundary of the site and crosses the bypass. To the east of the bypass, it descends towards the road through a tunnel of vegetation. To the west, it runs through a generally vegetated area beside the slope, which is on the edge of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Conservation Area. Designations The west of the site is within a Special Landscape Area. The east of the site is within the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Conservation Area. Another Conservation Area lies adjacent to the site to the east. Beeleigh Abbey lies a short distance to the north-west of the site. A public footpath runs along the site’s north boundary. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Lower Chelmer River Valley landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Shallow valley. • Predominantly arable farmland on

the valley slopes. • The lower Chelmer where it meets

the river Blackwater has gentle valley sides.

Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 2.3)

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which has the following historical landscape character: This zone is situated on the valley slope on the southern side of the river Chelmer. The fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields (these are probably of medieval origin and some maybe even older), mostly regular in plan. On a micro-scale there is a considerable degree of co-axiality in their layout, usually relating directly to the immediate topography. The historic settlement pattern comprises dispersed farmsteads located on the valley slope of the Chelmer. Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on users of the Leech Memorial Garden. If the Leech Memorial Garden was developed, there would be a major adverse impact on approximately eleven properties to the east of the site. If the garden was excluded from development, there would be a highly adverse impact on five properties. There would be a highly to major adverse impact on approximately twenty-eight residential properties, which generally have conspicuous first floor views of the site. There would be a highly adverse impact from eight properties near the London Road bridge and a highly to major adverse impact on two properties at the farm in the west. There would be a moderately adverse impact on approximately three flats, which have oblique views of the site. Some interesting views of the Maldon skyline would be lost from London Road and Abbey Turning. Some views of the Chelmer valley would be lost from London Road. There would be a highly adverse impact from one of these roads and a slightly adverse impact from the other. There would be

a moderately to highly adverse impact on Beeleigh Abbey, from which there would be first floor views of the edge of the development on the horizon. There would be a highly adverse impact on the footpath to the north. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on five to eleven properties, a highly to major adverse impact on thirty-one, a highly adverse impact on eight to thirteen and a moderately adverse impact on three. There would be a highly adverse impact on users of one footpath and one road and a slightly adverse impact on users of another road. Landscape Impact As well as the impact on the site itself, there would be an adverse impact on the edge of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Conservation Area as well as the settings of the Conservation Area within Maldon and Beeleigh Abbey. There would be a highly adverse landscape impact. Mitigation It would not be possible to adequately mitigate the landscape and visual impacts on this site.

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Maldon: M7

Site Description Context and Land Use The bulk of this site is located within an arable field, immediately to the west of the Maldon bypass. Within this field, the site is generally located on the higher, east side. There are informal paths along the east and north edges of the field. There appears to be an articially created bank in the north-west corner used for sewage treatment, which detracts from the landscape quality. Small pylons on the site also detract from the sensitivity of the landscape. The northern part of the site is occupied by a cemetery, which is surrounded by vegetation. Also within the site and to the east side of this field is a stretch of the Maldon Bypass, which is within a cutting and lined on each side by a treebelt. Beyond this and to the east is a strip of land used as allotments and overlooked by many properties on the edge of Maldon. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity.

Topography This is an undulating site in an area of rolling attractive countryside which extends to the west. The land rises in the north-west corner of the field and falls towards the north-east corner. Vegetation The wellingtonias and nearby trees enhance the landscape of the field when viewed from the south and close to the north-east corner. An attractive copse has been planted in this corner near the bypass. To the south-west of the site is a young copse, which should grow to effectively screen views from points to the west of the south end of the site. However, a couple of nearby properties to the south-west and south-east have views onto this south end. The eastern part of the cemetery has a high density of mature trees including striking wellingtonias and other conifers. These largely screen views of the field from within the cemetery. The western part of the cemetery has younger trees on its edges but generally has less vegetation. Views The site is part of the wider landscape, which is seen from a footpath along the west of the field where users have long views to the west. The treebelts along the bypass block views from the site to the eastern edge of Maldon. However, a small number of rather distant properties do have occasional first floor views of parts of the site. There are also glimpsed views of the site from a few distant properties to the north-west and one by the cemetery. The allotments are overlooked by

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twelve flats to the south. Sixteen properties to the east have views of the allotments from first floor windows and fifteen have views from the ground floor. Seven of these properties have first floor views of the main part of the site. Views west towards the treebelt are also quite pleasant. Designations Most of the site west of the bypass is within a Special Landscape Area. A public footpath runs along the southern boundary and western edge of the field that contains the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Woodham Wooded Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Sands and gravels over London

Clay. • Broad wooded east-west ridge

descending from Danbury. • Distinctive small, rounded hills

visible where ridge has eroded in the south-east.

• Open landscape of arable farmland framed by woodland and hedgerows on the lower ground.

• Enclosed to semi-enclosed commons, small irregular fields and pasture on the wooded ridge.

Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.1) which has the following historical landscape character: Much of the field system is similar to that of the Dengie Peninsula, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes increasingly less regular in

the northern and western parts of the zone.

This field-type is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. In the northern part of the area the fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields (these are probably of medieval origin and some maybe even older), mostly regular in plan. On a micro-scale there is a considerable degree of co-axiality in their layout, usually relating directly to the immediate topography. The river valleys are marked by an irregular field pattern, much of it enclosed meadow. There are some areas of ancient woodland and former commons, moist notably at Cock Clarks and Fuzsey Common. Historically the settlement is dispersed, comprising isolated manors, farms, moated sites and small hamlets.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact An analysis of visual impact assumes that development would occur west of the bypass and the treebelt would be retained. There would be a major adverse impact on one property to the south-west of the site and a moderately adverse impact on another nearby. There would be a highly adverse impact for two properties with first floor views from the south-east and a moderately adverse impact on two slightly more distant properties. Seven properties with views over the bypass treebelt to new development would suffer a moderately adverse impact and five would suffer a slightly adverse impact. There would be a major adverse impact on users of the footpath to the west and the unofficial footpaths on the northern and eastern field edges. There is likely to be a highly adverse

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impact on visitors to the cemetery. If the allotments were developed, there would be a major adverse impact on approximately five properties and a highly adverse impact on thirty-eight properties. There would also be a slightly adverse impact on five properties. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on one property, a highly adverse impact on two, a moderately adverse impact on ten and a slightly adverse impact on five. There would be a major adverse impact on one public footpath and atleast one unofficial path. There would be a highly adverse impact on cemetery visitors. If the allotment strip was developed, the following visual impacts would result: a major adverse impact on six properties, a highly adverse impact on forty, a moderately adverse impact on three and a slightly adverse impact on about ten. Landscape Impact It is assumed the cemetry would not be included in development proposals. Development would adversely affect the Special Landscape Area and the setting of the cemetery. The landscape impact is likely to be highly adverse. If the bypass treebelts were removed, there would be a highly adverse landscape impact as valuable features would be lost and the landscape quality degraded. Mitigation It would not be possible to adequately mitigate the landscape and visual impacts on this site.

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Maldon: M8

Site Description Context and Land Use Most of this site consists of the landscaped gardens and grounds of properties, much of which is landscape of particularly high quality. These include the impressively landscaped gardens of Maldon Hall and Maldon Wycke. Smaller gardens include the ornamental garden of Wycke Lodge and others to the south of the site. A new large property and its garden lie to the south-west and a small grass paddock is to the south-east. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Vegetation The gardens and the site as a whole contain large numbers of trees. To the south, an avenue leads from Spital Road to an attractively landscaped area between a number of properties. Some large trees and a copse are found in the south. Views The area is largely screened from views from the south but is open to the large field to the north and overlooked by the first floors of two properties on

the opposite side of Spital Road. The site also contains an area that is largely well screened and enclosed by vegetation. Internally, it contains a couple of buildings used for poultry surrounded by rough grass. There are views of the site from a public footpath, which runs alongside the avenue of trees. An electricity substation in the north-west corner is largely screened by vegetation. Designations Most of the site is within a Special Landscape Area. Four of the properties within the site are listed. A public footpath runs along the north edge of the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Woodham Wooded Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Sands and gravels over London






Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.1) which has the following historical

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landscape character: Much of the field system is similar to that of the Dengie Peninsula, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes increasingly less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone. This field-type is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. In the northern part of the area the fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields (these are probably of medieval origin and some maybe even older), mostly regular in plan. On a micro-scale there is a considerable degree of co-axiality in their layout, usually relating directly to the immediate topography. The river valleys are marked by an irregular field pattern, much of it enclosed meadow. There are some areas of ancient woodland and former commons, moist notably at Cock Clarks and Fuzsey Common. Historically the settlement is dispersed, comprising isolated manors, farms, moated sites and small hamlets.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact Development of the whole site would have a major adverse impact on every one of the eight properties within it. It would also have a highly adverse impact on two properties to the east of Spital Road. There would be a highly adverse impact on the footpath alongside the avenue and a fairly high impact on a footpath to the west of the site. If development was limited to the plot containing poultry buildings, there would likely only be a slightly adverse impact on users of the avenue in winter.

Summary of Visual Impact If the entire site was developed, there would be a major adverse impact on eight properties, a highly adverse impact on two properties and a highly adverse impact on two footpaths. Landscape Impact If the entire site was developed, there would be a highly adverse landscape impact. This is due to the high landscape sensitivity of the gardens and the area between the properties at the north of the site as well as the impact on the setting of the listed buildings and adjacent countryside. Development of the paddock to the north would have a fairly highly adverse landscape impact on adjacent countryside and the setting of the listed properties. Development of the area containing poultry buildings is likely to have a moderately adverse impact. It is assumed that the sub-station area would not be considered for development. Mitigation It would not be possible to adequately mitigate the landscape and visual impacts on this site.

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Maldon: M9

Site Description Context and Land Use The site occupies an area to the west of Wycke Hill and to the north-west of Spital Road. The site includes some paddocks and parts of two rather larger fields. It also includes Knowles Farm. The landscape quality of the fields is enhanced by the landform, their use as pasture and by the surrounding countryside, which is a Special Landscape Area.

Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Topography The site is on the edge of an area of

land that rises above the flat land to the south of Spital Road. Most of the land comprises a south-facing slope. Views The fields are largely screened from the adjacent roads by hedging except where there are gaps. There are three properties within the site with views onto it and one property to the south which has a view onto it. There is also one new property under construction to the north with a view across the site.

A footpath crosses the site from the east and has views from higher land to the north across the site and beyond. Designations The site is within a Special Landscape Area. A public footpath crosses the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Woodham Wooded Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Sands and gravels over London


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Historic Landscape Character Part of the site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.1) which has the following historical landscape character: Much of the field system is similar to that of the Dengie Peninsula, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes increasingly less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone. This field-type is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. In the northern part of the area the fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields (these are probably of medieval origin and some maybe even older), mostly regular in plan. On a micro-scale there is a considerable degree of co-axiality in their layout, usually relating directly to the immediate topography. The river valleys are marked by an irregular field pattern, much of it enclosed meadow. There are some areas of ancient woodland and former commons, moist notably at Cock Clarks and Fuzsey Common. Historically the settlement is dispersed, comprising isolated manors, farms, moated sites and small hamlets.

Another part of the site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.2) which has the following historical landscape character: Mundon Marsh and Creek originally extended as far inland as Mundon Hall. The field system is similar to that of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a

distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes somewhat less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone. It is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. The historic settlement pattern comprises a church/hall complex and dispersed farmsteads.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact Within the site, there would be a major adverse impact on two properties and a highly adverse impact on one property. Outside the site, there would be a highly adverse impact on the property with views across the site from the south of Spital Road. There would be a major adverse impact on a property to the north of the site, which is currently being built and which would otherwise have a very attractive, long view across to a ridge at the south. There would be a major adverse impact on users of the footpath to the north as development would cut across the existing long, attractive view to the south. The impact on the westward view, which is currently towards industry, would be insignificantly adverse. There would be a highly adverse impact on users of another footpath that runs north-south through the Special Landscape Area further to the west. The impact on users of adjacent roads would be slightly adverse or possibly higher. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on users of a footpath and a highly adverse impact on users of another. There would be a major adverse impact on two properties and a highly

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adverse impact on another two properties. There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of two roads. Landscape Impact The areas of field that would be lost have a high landscape sensitivity and development would undermine the character of the Special Landscape Area. There would be a highly adverse landscape impact. Mitigation It would not be possible to adequately mitigate for the visual and landscape impacts on this site.

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Maldon: M10

Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of of an arable field to the south and a wilder area known as ‘Wycke Meadow’ and a number of paddocks and properties to the north. To the west, the site extends into part of another arable field beside Spital Road. The site is bounded to the north-west by Spital Road, to the north-east by Limebrook Way and to the east by the wooded embankment of a disused railway. Wycke Meadow is an area of long grass with scattered trees and shrubs and contains a sizeable pond. It has some wildlife value and is adjacent to the railway embankment, which is part of an Essex Wildlife Trust reserve. It has quite a high landscape value and is largely enclosed by vegetation. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Vegetation Along the boundary at Limebrook Way, there is a belt of shrub planting to the west and a hedgerow to the east.

The arable field has fairly high landscape value and is enhanced by the vegetation on its boundaries. This includes scattered oaks and shrubs along the winding line of the ditch to the south and by the sense of enclosure in its north-east corner. An area beside Spital road close to the roundabout has been planted with a copse called Mid Land Wood. There are also some old pollarded trees near the site to the west.

Views There is a large area of attractive landscape to the south, which includes a striking ridge from which there are views over the arable field. The quality of the field’s landscape and views are slightly degraded by two warehouse buildings a short distance to the west. Atleast one of these has a busy industrial function. Spital Road also detracts from the landscape setting and is visible through gaps in vegetation. The paddocks to the north-west are enhanced by large boundary hedges but are unsightly and heavily trampled in places. For example, one paddock beside Spital Road has Heras fencing on much of its boundary. Within the north-west part of the site are several properties and an area apparently used for storing vehicles. Two properties within the site have filtered views onto the arable field.

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Outside and to the south of the site, there are two footpaths running from east to west. The top of the railway embankment is also used as an informal footpath although views to the site from this are largely screened. Designations The site is within a Special Landscape Area. There are two public footpaths to the south of the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Woodham Wooded Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Sands and gravels over London






Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone(HECZ 9.1) which has the following historical landscape character: Much of the field system is similar to that of the Dengie Peninsula, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes increasingly less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone.

This field-type is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in

the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. In the northern part of the area the fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields (these are probably of medieval origin and some maybe even older), mostly regular in plan. On a micro-scale there is a considerable degree of co-axiality in their layout, usually relating directly to the immediate topography.

The river valleys are marked by an irregular field pattern, much of it enclosed meadow. There are some areas of ancient woodland and former commons, moist notably at Cock Clarks and Fuzsey Common. Historically the settlement is dispersed, comprising isolated manors, farms, moated sites and small hamlets.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact If the paddocks are excluded from development, there would likely be a moderately adverse impact on two properties within the site. If the paddocks are developed, the impact on these properties is likely to be moderately to highly adverse. There is likely to be a moderately to highly adverse impact on Limebrook Farm, which would have direct views of development but already has prominent views of Spital Road. Views of development from Brookhead Farmhouse are likely to be more oblique and will suffer a moderately to to highly adverse impact. The footpath lying on higher gound to the north of Spital Road provides long views across the attractive landscape and ridge to the south. Development to the west would have a major adverse impact on these views. There would be a major adverse impact for users of the southern footpath closest to the site. However, this does not appear to be well used.

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The views of development from part of the more distant footpath to the south would be screend by the slightly convex landform inbetween. Existing views of the supermarket in this area also serve to reduce the sensitivity this receptor. Elsewhere on the footpath, these factors do not apply and the visual impact would be greater. Overall, there would be a moderately to highly adverse impact on users of this footpath. Despite screeening, there would be a moderately adverse impact on users of the unofficial path on the railway embankment. The users of Spital Road would lose a glimpsed view across the landscape to the south, which is likely to cause a slightly adverse impact. There would be an insignificantly adverse impact for users of Limebrook Way. Summary of Visual Impact If the paddocks are developed, there is likely to be a highly to moderately adverse impact on four properties. If the paddocks are not developed, the impact on two of these properties would be moderately adverse. There would be a major adverse impact on users of two footpaths, although one does not appear to be well used, and a highly to moderately adverse impact on one footpath. There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of one road and an insignificantly adverse impact on users of another. Landscape Impact The overall landscape impact is likely to be highly adverse. The land to the south of this area has the same landscape sensitivity and development extending to the south would have a highly adverse landscape impact.

Mitigation It would not be possible to adequately mitigate the landscape and visual impacts on this site.

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Maldon: M11

Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of a strip of land that occupies the northern part of a large arable field. It is bounded on the north by Limebrook Way and on the east by Fambridge Road, both of which are busy roads. To the west, it is bounded by a tree-belt on the large embankment of an old railway. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium landscape sensitivity. Topography The land is generally flat. Beyond the site boundary to the south-east, the field falls gently southwards. Views The site is partly screened from Fambridge Road by a low hedgerow, although views from there are not particularly interesting. For most of the northern boundary, a tall, thick shrub belt screens views of the site from Limebrook Way. However, the eastern 200 metres are open to the road. To the west, the shrub belt is replaced by a thin sliver of a field beside the road with a thin hedge on its south side. Views southwards across the site are

fairly attractive, enhanced by gentle undulations and woodland in the distance. This landscape forms part of the setting of the town although the field in itself does not have a great landscape value.

The views of most properties north of Limebrook Way are screened by vegetation to the north and south of the road. However, some properties have filtered first floor views of the site in winter. A footpath runs along the west edge of the site, past oak trees and the tree-belt on the old railway embankment.

Designations A public footpath runs along the west edge of the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh

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landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently rolling marsh hinterland

crossed by intricate creeks merges with the flat marshland on the southern shore of the Blackwater Estuary.

• Predominantly open, arable fields with a regular, rectilinear field pattern.

• Lack of tree cover and settlement pattern with scattered large farms.

• Scrubby, often gappy hedgerows or random copses, mainly near farmsteads.

• Sense of emptiness and openness, mitigated by views to higher ground at Maldon, to the steep slopes to the south-east, and from views out over the estuary to the wooded ridges in the north-east.

Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.1) which has the following historical landscape character: Much of the field system is similar to that of the Dengie Peninsula, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes increasingly less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone.

This field-type is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. In the northern part of the area the fieldscape largely comprises pre-18th century fields (these are probably of medieval origin and some maybe even older), mostly regular in plan. On a micro-scale there is a considerable degree of co-axiality in their layout, usually relating directly to the immediate topography. The river valleys are marked by an irregular field pattern, much of it enclosed meadow.

There are some areas of ancient

woodland and former commons, moist notably at Cock Clarks and Fuzsey Common. Historically the settlement is dispersed, comprising isolated manors, farms, moated sites and small hamlets.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact The views from Mundon Road to the west are of a particularly high quality. Therefore, there would be a fairly highly adverse impact on these views even though the site is some distance away. The presence of vegetation between the site and Mundon Road would reduce the impact upon some properties. Of these properties, there would be a highly adverse impact on approximately twenty-five, a moderately adverse impact on seventeen and a slightly adverse impact on twenty-two. Approximately twenty properties to the north of Limebrook way have filtered first floor views of the site in winter. There would be a highly adverse impact on one of these properties, a moderately adverse impact on three, a slightly adverse impact on atleast ten, a slightly adverse impact on two and an insignificantly adverse impact on four. There would be a moderately adverse impact on users of Mundon Road. There would be a slightly to moderately adverse impact on users of Limebrook Way and an insignificantly adverse impact on users of Fambridge Road. There would be a highly adverse impact on users of the footpath by the site’s west edge. However, there is only likely to be a slightly adverse impact on users of other footpaths further to the south, who would see the development against the backdrop of existing development.

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Summary of Visual Impact There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on twenty-six properties, a moderately adverse impact on twenty properties, a slightly adverse impact on thirty-four properties and an insignificantly adverse impact on four properties. There would be a moderately adverse impact on the users of one road, a slightly to moderately adverse impact on users of one road and an insignificantly adverse impact on users of one road. There would be a highly adverse impact on the users of one footpath and a slightly adverse impact on the users of another footpath. The land to the south of this area has the same landscape sensitivity and development extending to the south would have a highly adverse visual impact. Landscape Impact The most significant landscape impacts are likely to be on the landscape seen from the eastern 200 metres of Limebrook Way as this contributes to the setting of the town. Otherwise the existing site is fairly unremarkable. The landscape impact is likely to be moderately adverse. Mitigation While planting could mitigate some of the visual impacts, development here would be very intrusive in views from the south and would require substantial planting to screen development and create a green edge to the town.

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Maldon: M12

Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of the northern parts of two arable fields. The west field does not have high landscape quality. The east field has a rather higher quality, enhanced by a small copse in a corner. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium landscape sensitivity. Topography Generally, these fields have a slight, convex, south-facing slope although, within the site, most of the west field is flat.

Views The site has busy roads on its north and west edges and is open to Limebrook Way at the north. The site is also quite open to fairly long views from the south. Properties to the north of Limebrook Way generally have first floor views and filtered ground floor views through a thin hedge. However, towards the east end, the screen becomes thicker and taller. Generally, the screen should grow enough to screen views in summer but not to prevent filtered winter views. Views of the site from the stretch of Fambridge Road on its western boundary are screened by a low hedge. Designations None. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently rolling marsh hinterland





• Sense of emptiness and openness, mitigated by views to

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higher ground at Maldon, to the steep slopes to the south-east, and from views out over the estuary to the wooded ridges in the north-east.

Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.2) which has the following historical landscape character: Mundon Marsh and Creek originally extended as far inland as Mundon Hall. The field system is similar to that of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes somewhat less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone.

It is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. The historic settlement pattern comprises a church/hall complex and dispersed farmsteads.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a fairly highly adverse impact on views from near Mundon Road, to the east, which are currently of a particularly high quality. The effect for some properties on Mundon Road would be less due to existing vegetation. Of these properties, there would be a highly adverse impact on approximately thirty, a moderately adverse impact on twenty-seven and a slightly adverse impact on seven. In the long term, these impacts could be mitigated to some extent but not completely. There would be a highly adverse impact on about seven or eight of the properties to the north of Limebrook Way, which would lose attractive, long views across the site. However, for perhaps half of these, the impact would be reduced in time as existing vegetation matures. Another four or five properties further east would

suffer a slightly to moderately adverse impact. There would likely be a highly adverse impact on users of Mundon Road. There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of Fambridge Road, mostly on those some distance to the south. There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of Limebrook Way as this is a less sensitve receptor. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse impact on thirty-seven properties, a moderately adverse impact on twenty-nine and a slightly adverse impact on approximately ten. There would be a highly adverse impact on the users of one road and a slightly adverse impact on the users of two roads. Landscape Impact The impact is likely to be moderately adverse. If this area extended further south this would create a greater landscape impact, assessed as highly adverse. Mitigation While planting could mitigate some of the visual impacts, development here would be very intrusive in views from the south and would require substantial planting to screen development and create a green edge to the town.

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Maldon: M13

Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of parts of three arable fields. Limebrook Way lies along its northern boundary. The site contributes to the attractive nature of the town’s landscape setting. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Topography The site is reasonably flat. Vegetation A hawthorn hedge runs along most of the northern boundary with some vegetation along the eastern edge. There is a band of vegetation that follows the winding stream between two of the fields. Views There are glimpses into the site from the eastern part of Limebrook Way through a hedge. The western part of the site is open to Limebrook Way. Existing vegetation largely screens the site from properties to the north of Limebrook Way. Four of these properties have direct first floor views although two are set back some distance. Four or five have filtered views and six or seven have filtered

views in winter. The site is open to Mundon Road and the long row of properties along it, which detracts to an extent from its landscape quality to the east. There are long attractive views to a distant ridge and line of vegetation by the stream from the busy Mundon Road and the ground and first floors of properties along it.

Designations None. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently rolling marsh hinterland





• Sense of emptiness and

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openness, mitigated by views to higher ground at Maldon, to the steep slopes to the south-east, and from views out over the estuary to the wooded ridges in the north-east.

Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.2) which has the following historical landscape character: Mundon Marsh and Creek originally extended as far inland as Mundon Hall. The field system is similar to that of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes somewhat less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone. It is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. The historic settlement pattern comprises a church/hall complex and dispersed farmsteads.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact Although the properties along Mundon Road overlook the highway, they would be affected to varying degrees by development. There would be a major adverse impact on thirty-four properties, a highly adverse impact on sixteen to eighteen with oblique views and a moderately adverse impact on ten. The impact on users of Maldon Road would be highly adverse as existing views are of high quality and the road, despite being fairly busy, is unclassified. There would only be a slightly adverse impact on users of Limebrook Way. There would be a highly adverse impact on four properties north of Limebrook Way and a moderately adverse impact on approximately eleven.

Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on approximately thirty-four properties, a highly adverse impact on twenty to twenty-two and a moderately adverse impact on twenty-one. There would be a highly adverse impact on the users of one road and a slightly adverse impact on the users of another. Landscape Impact Considered in isolation from its surroundings, the site does not have a particularly high sensitivity. However, it is an important part of the high quality landscape visible from near Mundon Road. Therefore, the landscape impact is likely to be highly adverse. If this area extended further south the landscape impact would be greater, and assessed at major adverse. Mitigation While planting could mitigate some of the visual impacts, development here would be very intrusive in views from the south and would require substantial planting to screen development and create a green edge to the town.

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Maldon: M14

Site Description Context and Land Use

The site consists of one arable field. The field is bounded on the north by Park Drive and by Mundon Road to the west. Topography The site has a slight north facing slope. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a low to medium landscape sensitivity. Vegetation There is a thin hedge several metres high along the field’s northern edge and a larger, thicker hedge along its southern edge.

Views Properties to the north of the main road generally have first floor views of the field. To the east is an area of sports pitches. Designations The site is within the Coastal Protection Belt. A public footpath runs along the site’s east boundary. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently rolling marsh hinterland






Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.2) which has the following historical landscape character:

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Mundon Marsh and Creek originally extended as far inland as Mundon Hall. The field system is similar to that of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes somewhat less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone. It is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. The historic settlement pattern comprises a church/hall complex and dispersed farmsteads.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There are fifteen properties to the north with direct first floor views onto the site over Park Drive and, in many cases, from beyond a belt of shrubs. For several of these properties, there is likely to be a highly adverse impact, and a fairly highly adverse impact for others. There would also be a moderately adverse impact on two properties with oblique views. There would be a slightly adverse impact on a farm house to the south-east but a fairly highly adverse impact on a property with views over a hedge to the edge of the development from the south. Properties to the south-west would have oblique first floor views of the development over a large hedge, which would result in a slightly adverse impact. There would be a moderately adverse impact on users of the footpath along the east boundary and along its approach to the site from the south. The impact on road users would be insignificantly adverse. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse impact on four properties and a fairly

highly adverse impact on twelve properties. There would be a moderately impact on two properties and the users of a footpath. There would be a slightly adverse impact on approximately ten other properties. Landscape Impact Despite being in the Coastal Protection Belt, development here should not impact much on the coastal landscape. The overall landscape impact is likely to be slightly adverse. Mitigation Visual and landscape impacts could be mitigated through planting.

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Maldon: M15

Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of two arable fields. At the north-east, the site also includes a small area of pasture on an old landfill site, which has value as landscape.

Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Topography The site has a gently sloping, south-facing aspect. Views The site is open to views from a wide area to the south. The west field is overlooked from the first floors of properties along its west boundary. The east field has views towards the

coast and is connected to the coastal landscape. A footpath runs north-south between the fields with a hedge alongside. Two properties by the south edge of the site look into it. Designations The site is in the Coastal Protection Belt. A public footpath crosses the site and another runs beside the south boundary. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Mundon Drained Estuarine Marsh landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently rolling marsh hinterland






Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.2) which has the following historical landscape character:

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Mundon Marsh and Creek originally extended as far inland as Mundon Hall. The field system is similar to that of the rest of the Dengie, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern, although it becomes somewhat less regular in the northern and western parts of the zone. It is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. The historic settlement pattern comprises a church/hall complex and dispersed farmsteads.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse impact on over twenty properties by the site’s west edge near Mundon Road. These have first floor and, in some cases, filtered ground floor views of the site. There is likely to be a major adverse impact on the two properties that overlook the site from its south edge; a farm house and another property with attractive views. The development would be visible over a wide area to the south and is likely to have a highly adverse impact on three footpaths to the south and south-east. These include the coastal path. There is likely to be a moderately adverse impact on approximately two properties some distance to the south as it would affect the character of their surroundings. Landform in the small area, which was previously landfill, could potentially succeed in obscuring any development as seen from viewpoints to the south-east. However, this is uncertain. There is likely to be a slightly adverse impact on users of Mundon Road to the south.

Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on two properties, a highly adverse impact on over twenty and a moderately adverse impact on two There would be a highly adverse impact on three footpaths and a slightly adverse impact on users of a road. Landscape Impact The site lies within the Coastal Protection Belt and is part of the broader coastal landscape. Development of the site would therefore impact upon this wider landscape. The development would also affect the setting of the historic site of the battle of Maldon. There is likely to be a highly adverse landscape impact. Mitigation Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated adequately on this site.

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3.2 Southminster

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Figure 3.3 Southminster study areas

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Figure 3.4 Southminster environmental designations

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Southminster: S1

Site Description This site consists of four separated parts and the site has therefore been subdivided into S1A, S1B, S1C and S1D. S1A

Context and Land Use The site consists of an arable field with a drainage pond in the north-west corner. It is bounded by Southfield Way on the south and west and by the B1018 at the north. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium landscape sensitivity. Topography The site slopes up from the north to the south.

Vegetation To the east of the site is Seasons Wood, which is publicly accessible. Shrub belts have been planted to the south and west sides of Southfield Way. Views At least six properties by the B1018 have more or less direct first floor views of the site. One property has a clear ground floor view and others have filtered or oblique ground floor views. A terrace of houses to the north-east have oblique first floor views of the site, some of which are filtered in winter and screened in summer by elm. There are more direct views from the end of the terrace, mainly from the first floors. A small number of properties to the east of Season’s Wood have filtered first floor views of the site. Running parallel to the site’s eastern boundary is a woodland footpath, which has filtered winter views of the site through a hedge. To the north of the wood is a small public open space with a view of the site. There are views of the field from higher land to the more distant north, which includes first floor views from a few properties. Vegetation and landform screen views to the site from the south and west. S1B Context and Land Use This site consists of a rectangular arable field to the north of the B1018, which is bounded by Steeple Road to the east. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium landscape

a

b

c d

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sensitivity. Its landscape sensitivity is reduced by existing development on two sides and a large building to the south-west. Topography The land has a slight south-facing slope. It is relatively low-lying compared to land in the north and south, which slopes more steeply.

Vegetation There is a hedge along Steeple Road Views The site is screened from the ground floors of properties along Steeple Road by a hedge but overlooked from the first floors. Views of the site are enhanced, where the higher land beyond the site to the north is visible. It is more visible from the ground and first floors of four properties by the B1018. Two properties at the south of Steeple Road have oblique first floor views of this higher land and one has a filtered winter ground floor view. S1C Context and Land Use This relatively small area consists of a number of horse paddocks. To the east are a yard used for exercising horses, a number of large sheds and

other structures cluttered within the grounds of a residential property. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a low landscape sensitivity. Topography The area is relatively flat. Vegetation Vegetation includes a row of lombardy poplars and irregular hedging. There is a large hedge on the boundary to the north of the paddocks and trees and hedging on the boundary to the north of the sheds.

Views The area is overlooked from a number of properties on the south and west boundaries. S1D Context and Land Use This small area appears to be an old sewage treatment site planted largely with native trees and shrubs. It is open to the public. The area is likely to increase in amenity value as the planting matures. It is likely to become a valuable public green space for this part of Southminster.

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Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium to high landscape sensitivity. Topography The site is relatively flat. Vegetation The planting is approximately five to ten years old. Oak and hornbeam are scattered through the site. Views Approximately six properties by the south boundary have direct views into the site. There are oblique first floor views into the site from a number of houses on two roads to the south-west and a first floor view from a property to the west. All these views are likely to be screened in two to three years if the existing vegetation is retained and allowed to mature. There are few views of the site from the north, largely due to a small ridge. Designations S1A and part of S1B are subject to the policy on development affecting airports. There is a footpath adjoining site S1A along the east boundary.

Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland

behind the coastal marshland, locally quite steep.

• Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy loamy soils where sand and gravel deposits overlie clay.

• Distinctive long hedgerow boundaries running on parallel axes are a common feature, though to be the result of ancient planned enclosure.

• Dutch elm disease has made elm loss noticeable in hedgerows.

• Right-angled bends in lanes reflect ancient field pattern.

• Settlement pattern reflects underlying soils - sand and gravel formations on a ridge between Burnham and Bradwell - elsewhere settlement on slopes in clay areas.

Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) with the following historical landscape character:

There is a ridge of slightly higher ground running down the centre of the zone, drained by a few small streams. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the Crouch, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern (known as Dengie-form after this area). These are of considerable antiquity, and may have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field boundaries were historically bordered by elm hedgerows, but the elm standards were lost in the 1970s because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered

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along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and Mayland. North Fambridge and Maylandsea are sited close to the Crouch and Blackwater estuaries respectively. Historically the settlement pattern was highly dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact S1A There would be a major adverse impact on two properties beside the B1018 and a high impact on four others, which would lose their views onto the field. There would be a slightly adverse impact for users of Southfield Way and the B1018. There would be a moderately adverse impact on users of the public space to the north of Season’s Wood and six properties in the adjacent terrace. These properties would appear to be more enclosed by development if the site is built on. There is likely to be a moderately adverse impact on one or two properties to the east of Season’s Wood, which would lose views of countryside beyond the wood. The impact for visual receptors on higher land to the north is likely to be slightly adverse in most cases as the setting is already affected by development. However, there is likely to be a moderately adverse impact on two properties. Development would have a highly adverse impact on users of a footpath that runs east-west to the south of Southfield Way. In summary, there would be a major adverse impact on two properties, a highly adverse impact on four

properties and a moderately adverse impact on ten properties. There would be a highly adverse impact on one footpath, a moderately adverse impact on a public space and a slightly adverse impact on two roads. S1B There would be a major adverse impact on four properties by the B1018, particularly if site S1A was also developed. There is likely to be a highly to major adverse impact for fourteen properties by Steeple Road. Development would constitute a major element in the views from the garden and first floor of a property to the north. Although there are existing features which detract from the views, there would be a highly adverse impact. There would only be a slightly to moderately adverse impact for the neighbouring property of Squeaks House. Other than this, there would be minimal visual impact on other receptors to the north and west. S1C There would likely be an at least moderately adverse impact on several properties by the south boundary and five properties by the west boundary. If site S1B is also developed, there would be a cumulative impact on properties to the west. S1D There would be an adverse impact on nearby properties if all the existing planting, including that which would otherwise screen the area, was removed. There would be a major adverse impact for five or six properties, a highly adverse impact for one property and a moderately to highly adverse

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impact for a number of other properties. However, if enough of this planting remained to screen new development, there would be an insignificantly adverse impact. Landscape Impact S1A Other than as an undeveloped setting for Season’s Wood and the village, the site does not have a high landscape quality. There is likely to be a slightly adverse landscape impact. S1B There is likely to be a moderately adverse landscape impact. S1C There is likely to be a slightly adverse landscape impact. S1D There is likely to be a moderately adverse landscape impact. Mitigation S1A Landscape and visual impacts could be mainly mitigated by planting. S1B The site would need considerable planting to mitigate the visual and landscape impacts S1C Landscape and visual impacts could be mitigated through planting. S1D Landscape and visual impacts could

be partially mitigated by retaining existing vegetation and additional planting.

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Southminster: S2

Site Description Context and Land Use The site occupies the larger parts of two arable fields, which lie adjacent to the north edge of Southminster. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a fairly high landscape sensitivity. Topogaphy The larger field slopes down to the stream on the site’s northern boundary. The west field slopes in a similar way in its south-east corner but is generally flatter and lower. Vegetation Alongside the eastern part of the stream is a particularly gappy line of vegetation. Scattered trees and shrubs are found along the rest of the stream.

Views Properties on the edge of Southminster have views over the dip, which contains a vegetated stream, and to the undulating landscape beyond. Those by the south edge of the east field have views from the first floor and ground floor. Those by the west field have fairly open views from the ground floor. Some properties to the south-east have oblique or filtered views across the site to the countryside beyond. The slope of the east field means it is overlooked from the north, from Foxhall Road and the bridleway passing through Sheepcotes Farm particularly.

The landform of the west field means it is overlooked less from the north apart from views from a short length of footpath to the north-west. There are views of the site from three properties to the north although these are either distant, partial or oblique. Designations A public footpath crosses the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal

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Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland








There is a ridge of slightly higher ground running down the centre of the zone, drained by a few small streams. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the Crouch, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern (known as Dengie-form after this area). These are of considerable antiquity, and may have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field boundaries were historically bordered by elm hedgerows, but the elm standards were lost in the 1970s because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and Mayland. North Fambridge and Maylandsea are sited close to the Crouch and Blackwater estuaries respectively. Historically the settlement pattern was highly dispersed with isolated farms and

moated sites.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on fifteen to twenty properties to the south of the west field. There would also likely be a major adverse impact for a similar number of properties on the south side of the east field. The landform would increase the impact on receptors to the north and prevent any mitigation by screening. There is likely to be a moderately adverse impact for a few properties to the south-east of the site and a slightly to moderately adverse impact for three properties to the north. The impact for users of the bridleway passing through Sheepcotes Farm would be major adverse. There would be a highly adverse impact for users of a length of footpath to the north-west of the site. The impact for users of Foxhall Road would be highly adverse. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact for approximately thirty to forty properties, a moderately adverse impact for three and a slightly to moderately adverse impact for three. There would be a highly adverse impact on the users of a road, a major adverse impact for the users of one footpath and a highly adverse impact on the users of another footpath. Landscape Impact Development of the site would have quite a highly adverse landscape impact on the area to the north of the site.

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There would be a highly adverse landscape impact. Mitigation Considerable planting would only partially mitigate the landscape and visual impacts.

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Southminster: S3

Site Description Context and Land Use The site occupies the greater and higher part of a large arable field. The field forms one side of a length of valley. There is a distant industrial plant to the north-east.

Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Existing houses on some of the site edges slightly reduce the site’s landscape sensitivity. Topography The land slopes down towards the north and is quite convex near the higher end.

Vegetation There is a stream with a line of vegetation along the lower edge of the field. Woodland and other vegetation to the north-east of the site add to the quality of the valley’s landscape. Views There are clear views of the site from the far side of the valley. This includes views from Foxhall Road, which lies high on this side of the valley. However, there no views of the site from footpaths to the north of Foxhall Road. There are views to the site from Sheepcotes Lane bridleway, where it lies to the north side of the valley and south of Sheepcotes Farm. There are also attractive views of the site from part of Sheepcotes Lane along the site’s west boundary. There are approximately two distant properties to the north with ground floor views. There are very attractive long views across the valley and of vegetation on field edges from the first and ground floors of several properties along the south boundary.

The site and valley are quite open to views from a length of Tillingham Road to the east. Houses on this road have fairly open first and ground floor views to the upper end of the field and, to a lesser extent, of the valley.

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The site is overlooked by a garden to the south-west and from the first floor of a distant property to the east. Designations The site is in the Coastal Protection Belt. A public bridleway runs along its west edge. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland







Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 10.4) which has the following historical landscape character: There is evidence for pastoral cultivation dating back to before the construction of the Iron Age hillfort and finds of Neolithic pottery may indicate settlement. The fort is located centrally

within the Dengie Peninsula upon a plateau, rather than hill, with commanding views south down to the Asheldham Brook allowing the fort to be seen from a considerable distance. There is evidence for a buried creek system that would have provided navigational waters from the Crouch estuary to the site at Asheldham (See HECZ 10.3). Asheldham brook flows west east across the zone splitting it into two low ridges sloping down to the marshes in the east. Much of the field system is similar to that of the Dengie Peninsula, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern. This field-type is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. The medieval settlement was dispersed with isolated farms, manorial complexes and the historic settlement of Asheldham. A largely rural economy has existed to modern times however recent mineral extraction has occurred over a relatively large proportion of the zone. An assessment of the Historic Environment of Southminster has been undertaken which includes detailed information on the historic settlement, buildings and landscape of the parish which covers part of this zone. Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact Eight properties to the south of the site would lose particularly attractive views and suffer a major adverse impact. There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on fourteen properties by Tillingham Road. The nature of the landform makes the site conspicuous to views from the north. There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on two distant properties to the north with ground floor views and a slightly adverse impact on a property some distance to the east of the site.

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There would be a highly adverse impact on users of Foxhall Road and Sheepcotes Lane. Users of Sheepcotes Lane bridleway on the north side of the valley and south of the farm would suffer a major adverse impact. Tillingham Road is a less sensitive receptor so the impact on users would be moderately adverse. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on eight properties, a highly adverse impact on sixteen properties and a slightly adverse impact on one property. There would be a major adverse impact on users of one footpath, a highly adverse impact on users of two roads and a moderately adverse impact on users of another road. Landscape Impact There would be a highly adverse landscape impact. Mitigation Considerable planting would only partially mitigate the landscape and visual impacts.

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Southminster: S4

Site Description Context and Land Use The site comprises a belt of land spread over parts of three arable fields. Adjacent land has some industrial use. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium landscape sensitivity. Topography The site is fairly flat. Vegetation

Nearby, to the east of the site, is the property of Newmoor, which contains cedars, pines and wellingtonia trees within its attractively landscaped grounds There is a line of oaks by a footpath, including some ancient specimens and others which have been more recently planted as replacements. These trees enhance the adjacent landscape quality in the same way as the trees in the grounds Newmoor. Views Part of the northern field contributes to views of the adjacent valley and is visible from some properties to the east. It is also open to Tillingham Road at the northern edge. A number of properties along the east side of Tillingham Road look out from first and ground floors across the central field and beyond to the coastal landscape. Other properties along the west side of the road have similar views from first floor windows.

The northern two fields are crossed diagonally by a footpath while another runs east to west between the two southern fields and the eastern boundary of the southern field. A number of properties by the west side of the southern-most field have more open views across it to the distant coastal landscape. At least six have direct first floor views while one

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has direct ground and first floor views and ten have oblique views. The hedge between the south field and along the east side of the footpath is very gappy hawthorn and elm. No properties are visible to the east of the south field. Designations The northern field is part of a Scheduled Monument of high archaeological importance with prehistoric and Roman cropmarks. Two public footpaths cross the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland







Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ

10.4) which has the following historical landscape character: There is evidence for pastoral cultivation dating back to before the construction of the Iron Age hillfort and finds of Neolithic pottery may indicate settlement. The fort is located centrally within the Dengie Peninsula upon a plateau, rather than hill, with commanding views south down to the Asheldham Brook allowing the fort to be seen from a considerable distance. There is evidence for a buried creek system that would have provided navigational waters from the Crouch estuary to the site at Asheldham (See HECZ 10.3). Asheldham brook flows west east across the zone splitting it into two low ridges sloping down to the marshes in the east. Much of the field system is similar to that of the Dengie Peninsula, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern. This field-type is of considerable antiquity, and may have its origins in the mid-late Saxon period, if not before. The medieval settlement was dispersed with isolated farms, manorial complexes and the historic settlement of Asheldham. A largely rural economy has existed to modern times however recent mineral extraction has occurred over a relatively large proportion of the zone. An assessment of the Historic Environment of Southminster has been undertaken which includes detailed information on the historic settlement, buildings and landscape of the parish which covers part of this zone. Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact Development in the northern field would constitute a significant extension of Southminster into the countryside, which would affect the setting of the valley to the north-west. It is likely to have a fairly highly adverse impact on users of Tillingham

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Road and two properties to the east. There would also be a slightly adverse impact for Newmoor. There would likely be a moderately adverse impact for users of the bridleway by Sheepcotes Farm. There would also be a slightly adverse impact on Sheepcotes Farm and a footpath to the north of Foxhall Road. There may be a slightly adverse impact on one or two distant properties to the north. Development in the middle field would result in a major adverse impact on a five to six properties along the east side of Tillingham Road and a highly adverse impact on a number of properties to the west of Tillingham Road. There would be a slightly to moderately adverse impact on Newmoor, which would have oblique views. Regarding the south field, there would be an at least highly adverse impact on sixteen properties and a major adverse impact on one property. There is likely to be a moderately adverse impact on the footpath that crosses the site diagonally and a highly adverse impact on users of the footpath running beside the oak trees. There would be no impact on distant views of Southminster from the east. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on six to seven properties, a highly adverse impact on apprioximately twenty-two properties, a slightly adverse impact on four properties There would be a highly adverse impact on one footpath, a moderately adverse impact on two rights of way, a slightly adverse impact on one footpath and a fairly highly adverse impact on the users of one road.

Landscape Impact The site has a number of features which distinguish and enhance it. There is likely to be a fairly highly adverse landscape impact. Mitigation Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated through planting on this site.

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Southminster: S5

Site Description This site consists of five seperated parts of different character. It has therefore been subdivided into S5A, S5B, S5C, S5D and S5E. S5A

Context and Land Use S5A is the northern part of the flat field to the south of Rose Drive. This area of field is pasture, which appears to be unmanaged. To the south-east is a lake fringed by attractive vegetation, a possible result of mineral extraction in the area. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a low to medium landscape sensitivity. Views A few properties by Rose Drive have views onto the site, some of which include long views of features beyond the lakeside vegetation. These views

are mainly from first floors but one property has a limited ground floor view. There is a recently planted tree belt to the south of Rose Drive, which will screen views of the site as it grows and matures. The views from Rose Drive are of countryside but include some unattractive features, which detract from its landscape sensitivity. Views of the site from most cars on Burnham Road to the west are screened by a hedge, other than the northern-most thirty metres. A property to the south-west has oblique gronud and first floor views of the site. S5B

Context and Land Use This part of the site is immediately to the north-east and has significant landscape and wildlife value. It is occupied by part of a lake and its margins, which is fished by a private club. A footbridge crosses the lake. The area to the south retains some of the character of its previous use for mineral extraction. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a fairly high landscape sensitivity.

a b

c d e

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Vegetation There are reed-beds and birch woodland on the site. Views Several properties have views onto the lake, mainly from first floors. There is a steep bank down to the lake from the rear of some Rose Drive properties. The impact of developing areas beside the lake has been considered. S5C Context and Land Use

The site consists of a rectangular area of grass, which is flanked by residential properties to the west and by a school to the north. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium landscape sensitivity. Vegetation There is a line of trees by the east edge including some mature oaks. Along the south edge is a belt of elm and ivy. The area is screened at the northern boundary by a hedgerow. Views This is a fairly attractive area and enhances the setting of the neighbouring properties.

Approximately nine properties to the west have views of the site. One property has direct first and ground floor views, which include views of containers on the opposite side of the site. One has an oblique ground floor view and some have first floor views, which are mainly filtered, distant or oblique. The nearby village church is visible from the site. S5D Context and Land Use This area is a sports field and lies immediately to the east of S5C. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a fairly high landscape sensitivity. Vegetation There is a line of trees along the east edge and a belt of conifers by the south boundary.

Views The site is overlooked by a number of properties, mainly from first floor windows, on its north side and by a railway along the east edge. Approximately ten of these properties have direct views and two have oblique views. Detracting features include pallisade

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fencing along the south boundary and the railway, a signal gantry over the railway, flood-lit areas to the north-west of the site, containers used as sheds at the west boundary and a phone mast near the north-east corner. The site has value as public green space but does not have a high landscape sensitivity. S5E Context and Land Use This part of S5 lies to the east of the railway. It is part of a field with a small area of rough ground at the north. The landscape of the field is significantly degraded by the presence of a number of machines, such as bulldozers, and materials, which are stored there. To the north are industrial buildings, the railway and phone mast. Machines stored in the field appear to access a landfill site to the south. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a low landscape sensitivity.

Vegetation There is a length of treebelt by the railway. Views Seven properties by the east side overlook the site from first and ground

floors. To the rear, these properties have views towards the coast and/or of a manure heap. Designations The west end of S5A is within the area affected by the policy on development that affects airports. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland







Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact S5A There would be a moderately adverse impact for approximately four properties along Rose Drive. One of these would suffer a more highly adverse impact than the others. There

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would be a slightly adverse impact on the property to the south-west. There would be an insignificantly adverse impact on users of Burnham Road. S5B There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on approximately three properties overlooking the lake and on users of the fishing lake. S5C There is likely to be a major adverse impact for one property and a highly adverse impact for approximately eight properties. S5D. There would be a highly to moderately adverse impact for approximately twelve properties. The impact for other identified receptors is not likely to be significant. S5E In view of the condition of the site, the impact for the seven properties at the east is likely to be slightly adverse. If the treebelt was removed, there would likely be a slightly adverse impact on one or two properties to the west of the railway and on users of the railway. Landscape Impact S5A There is likely to be an insignificantly adverse landscape impact. S5B This site has a fairly high landscape sensitivity despite the presence of detracting features and its small scale. If this area is included as part of development, it would have a highly adverse impact locally. However, in

view of the small area and detracting features, development is likely to have a moderately adverse impact. S5C There would be a moderately adverse landscape impact. S5D There would be an insignificantly to slightly adverse landscape impact. However, it is important to note that there is likely to be an impact on the amenity value of the site for users of the sports field. S5E There is likely to be a fairly insignificant landscape impact. Mitigation S5A Visual impacts could be mitigated largely through planting. S5B It would be hard to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts of development on this site. S5C The landscape and visual impacts would be mitigated through retaining existing trees and additional planting. S5D Landscape and visual impacts could be mainly mitigated through planting. S5E Landscape and visual impacts could be mainly mitigated through planting.

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3.3 Burnham-on-Crouch

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Figure 3.5 Burnham-on-Crouch study areas

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Figure 3.6 Burnham-on-Crouch environmental designations

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Burnham-on-Crouch: B1

Site Description Context and Land Use The site is on the south side of Maldon Road. It consists of parts of two arable fields, a number of properties with gardens, a wild area and a football pitch. Creeksea Lane runs north-south across the site.

Landscape Sensitivity The site has a low to medium landscape sensitivity. Topography The land is relatively flat . Vegetation There is a hedge along much of the Maldon Road and there are many trees within the wilder area.

Views There are a large number of properties to the east and north with views across the site. Some of the views from the ground floor are screened by hedging along the site boundary.

An area of commercial buildings to the east of the site detracts from the landscape quality. The landscape beyond the site to the south includes woodland and is of greater sensitivity. Trees and shrubs in some of the properties by Creeksea Lane form an effective screen. There is a footpath to the south of the east half of the site and an open view onto the site from another footpath nearby to the south-west. The football pitch is overlooked from the first floors of properties to the north and east of it. Designations The site is within a Special Landscape Area and the Coastal Protection Belt as well as the area covered by the Local Plan policy on development affecting airports. The main fields comprising the site have parts which are within a Special Landscape Area although these parts are outside the site itself. A public footpath runs beside the south edge of much of the site.

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Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Fambridge Drained Estuarine Marsh landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Low-lying flat, drained marsh

hinterland north of river Crouch, that becomes gently rolling further inland.


• Steeply rising land above Creeksea and North Fambridge.

• Extensive grazing marsh. • Sense of isolation and openness

near the sea-wall. Historic Landscape Character The site lies within a zone (HECZ 9.3) with the following historical landscape character:

There is a ridge of slightly higher ground running down the centre of the zone, drained by a few small streams. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the Crouch, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern (known as Dengie-form after this area). These are of considerable antiquity, and may have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field boundaries were historically bordered by elm hedgerows, but the elm standards were lost in the 1970s because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and Mayland. North Fambridge and Maylandsea are sited close to the Crouch and Blackwater estuaries respectively. Historically the settlement pattern was highly

dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a fairly major adverse impact on approximately five properties to the north of Maldon Road, which would lose long, attractive ground floor views over the road and across the site. There would be a highly adverse impact on another six properties, which would lose the same view from first floor windows. There would be a highly adverse impact on approximately nine properties to the north-east by Chandlers, which would lose quite attractive first floor views. There would be a moderately adverse impact on a property by Creeksea Lane with a first floor view along Maldon Road. Development on the west field would have a major adverse impact on three or four properties on or near its edges. There may also be a highly adverse impact on another property that is only partly screened. There would be a slightly adverse impact for users of a railway to the south and a slightly to moderately adverse impact on users of Ferry Road and Maldon Road. There would be a fairly highly adverse impact on approximately six properties, which would lose first floor views onto the football pitch. There would be a slightly to moderately adverse impact on a few properties beyond Springlfield Road with filtered views. There would be a moderately adverse impact on users of the two footpaths to the south edge of the site.

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Summary of Visual Impact There would likely be a major adverse impact on nine properties and a highly adverse impact on approximately twenty. There would also be a slightly to moderaterly adverse impact on several properties. There would be a moderately adverse impact on users of two footpaths and a slightly adverse impact on users of two roads and one railway. Landscape Impact The landscape impact would be slightly adverse. However, the loss of the football pitches would constitute a significant loss of amenity for the community. Mitigation Landscape and visual impacts on this site could be partially mitigated through planting.

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Site Description Context and Land Use This site consists of a number of areas with different characters. Several areas to the south-west consist of wild vegetation. A large garden lies to the east of these areas and south of Green Lane. To the east of the garden is a flat arable field, which extends to the south..

Smaller enclosures lie to the east of the field and include a landscaped garden, hard-surfaced yard, reservoir and pleasant paddock, which is surrounded by trees. To the far east is a nursery, the trees and poly-tunnels of which are overlooked from the first floors of properties to the north. There is quite an attractive area beside Church Road, which lies either side of the stream and contains a paddock and trees.

Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Vegetation Much of the area to the south-west is attractive. There are areas containing scattered shrubs and young trees and a stand of oaks on the eastern side adds to the landscape value. Views A few properties to the south-west have first floor views onto part of the site from the south, in which lies a footpath to Maldon Road. Another attractive wild area is overlooked from the ground and first floors of two properties by Green Lane. A third vegetated area is overlooked from the first floors of three properties. To the east, the area is enclosed by vegetation on its eastern edge and overlooked from the first floors of two properties by Green Lane. It is also overlooked from the south by the first and ground floors of two properties and six with first floor views only. To the east is a paddock, which slopes down to a stream at the south and is overlooked by a property in the north. It is also glimpsed from the road. Beyond the site and to the east is a small arable field, which is overlooked from the first floors of several properties to its the north. It has no great landscape sensitivity other than the absence of development. At the far east of the site is a belt separating the areas of development to north and south. This is glimpsed from the road and overlooked from the first floor of one property to the north. The area to the north of Green Way consists of paddocks at its west, which are open in character with expansive views of the sky. It lies on higher

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ground than the arable land in the north and slopes gently down to a stream before rising again. Some railway carriages on the higher ground and, to a lesser extent, the paddocks, detract from the sensitivity of the landscape. A few properties on higher ground beyond Mangapp Chase overlook this area.

An area of some landscape value is to the north-east, which consists of two small paddocks surrounded by trees. It is overlooked from the first floors of the properties by Mangapp Chase. There are some gardens between these paddocks and Green Lane. An arable field, small copse and paddocks lie to the north east. These have either little inherent landscape value or contain unattractive features such as sheds and derelict vehicles. Designations The site is within the area covered by the Local Plan policy on development affecting airports. Two public footpaths cross the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows.

• Gently undulating arable farmland behind the coastal marshland, locally quite steep.







There is a ridge of slightly higher ground running down the centre of the zone, drained by a few small streams. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the Crouch, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern (known as Dengie-form after this area). These are of considerable antiquity, and may have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field boundaries were historically bordered by elm hedgerows, but the elm standards were lost in the 1970s because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and Mayland. North Fambridge and Maylandsea are sited close to the Crouch and Blackwater estuaries respectively. Historically the settlement pattern was highly dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse impact on two properties, which have first floor views south from Green lane. There would be a slightly to moderately adverse impact on two properties by Mangapp Chase to the north-east. There would be a highly adverse impact on four or five properties, which have views north of Green Hall Lane. There would be a major adverse impact on the property south of Green Hall Lane, which overlooks the paddock. There would be a highly adverse impact on approximately four properties at the end of Beauchamps, which would lose filtered yet attractive first floor views in the winter. There would be a moderately adverse impact on a property along Mangapp Chase, which has a filtered winter view. There would be a moderately to highly adverse impact on approximately six properties to the north of the small arable field in the south-east. If the nursery is included in development, there is likely to be a highly adverse impact on approximately three properties to the north of it. If the paddock to the south is developed, there will be a highly adverse impact on the nursery itself. There would be a major adverse impact on two properties and a highly adverse impact on six properties, which look north across the site from St Peter’s Fields and from north of Maldon Road. There would be a moderately adverse impact on users of Southminster Road. If the enclosures to the south-west are included in development, there would

be a major adverse impact on two properties by Green Lane, a highly adverse impact on six properties and a major impact on a footpath. There would be a moderately adverse impact on the footpath running north from Green Lane. There would be a moderately adverse impact on the footpath to the north near the ditch. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on three properties and, if areas of wild vegetation at the south-west are included in development, on another two properties and a footpath. There would be a highly to major adverse impact on one property and a highly adverse impact on eighteen properties. If the areas at the south-west are developed, there would be a highly adverse impact on six properties. There would be a moderately to highly adverse impact on six properties, a moderately adverse impact on one property and a slightly to moderately adverse impact on two properties. There would also be a moderately adverse impact on users of two footpaths and a road. Landscape Impact The landscape quality of most of the site is not particularly high. However, there are certain areas which are more sensitive than others. Part of the site provides a green space that seperates development to the south from the north east. If the entire site is developed, there would be a highly adverse landscape impact. However, if only the western half of the area north of Green Lane is developed, there would be a slightly adverse landscape impact.

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Mitigation It would not be possible to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts on this site with planting.

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Site Description Context and Land Use

The site is comprised of a number of areas. A small elongated arable field lies to the east and slopes down to a stream at the north. There are a number of small, cultivated enclosures west of this. The southern part of a large arable field and an area, which is apparently unfarmed and contains long grass and young trees, lie to the west. This latter area has some landscape value. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a low to medium landscape sensitivity. Vegetation A tree-belt is found alongside the stream and there are lines of pollards beyond this. Other vegetation on site includes hedgerow trees, remnants of field boundary vegetation and trees and shrubs on neighbouring land behind areas of housing to the south.

Views The tree belt screens views from properties to the north. Apart from a glimpse, the field is also screened from Church Road by cypress trees. However, a number of properties do have views across the site from the south. The attractive field to the west is overlooked by the properties to the south, which have first floor views.

Designations The site is within the area covered by the Local Plan policy on development affecting airports. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland




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Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on two properties in the south, which overlook the western fields from ground floor windows. Five properties which overlook these fields from the first floors only would suffer a a highly adverse impact. There would be a moderately adverse

impact on two properties looking south from Green Lane. There would be a moderately adverse impact on a property with filtered winter views from the south edge of the site and a highly to moderately adverse impact on a property with an attractive view from the north through trees to the edge of the site. There would be a slightly adverse impact on two properties to the north- east, St Peter’s School and one property beside the school playing field. There would also be a slightly adverse impact users of Green Lane and users of Church Road. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on two properties, a highly adverse impact on five properties, a moderately to highly adverse impact on one property, a moderately adverse impact on three properties and a slightly adverse impact on three properties. There would be a slightly adverse impact on one school and users of two roads. Landscape Impact There is likely to be a slightly to moderately adverse landscape impact. Mitigation Landscape and visual impacts could be largely mitigated through planting.

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Site Description The site consists of school sports pitches, which include an all-weather pitch in the north-east corner. Some small trees and shrubs lie along the north side of the all-weather pitch. A painted metal pallisade fence runs along the Maldon Road boundary.

The site is overlooked by the school, the first floor windows of approximately three properties to the west and a number of properties beside and beyond Maldon Road. There are also views into the site from Maldon Road. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a low to medium landscape sensitivity. However, the site does have high amenity value for the school. Designations The site is within the area covered by

the Local Plan policy on development affecting airports. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland








There is a ridge of slightly higher ground running down the centre of the zone, drained by a few small streams. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the Crouch, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern (known as Dengie-form after this area). These are of considerable antiquity, and may have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field boundaries were historically bordered by elm hedgerows, but the elm

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standards were lost in the 1970s because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and Mayland. North Fambridge and Maylandsea are sited close to the Crouch and Blackwater estuaries respectively. Historically the settlement pattern was highly dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites.

However, the site does not exhibit the landscape or historical character described.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse impact on users of the school and there would be a fairly highly adverse impact on the three properties at the west. Properties to the south of Maldon Road would be affected as follows. There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on ten properties with direct views across the road to the site, a slightly adverse impact on five properties with oblique or filtered winter views of the site. There would be moderately adverse impact on a property to the north of Maldon Road. The impact on users of the road would be insignificantly adverse. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse visual impact on users of the school, a highly adverse impact on thirteen properties, a moderately adverse impact on one and a slightly adverse impact on five. Landscape Impact The landscape impact would be

insignificantly to slightly adverse. Mitigation The landscape and visual impacts could be mitigated through planting.

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Site Description Context and Land Use The site is located on the south-facing slope of a small, shallow valley, which lies between Stoneyhills development to the north and Burnham. Apart from the arable field at the west, the fields are mainly pasture Landscape Sensitivity The site has a high landscape sensitivity. Topography The fields generally lie on a gently convex slope. Vegetation A winding tree-lined stream runs along the lower edge of the site. Views There are long attractive views across the site and beyond from a footpath, which crosses it, and a couple of properties beside it. Farm buildings lie at the bottom of the slope and includes a number of unsightly elements, such as sheds and clutter. Approximately ten properties in the north overlook the pastures. These

views are mainly from first floors but several properties also have ground floor views. The pastures are also overlooked from a number of properties on the south side of the valley.

At the west of the site is an arable field, which slopes down form properties in the north to the stream. Near the stream is a treebelt and church, which enhance the views from the northern properties. However, this field as a whole does not have high landscape sensitivity as certain features detract from its quality. The field is fairly open at the west to views from Church Road. Designations The site is within the area covered by the Local Plan policy on development affecting airports. A public footpath crosses the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland


• Heavy clay soils and lighter sandy

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loamy soils where sand and gravel deposits overlie clay.







Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact For properties to the north of the site and east of the footpath, there would

be a highly adverse impact on six properties, which would lose views across the site from first floors, and a major adverse impact on four, which would lose additional views from ground floors. There would be a major adverse impact on two properties along the west side of the footpath, which would lose long, attractive views eastwards. There would also be a highly adverse impact on two other properties nearby. Users of another nearby footpath would lose simliar views and suffer a major adverse impact. For properties to the north of the site and west of the footpath, there would be a highly adverse impact on seven, which would lose filtered views, and a major adverse impact on one, which has an open view across the site. There would be a highly adverse impact on the farmhouse. There would be a highly adverse impact on the users of unofficial paths alongside the stream, many of which appear to be well used. Development would be conspicuous in the views of a number of properties on the south side of the valley along Marsh Road. There would be a highly adverse impact on thirteen of these properties with first floor views and a major adverse impact on one with ground floor views. The railway is a less sensitive receptor and would suffer a slightly adverse impact. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on eight properties, a highly adverse impact on twenty-nine properties, a major adverse impact on users of one footpath and a slightly adverse impact on users of a railway.

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Landscape Impact There would be a highly adverse landscape impact. Mitigation Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated satisfactorily by planting.

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Site Description Context and Land Use The site consists of three fields, which lie between the Stoneyhills development to the north and Burnham. A winding stream lined by trees enhances the landscape. However, to the north, the sheds and clutter near the farmhouse detract slightly from the landscape quality. The western field is small and arable. It is moderately attractive although not particularly rural in character. It is enhanced by the nearby church and a number of pine and ornamental trees on its edges. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium to high landscape sensitivity. Topography The site lies on the north-facing slope of a short and shallow valley. Vegetation The smaller field to the east is made up of long grass and is fringed by trees. It has quite a high landscape quality. The other two fields are arable land although the main field does not appear to be farmed.

Views There are views from properties and Marsh Road to the south across the site and beyond to the far slope of the valley. Views of the farmhouse sheds and clutter are partly screened from the south. An unofficial footpath, which runs along the stream, has views into the site. These views are degraded by the presence of Marsh Road and properties alongside it.

Approximately fourteen properties along Marsh Road have first floor views onto the site. Ten of these properties have views across another garden to the north of the road. A property to the north of the road also overlooks the site. A primary school on Marsh Road faces onto and overlooks the site. A number of properties along The Leas have oblique or distant views. Three other properties overlook the western field from first floors. One of these properties also has views across the site from its ground floor. A footpath crosses the site at the north and there is an attractive view of the site from trains on a raised embankment.in the east Approximately ten properties overlook the valley from the north, mainly from first floors although several have ground floor views as well.

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Designations The site is within the area covered by the Local Plan policy on development affecting airports. A public footpath crosses the site. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland








There is a ridge of slightly higher ground running down the centre of the zone, drained by a few small streams. The field system is similar to that of the Canewdon area to the south of the Crouch, comprising a distinctive co-axial rectilinear field pattern (known as Dengie-form after this area). These are of considerable antiquity, and may

have their origins in the middle Saxon period, if not before. The field boundaries were historically bordered by elm hedgerows, but the elm standards were lost in the 1970s because of Dutch Elm Disease. The historic settlement is largely scattered along the roads along the top of the ridge, at Latchingdon, Althorne and Mayland. North Fambridge and Maylandsea are sited close to the Crouch and Blackwater estuaries respectively. Historically the settlement pattern was highly dispersed with isolated farms and moated sites.

Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse impact on thirteen properties south of Marsh Road, which have first floor views onto the site. In addition there is likely to be a highly adverse impact on five nearby properties with oblique views of the site from south of Marsh Road. There would be a major adverse impact on the property north of Marsh Road. There would be a highly adverse impact on ten properties on the north side of the valley, which would lose their view of the north-facing slope. There is likely to be a moderately to highly adverse impact on users of Marsh Road. There would be a highly adverse impact on users of the footpath crossing the site and a slightly adverse impact on users of the railway. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on one property and a highly adverse impact for twenty-eight properties. There would be a moderately to highly adverse impact on the users of one

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road, a highly adverse impact on the users of one footpath and a slightly adverse impact on the users of a railway. Landscape Impact The farm buildings, Marsh Road and the properties at the south detract from the sensitivity of the site. However, the general character of the valley and eastern field particularly is an attractive one. There would be a moderately to highly adverse landscape impact. Mitigation Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated satisfactorily by planting.

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Site Description

Context and Land Use The site lies to the east of Burnham. It consists of a small arable field and a larger, L-shaped arable field to the south of Marsh Road. It also includes the corner of a third arable field to the north of Marsh Road. Landscape Sensitivity The site has a medium landscape sensitivity. Topography The site is generally flat. The field to the north of Marsh road is gently undulating and enhances the quality of the landscape.

Vegetation There are some old oaks in the smaller field to the south, which are mainly along its southern boundary. On the field’s eastern edge is a treebelt containing oak, ash, birch and field maple, which are approximately ten years old. Views There are clear views of the site from a railway along part of its western boundary. There are also views across the smaller field from some properties at the north-west and south-west. These views are attractive, particularly those which include the countryside beyond. The field is largely screened from other properties to the west of the railway and Marsh Road. There are long views to the south-east from the southern end of the treebelt, although the landscape is flat and not particularly interesting. Properties on the eastern edge of the large field have views across the site to the uniform treebelt. These properties also have oblique views to the distant landscape in the south-east and the line of oaks in the smaller field. Thirteen of these properties have views from ground floors and nine from first floors.

On most of the large field’s south edge is a low hedge, beyond which is an area of allotments. The allotments are cluttered and contain a large number

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of sheds. To the south of the allotments, there are views from a row of properties to the site. Three distant properties have ground floor views and two have first floor views of the south-east corner of the site. Designations The site is within the area affected by the Local Plan policy on development affecting airports and the main field is within the Coastal Protection Belt. Landscape Character As defined in the Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford landscape character assessment, the site is within the Tillingham and Latchingdon Coastal Farmland landscape character area. The key characteristics of this area are as follows. • Gently undulating arable farmland









Landscape and Visual Impact Visual Impact There would be a highly adverse impact on one property to the north-east. There would be a slightly adverse impact on one distant property to the east. The impacts upon properties to the west of the smaller field would be as follows. Two properties at the north-west would suffer a highly adverse impact as they would lose attractive, long views from first floors. Two properties at the south-west would suffer a highly adverse impact as they would lose attractive first floor views. There is likely to be a highly adverse impact on about nineteen properties to the west of the larger field, which have views of from the east. There would be a major adverse impact on three properties to the east, which have views of the oak trees.

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Development is likely to be visible from twenty properties to the south of the allotments. The impact on these properties would be slightly adverse. Three properties wth distant views of the south-east corner of the site are likely to suffer a moderately adverse impact and two will suffer a slightly adverse impact. There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of the railway. There is likely to be only a slightly adverse impact for users of a footpath to the east of the site as the treebelt already provides an effective screen. There would be a slightly adverse impact for users of Marsh Road. Summary of Visual Impact There would be a major adverse impact on three properties, a highly to major adverse impact on two, a highly adverse impact on twenty-two, a moderately adverse impact on three and a slightly adverse impact on twenty-three. There would be a slightly adverse impact on users of a railway, a road and a footpath. Landscape Impact Although the site lies within a designated Coastal Protection Belt, the landscape is not generally of high sensitivity. If the small area to the north of Marsh Road is developed, this may increase the landscape impact marginally. The landscape impact is likely to be slightly to moderately adverse. Mitigation Landscape and visual impacts could be satisfactorily mitigated through planting and retention of existing vegetation.

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4.0 Summary Tables

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Maldon Site Comparison Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity M1

High to medium

Highly to moderately adverse

Properties Major - 10 High - Major - 3 High - 34 High-moderate - 6 Moderate - 19 Rights of Way High - 1 Moderate - 1

Visual impacts could be partly mitigated through planting and creation of open space adjacent to existing housing. Landscape impacts could not be mitigated. M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual impact of this could be partly mitigated through its location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.

orange/red

-

Links to woodland and right of way

M2

Medium

Moderately adverse

Properties Major - 21 Major-High – 8 High - 40 High-Moderate – 8 Moderate - 18 Rights of Way High-Major - 1 High - 1 Moderate - 1

Visual impacts could partly be mitigated through planting and landscape impacts partly mitigated by creating adequate planting to set the development into the landscape. M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual impact of this could be partly mitigated through its location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.

orange

+ -

Links to woodland and right of way

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Site Landscape Landscape Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity Impact M3

Medium

Moderately adverse

Properties High - 2 Moderate - 1 Slight-moderate-11 Slight - 5 Rights of Way Moderate – 1 Roads Slight - 2

Considerable planting would be required to retain a setting for the listed buildings. Visual impacts could be partly mitigated by planting and the landscape impact mitigated partly by creating a new green edge to any proposed development. M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual impact of this could be partly mitigated through its location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.

orange

+ -

None

M4

High

Highly adverse

Properties Major - 3 Moderate - 3 Slight – 3 Rights of Way High -1 no Moderate - 2 Roads Slight-moderate – 2

Appropriate planting would be required to retain a setting for the listed building. Visual impacts could be partly mitigated by planting and the landscape impact mitigated partly by creating a new green edge to any proposed development. M1-M4 would require new road access. The visual impact of this could be partly mitigated through its location, its vertical alignment and through planting and earthworks.

orange/red

-

Link to right of way

M5

High

Highly adverse

Properties Major - 3 High – 18 Moderate – 4 Rights of Way Major - 2 Moderate – 1 Roads Moderate-slight -2 Major - 1 Park

It would not be possible to mitigate the impacts through planting or earthworks on this site.

red

--


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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities

M6

High

Highly adverse

Properties Major - 11 to 5 no High to major - 31 no High - 13 to 8 no Moderate - 3 no Roads High - 1 no Footpath High 1 no

It would not be possible to adequately mitigate the landscape and visual impacts on this site.

red

--


M7

High

Highly adverse

Properties major – 6 no high- 40 no Moderate - 3 no Slight – 10 no Major -1 footpath High - cemetery


red

--


M8

High

Highly adverse

Properties Major – 8 no High – 2 no Rights of Way High – 2 no


red

--


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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity M9

High

Highly adverse

Properties Major adverse-2 Highly adverse-2 Rights of Way Major adverse-1 Highly adverse-1 Roads Slightly adverse-2

It would not be possible to adequately mitigate for the visual and landscape impacts on this site.

red

--


M10

High

Highly adverse

Properties Mod adverse-4 Rights of Way Major – 2 Moderately adverse- 1 Slight – 1 Road


orange/red

-


M11

Medium

Moderately adverse

Properties Highly adverse – 26 Moderately adverse-20 Slight-34 High - 1Right of Way Moderate -2 roads

While planting could mitigate some of the visual impacts, development here would be very intrusive in views from the south and would require substantial planting to screen development and create a green edge to the town.

orange/red

-

Link to right of way on east of site

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Medium

Moderately adverse

Properties Highly adverse-37 Moderate-29 Slight-10 Roads High - 1 Slight 2


orange/red

-

None

M13

High

Highly adverse

Properties Major adverse-34 Highly adverse-22 Moderately adverse-21 Roads Highly adverse-1 Slightly adverse-1


red

- -

None

M14

Low to medium

Slightly adverse

Properties Highly adverse-4 Fairly high-12 Moderate-2 Slight-10 Rights of Way Moderate-1

Visual and landscape impacts could be mitigated through planting.

green

+


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High

Highly adverse

Properties Major-2 Highly adverse-20 Moderate - 2 Rights of Way Highly adverse-3

Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated adequately on this site.

orange/red -


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Southminster Site Comparison

Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity S1A

Medium

Slightly adverse

Properties Major - 2no High - 4no Moderate - 10no Slight- several Public Open Space Moderate - 1no Footpath High - 1no

Landscape and visual impacts could be mainly mitigated by planting

Green

+ +

Retain pond within village green or for nature conservation area

S1B

Medium

Moderately adverse

Properties Major - 4no High to major - 14no High - 1no Slight-moderate - 1no

The site would need considerable planting to mitigate the visual and landscape impacts

Orange

+ -

Link with right of way by pumping station

S1C

Low

Insignificantly to slightly adverse

Properties Moderate - 8 no

Landscape and visual impacts could be mitigated through planting

Green/Orange

+

Retention of existing vegetation

S1D

Medium to high

Moderately adverse

Properties Major-6 High-several

Landscape and visual impacts could be partially mitigated by retaining existing vegetation and additional planting

Orange (farm and

woodland) +

Retention of some of the existing vegetation for screening and amenity

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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity S2

Fairly High

Highly adverse

Properties Major - 30-40 no Moderate - perhaps 3 Mod-slight - 3 Rights of Way Major adverse - 1no High adverse-1 no Roads High adverse-1 no

Considerable planting would only partially mitigate the landscape and visual impacts

red

- -

Good views out Stream in part of site

S3

High

Highly adverse

Properties Major-8 High-16 Slight-1 Footpath-major Roads High-2 Moderate-1

Considerable planting would only partially mitigate the landscape and visual impacts

red

- -

Good views out Stream in part of site

S4

Medium

Fairly high

Properties Major - 7 High - 22 Slight- 4 Rights of Way High - 1 Moderate - 2 Slight - 1 Fairly High - 1 – Road

Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated through planting on this site

red

- -

Retention of old oak trees and development of open space around historic links

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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity S5A

Low to medium

Insignificantly adverse

Properties High-moderate - 1 Moderate - 4 Slight - 1 Road Insignificant - 1

Visual impacts could be mitigated largely through planting

green

+ +

Existing vegetation provides opportunities

S5B

Quite High

Moderately adverse

Properties High - 3 Fishers-high

It would be hard to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts of development on this site

red

- -

Views of lake and woodland

S5C

Medium

Moderately adverse

Properties Major-1 High-8 Slight - several

The landscape and visual impacts would be mitigated through retaining existing trees and additional planting

green/orange

+

Views of lake to the south

S5D

Quite High

Insignificantly to slightly adverse A separate impact on amenity

Properties Moderate-high - 12

Landscape and visual impacts could be mainly mitigated through planting

orange

+ -

Retaining trees for screening and amenity

S5E

Low

Insignificantly adverse

Properties Slight - 7

Landscape and visual impacts could be mainly mitigated through planting

green + +

Views out to the south

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Burnham-on-Crouch Site Comparison Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity B1

Low to medium

Slightly adverse

Properties Major - 9no High - 22no Moderate - several Rights of Way Moderate - 2no Slight - 3 no

Landscape and visual impacts on this site could be partially mitigated through planting

orange/green

+

Existing woodland could make attractive feature in open space or good edge to this

B2

High overall

Highly adverse if whole site developed

Properties Major - 5no Highly adverse - 25no Moderately adverse- 7 Slightly adverse - 2no Rights of Way Major - 1no Moderate - 2no Road - 1 - moderate

It would not be possible to mitigate the landscape and visual impacts on this site with planting

orange/red

-

Retain natural features eg stream, woodland and character of lane

B3

Low to medium

Slightly -moderately adverse

Properties Major adverse - 2no Highly adverse-5no Moderate - 4no Slight - 3no School - 1 - slight Roads - 2 - slight

Landscape and visual impacts could be largely mitigated through planting

orange/green

+

Retain woodland and maintain rural character

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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity B4

Low to medium

Slightly-insignificantly adverse (Significant loss of amenity for school)

Properties Highly adverse – 13 Moderately adverse-1 Slightly adverse - 5

The landscape and visual impacts could be mitigated through planting

red

(Loss of playing field)

- -

Views to the north

B5

High

Highly adverse

Properties Major adverse - 8 High adverse-29 Footpath-major Railway - slight

Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated satisfactorily by planting

orange/red (orange if

devmt kept away

from Hall Farm)

-

Open space could be developed along brook as attractive amenity linking to right of way

B6

High to medium High-moderate

Highly-moderately adverse

Properties Major adverse - 1 High adverse-29 Road- high-moderate Footpath-high Railway - slight

Landscape and visual impacts could not be mitigated satisfactorily by planting

Orange/red (orange if

devmt kept away

from Hall Farm)

-

Public open space beside brook.

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Site Landscape Landscape Impact Visual Impact Mitigation Conclusions Opportunities sensitivity B7

Medium

Moderately adverse

Properties Major adverse – 3 High-Major adverse – 2 Highly adverse – 22 Moderately adverse – 3 Slightly adverse – 23 Road – slightly adverse Railway – slightly adverse Footpath – slightly adverse

Landscape and visual impacts could be satisfactorily mitigated through planting and retention of existing vegetation

green

+ +

Develop green space plan to link to rights of way

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Appendix I Project Brief 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Maldon District Council wishes to

commission a specialist consultant to undertake a “Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment” of sites on the periphery of certain settlements within the Maldon District where there is expected to be pressure for greenfield housing development in the Council’s emerging Local Development Framework (LDF).

1.2 In accordance with Government

Planning Policy contained in PPS3 – “Housing”, the Council is producing a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) that will assess the availability, suitability and deliverability of land for future housing development; an essential piece of evidence base that will underpin the housing land elements the LDF Core Strategy and Allocations documents.

1.3 The Landscape Impact

Assessment will be key to the SHLAA in determining the suitability for development of greenfield sites on the periphery of certain settlements where, due to the finite and ever decreasing supply of brownfield land within built-up areas, there might be a need for significant settlement expansion in the period 2011-2026.

1.4 Consequently, as such the

Council would require a representative of the successful consultant to act as “expert witness”, on behalf of the Council, at consequent LDF independent examinations if or when matters related to the

landscape impact of development on greenfield sites are examined.

2.0 Background Information 2.1 The Council are required, in

accordance with the emerging East of England Plan (RSS14) to plan for a net dwelling stock increase in the period 2001 to 2021. To date, since 2001 dwellings completions have been below the rate required by RSS14 however the Council’s extant development plan, the 2007 Local Plan has a time horizon of 2011 and only allocates sufficient land to meet the district’s housing requirements to then. Therefore, the Council’s LDF will need to identify sufficient land to deliver the required number of new homes post 2011.

2.2 Local Development Frameworks

are required to cover a 15 year period and the Council’s LDF will consequently cover the period 2011 to 2026. By projecting the East of England Plan’s requirement of 425 dwellings per year to 2026, it is expected that the Council will need to plan for in the region of 6,375 new homes in the district between 2011 and 2026.

2.3 Initial work on the Council’s

SHLAA has indicated that the supply of brownfield land within built up areas is diminishing and that by 2011, the few remaining sites will be those that have not come forward, either due to the global current credit crunch or due to exceptional development costs or ownership issues. Consequently, it is likely that the majority of housing development post 2011 will need to be on greenfield sites on the periphery of certain key settlements.

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2.4 The distribution of housing growth between different parts of the district will be set out in the Council’s Core Strategy which, at the time of writing, is yet to be the subject of public consultation on different options. Whilst the Council is yet decide what the distribution of growth will be, there is an expectation that the following of the district’s urban settlements could be under pressure to expand post 2011:

• Burnham • Maldon and Heybridge • Southminster

2.5 In addition, albeit to a lesser

extent, there could be pressure for limited expansion of some rural villages.

2.6 In Maldon, a predominantly rural

district in a coastal/estuarine location, the impact of development on the natural landscape is a real issue that will be given significant weight when considering options for settlement expansion. In the case of some settlements, the options for growth are limited by physical constraints such as flood risk and topography.

Landscape Character Assessment 2.7 The countywide document

provides an assessment for this. Essex Coast Protection Subject Plan (1984) 2.8 In addition to the physical

constraints like flood risk and topography and policy designations like Local Green Gaps, many of Maldon’s settlements (including those where there is pressure for expansion) are affected by the ‘Coastal Protection Belt’; a designation in the Local Plan,

designed to protect the special landscape quality of the undeveloped coastline from inappropriate forms of development. The Coastal Protection Belt was originally defined in the 1984 Essex Coats Protection Subject Plan.

3.0 Project objectives 3.1 The overarching objective is for

the assessment to provide advice as to the likely landscape impacts of different greenfield development scenarios; advice that can be used to assess the ‘suitability’ of land for housing development as part of the Council’s Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment – a key element of the LDF evidence base. The assessment will be required to:

• assess the likely landscape

impact of future housing development on greenfield land in broad locations identified by the Council in its 2008 technical document;

• assess the relative impact of

development in the above-mentioned broad locations so a comparison can be made between different options; perhaps using some sort of ranking system;

• assess the likely landscape

impact of housing development on different parcels of land within the above-mentioned broad locations to identify the parcels with the lowest/highest impact where development might be more/less favourable;

• advise as to how the

potential landscape impacts of housing development in

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the above-mentioned broad locations could be mitigated, perhaps through careful landscaping/use of a landscape buffer etc and the likely land-take of such mitigation measures;

4.0 Project methodology 4.1 The successful consultant will be

required to develop a robust methodology for undertaking the assessment, although given the specific nature of the work required, it is envisaged that any methodology will be along the following lines:

4.2 In terms of methodology, the

Council will expect the consultants to have undertaken a survey of each of the broad areas in order to provide a qualitative statement as to the sensitivity of these areas commenting on:

• Key Landscape Features; • Adjacent Land Uses; • Recreational Resources; • Visual Sensitivity;

4.3 The consultant will be required to

develop a scoring mechanism to quantify the overall landscape impact so that broad comparisons can be made. The Council will also expect the findings of the assessment to be presented graphically on ordnance survey maps and in a format that can be downloaded to the Council’s GIS system.

4.4 Secondly, where a broad area of

greenfield land appears to have the potential to accommodate area for settlement expansion, it will enable the Council to give full consideration to minimising the impact of development on the landscape through careful definition of development

boundaries. 4.5 Thirdly, it will enable the Council

to consider the need for landscape mitigation measures and their likely land-take.

4.6 In terms of methodology, the

Council will expect the consultants to elaborate on the findings of the stage 1 assessment, revisiting the sites if necessary, to provide a qualitative statement as to:

• The variations in landscape

sensitivity that exist within the larger broad areas of greenfield land;

• Measures required to mitigate against potential landscape impacts; and (where applicable)

• Measures required to minimise the impact of development on the function of Local Green Gaps or the Coastal Protection Belt; or

• Opportunities to rationalise Local Green Gap boundaries in these areas.

4.7 The Council will also expect the

findings of the stage 2 assessment to be presented graphically on ordnance survey maps and in a format that can be downloaded to the Council’s GIS system.

5.0 Essential Outcomes – core

elements 5.1 The main outputs the Council will

expect from the assessment are: • Detailed explanation of

methodology; • Qualitative statement

regarding the landscape sensitivity of each of the locations;

• Comparative assessment of

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these sites including a quantitative ‘sensitivity score’;

• Comparative assessment of individual parcels of land within the larger of the broad areas (in the refined list) including a quantitative ‘sensitivity score’;

• Advice as to how any landscape impacts can best be minimised/mitigated for each of the sites;

• Findings presented graphically on OS maps; and

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Appendix II Methodology

1 General

1.1 In landscape, townscape and visual assessments, a distinction is normally

drawn between landscape effects (i.e. effects on the character or quality of the

landscape (or townscape), 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 residential properties, but also from

public rights of way and other areas with public access). Thus, a development

may have extensive landscape effects but few visual effects (if, for example,

there are no properties or public viewpoints), or few landscape effects but

significant visual effects (if, for example, the landscape is already degraded or

the development is not out of character with it, but can clearly be seen from

many residential properties).

1.2 The core methodology followed was that set out in the ‘Guidelines for

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’, produced jointly by the Institute of

Environmental Management and Assessment and the Landscape Institute (‘the

GLVIA’, 1995, revised 2002). These guidelines are applicable to assessment

of townscape as well as landscape impacts. The document ‘Landscape

Character Assessment, Guidance for England and Scotland, 2002’ (The

Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage) was referred to, and

stresses the need for a holistic assessment of landscape character, including

physical, biological and social factors.

2 Methodology for this Assessment

2.1 For the purposes of this assessment, the guidance set out above was generally

adhered to, with the following specific refinements:

1. Landscape and visual effects were assessed in terms of the magnitude

of the change brought about by the development and also the sensitivity

of the resource affected. The magnitude of change will generally

decrease with distance from its source, until a point is reached where

there is no discernible change. Residential properties were taken to be

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of high sensitivity in general, although this can vary with the degree of

openness of their view (see Table 1 below). Landscapes which carry a

landscape quality designation and which are otherwise attractive or

unspoilt will in general be more sensitive, while those which are less

attractive or already affected by significant visual detractors and

disturbance will be generally less sensitive (see Table 3 below).

2. For the purpose of the assessment visual change was categorised as

follows, where each level (other than neutral) can be either beneficial or

adverse:

• Neutral no discernible change

• Negligible the scheme would be discernible but of no real

significance

• Low the scheme would cause a perceptible deterioration (or improvement) in existing views

• Medium the scheme would cause an obvious deterioration (or improvement) in existing views

• High the scheme would cause a dominant deterioration (or improvement) in existing views.

3. Sensitivity was also taken into account in the assessment, such that a

lesser magnitude of change would be needed to create a large visual

effect on a sensitive receptor than on one of lesser sensitivity (see

Table 1 below).

4. Visual effects were then determined according to the interaction between

change and sensitivity (see Table 2 below), where effects can be either

beneficial or adverse.

5. Landscape change was categorised as follows, where each level (other

than neutral) can be either beneficial or adverse:

• Neutral no loss or alteration of key landscape/townscape characteristics, features or elements

• Negligible very minor loss or alteration to one or more key landscape/townscape characteristics, features or elements

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• Low minor loss of or alteration to one or more key landscape/townscape characteristics, features or elements

• Medium partial loss of or damage to key characteristics, features or elements

• High total loss of or severe damage to key characteristics, features or elements

6. Landscape quality was judged using the following definitions:

• Very high quality National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty standard, Conservation Area with major groupings of historic or Listed buildings

• High quality attractive landscape, usually with varied topography or historic features, and few visual detractors, or Conservation Area

• Medium quality pleasant landscape or townscape with few detractors but with no distinctive qualities

• Low quality unattractive or degraded landscape or townscape, affected by visual detractors.

7. The concept of landscape value was also considered. The GLVIA

considers landscape value as a measure to be assessed in association

with landscape character, in order to avoid consideration only of how

scenically attractive an area may be, and thus to avoid undervaluing

areas of strong character but little scenic beauty. It is defined in the

glossary of the GLVIA as:

‘The relative value or importance attached to a landscape (often as a

basis for designation or recognition), which expresses national or local

consensus, because of its quality, special qualities including perceptual

aspects such as scenic beauty, tranquillity or wildness, cultural

associations or other conservation issues.’

8. Landscape sensitivity relates to the ability of the receiving

landscape/townscape to accommodate change of the type and scale

proposed without adverse effects on its character. This is defined in the

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glossary of the GLVIA as:

‘The extent to which a landscape can accept change of a particular type

and scale without unacceptable adverse effects on its character.’

9. It is noted in the GLVIA that this varies with:

(i) existing land use;

(ii) the pattern and scale of the landscape;

(iii) visual enclosure/openness of views, and distribution of visual

receptors;

(iv) the scope for mitigation, which would be in character with the

existing landscape; and

(v) the value placed on the landscape.

10. A landscape of high sensitivity will be one with a low ability to

accommodate change, and vice versa. Landscape sensitivity was

judged according to the criteria set out in Table 3 below, taking into

account factors such as the presence or absence of designations for

quality and the nature of the proposed change.

11. Landscape and townscape effects were then determined according to

the interaction between change and sensitivity, as summarised in Table

4 below, where effects can be either beneficial or adverse, though the

examples given are for adverse effects.

12. Photographs were taken with a digital camera with a lens that

approximates to 55mm. This is similar to a normal human field of view,

though this field of view is extended where a number of separate

images are joined together as a panorama. All photographs (other than

the aerial photograph) were taken in 2009.

13. A useful concept in considering the potential visual effects of a

development is that of the visual envelope (or zone of visual influence,

ZVI). This is the area from within which the development would be

visible. Any visual effects must therefore be contained within this area,

and land falling outside it need not be considered in terms of visual

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effects. The area from within which the various elements of the

proposed development would be visible has therefore been estimated.

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Table 1 ~ Criteria for Determining Visual Sensitivity

Sensitivity Typical Criteria

High Residential properties with predominantly open views from windows, garden or curtilage. Views will normally be from ground and first floors and from two or more windows of rooms in use during the day. Users of Public Rights of Way with predominantly open views in sensitive or unspoilt areas. Non-motorised users of minor or unclassified roads in the countryside. Visitors to recognised viewpoints or beauty spots. Users of outdoor recreational facilities with predominantly open views where the purpose of that recreation is enjoyment of the countryside - e.g. Country Parks, National Trust or other access land etc.

Medium Residential properties with views from windows, garden or curtilage. Views will normally be from first floor windows only, or an oblique view from one ground floor window, or may be partially obscured by garden or other intervening vegetation. Users of Public Rights of Way with restricted views, in less sensitive areas or where there are significant existing intrusive features. Users of outdoor recreational facilities with restricted views or where the purpose of that recreation is incidental to the view. Schools and other institutional buildings, and their outdoor areas. Users of minor or unclassified roads in the countryside, whether motorised or not.

Low People in their place of work. Users of main roads or passengers in public transport on main routes. Users of outdoor recreational facilities with restricted views and where the purpose of that recreation is incidental to the view.

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Table 2 ~ Significance Criteria for Visual Effects

Significance Typical Criteria

Neutral No change in the view.

Insignificant The proposals would not significantly change the view but would still be discernible.

Slight The proposals would cause limited damage (or improvement) to a view from a receptor of medium sensitivity, but would still be a noticeable element within the view, or greater damage (or improvement) to a view from a receptor of low sensitivity.

Moderate The proposals would cause some damage (or improvement) to a view from a sensitive receptor, or less damage (or improvement) to a view from a more sensitive receptor, and would be a readily discernible element in the view.

High The proposals would cause significant damage (or improvement) to a view from a sensitive receptor, or less damage (or improvement) to a view from a more sensitive receptor, and would be an obvious element in the view.

Major The proposals would cause a high degree of change in a view from a highly sensitive receptor, and would constitute a dominant element in the view.

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Table 3 ~ Criteria for Determining Landscape Sensitivity

Sensitivity Typical Criteria

Very High A landscape/townscape with a very low ability to accommodate change because such change would lead to a significant loss of valuable features or elements, resulting in a significant loss of character and quality. Development of the type proposed would be discordant and prominent. Will normally occur in a landscape/townscape of very high or high quality or value.

High A landscape/townscape with limited ability to accommodate change because such change would lead to some loss of valuable features or elements, resulting in a significant loss of character and quality. Development of the type proposed would be discordant and visible. Will normally occur in a landscape/townscape of high quality or value.

Medium A landscape/townscape with reasonable ability to accommodate change. Change would lead to a limited loss of some features or elements, resulting in some loss of character and quality. Development of the type proposed would be visible but would not be especially discordant. Will normally occur in a landscape/townscape of medium quality or value, a low quality/value landscape/townscape which is particularly sensitive to the type of change proposed, or a high quality/value landscape/townscape which is well suited to accommodate change of the type proposed.

Low A landscape/townscape with good ability to accommodate change. Change would not lead to a significant loss of features or elements, and there would be no significant loss of character or quality. Development of the type proposed would not be readily be visible or would not be discordant. Will normally occur in a landscape/townscape of low quality or value, or a higher quality/value landscape/townscape which is well suited to accommodate change of the type proposed.

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Table 4 ~ Significance Criteria for Landscape Effects

Significance Typical Criteria

Neutral The proposals: • complement the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape • incorporate measures for mitigation to ensure that the scheme will

blend in well with the surrounding landscape/townscape • avoid being visually intrusive and adverse effects on the current level

of tranquillity of the landscape • maintain existing landscape/townscape character in an area which is

not a designated landscape/townscape nor vulnerable to change • avoid conflict with government policy towards protection of the

countryside. Insignificant The proposals:

• generally fit the landform and scale of the landscape • have limited effects on views • can be mitigated to a reasonable extent • avoid effects on designated landscapes/townscapes • generally avoid conflict with government policy towards protection of

the countryside. Slight The proposals:

• do not quite fit the landform and scale of the landscape • will impact on certain views into and across the area • cannot be completely mitigated for because of the nature of the

proposal or the character of the landscape/townscape • affect an area of recognised landscape/townscape quality • conflict with local authority policies for protecting the local character of

the countryside. Moderate The proposals are:

• out of scale or at odds with the landscape/townscape • are visually intrusive and will adversely impact on the landscape • not possible to fully mitigate • will have an adverse impact on a landscape of recognised quality or on

vulnerable and important characteristic features or elements • in conflict with local and national policies to protect open land and

nationally recognised countryside as set out in PPS7 and PPG2. High The proposals are damaging to the landscape in that they:

• are at variance with the landform, scale and pattern of the landscape • are visually intrusive and would disrupt important views • are likely to degrade or diminish the integrity of a range of

characteristic features and elements and their setting • will be damaging to a high quality or highly vulnerable

landscape/townscape • cannot be adequately mitigated • are in conflict with government policy for the protection of nationally

recognised countryside as set out in PPS7. Major The proposals are very damaging to the landscape in that they:

• are at considerable variance with the landform, scale and pattern of the landscape/townscape

• are visually intrusive and would disrupt fine and valued views • are likely to degrade, diminish or even destroy the integrity of a range

of characteristic features and elements and their setting • will be substantially damaging to a high quality or highly vulnerable

landscape/townscape • cannot be adequately mitigated • are in serious conflict with government policy for the protection of

nationally recognised countryside as set out in PPS7.

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