INSTALLATION OF A ROTATING BIOLOGICAL CONTACTOR UNIT …

SEVERN TRENT WATER LIMITED

INSTALLATION OF A ROTATING BIOLOGICAL CONTACTOR UNIT AND TURNING HEAD

ON LAND ADJACENT TO WALTON ROAD, WALTON, WARWICKSHIRE

PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT

BM11559/FINAL

APRIL 2019

Appendix 9

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment


INSTALLATION OF A ROTATING BIOLOGICAL CONTACTOR UNIT AND TURNING

HEAD AT LAND ADJACENT TO WALTON ROAD, WALTON, WARWICKSHIRE

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT APPRAISAL

MARCH 2019

Wardell Armstrong

Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1782 276 700 www.wardell-armstrong.com

Wardell Armstrong is the trading name of Wardell Armstrong LLP, Registered in England No. OC307138.

Registered office: Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom

UK Offices: Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greater Manchester, Central Manchester, London,

Newcastle upon Tyne, Sheffield, and Truro. International Offices: Almaty and Moscow.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

LAND AND PROPERTY

MINING AND MINERAL PROCESSING

MINERAL ESTATES

WASTE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

DATE ISSUED: MARCH 2019

JOB NUMBER: BM11559

REPORT NUMBER: 0006

VERSION: V0.1

STATUS: DRAFT


INSTALLATION OF A ROTATING BIOLOGICAL CONTACTOR UNIT AND TURNING HEAD AT

LAND ADJACENT TO WALTON ROAD, WALTON, WARWICKSHIRE


MARCH 2019

PREPARED BY:

Ann Sharrock Landscape Architect

REVIEWED BY:

Katharine Schofield Associate Director

APPROVED BY:

Chris Bean Technical Director

This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract

with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong LLP accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third

parties to whom this report may be made known.

No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP.



HEAD ON LAND ADJACENT TO WALTON ROAD, WALTON, WARWICKSHIRE


BM11559/DRAFT

HEAD AT LAND ADJACENT TO WALTON

ROAD, WALTON, WARWICKSHIRE

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1

1.2 The Proposed Development ....................................................................................... 1

2 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................. 2

2.1 General Approach ....................................................................................................... 2

2.2 Thresholds and criteria ............................................................................................... 2

2.3 The Study Area ............................................................................................................ 3

3 planning considerations ..................................................................................................... 4

3.1 National Planning Policy ............................................................................................. 4

3.2 Local planning policy .................................................................................................. 4

3.3 The Neighbourhood Plan............................................................................................ 6

4 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL BASELINE ................................................................................... 7

4.1 Landscape Baseline ..................................................................................................... 7

4.2 The Site and Surrounding Area ................................................................................ 11

4.3 Visual Baseline .......................................................................................................... 11

5 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS ................................................................................... 14

5.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 14

5.2 Landscape Effects ..................................................................................................... 14

5.3 Visual Effects ............................................................................................................. 16

6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................... 21

6.2 Landscape Character ................................................................................................ 21

6.3 Visual Effects ............................................................................................................. 22

6.4 Conclusions ............................................................................................................... 23

APPENDICES

Appendix A Methodology and Guidance

Appendix B Photoviews and Plates

FIGURES TITLE SCALE

Figure 1 Photoview Location Plan 1:25,000@A3





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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 This Landscape and Visual Impact Appraisal (LVIA) has been prepared by Wardell

Armstrong LLP on behalf of Severn Trent Water Limited (STWL) to seek full planning

permission for the installation of a Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) unit on land

adjacent to Walton Road, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire.

1.1.2 It considers the potential effects on the landscape and visual amenity of the

proposals to install a new RBC treatment plant.

1.2 The Proposed Development

1.2.1 The village of Walton currently has a private sewer network with a dilapidated filter

bed works. Wellesbourne and Walton Parish Council, on behalf of 18 properties in

Walton village, have made a request Severn Trent Water for sewage connection.

Proposals include the construction of a new, wider vehicular access off Walton Road,

with a turning head to serve a new Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) sewage

treatment plant, providing 370m of 150mm gravity sewer and installing a new outfall

pipe to the watercourse. The new RBC unit will be pre-fabricated and moved into

position, underground, with only the top section visible from the ground. Its notional

dimensions are 2.6m x 11m.





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2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 General Approach

2.1.1 This Landscape and Visual Appraisal has been prepared based upon the Guidelines

for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, (Third Edition, 2013) published by the

Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and

Assessment in 2013. Appendix A sets out the methodology used for undertaking the

LVIA that has been followed in this appraisal.

2.1.2 The study area and viewpoints included in this report have been selected using OS

map analysis, desk-based research and field work. During the field work, panoramic

viewpoint photographs were taken at 1.5m above ground level a fixed lens digital

SLR camera with the equivalent of a 50mm lens. A site visit was undertaken on the

11th March 2019. Desktop research was carried out to understand the landscape and

visual context of the Proposed Development in advance of the site work taking place.

2.1.3 Terms used in this report are derived from the Glossary of Terms, pages 155 to 159

of the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Third Edition, 2013).

2.1.4 From the 2013 guidance, the determination of landscape and visual sensitivity

considers landscape value and the susceptibility of the landscape receptor to the

type of change proposed; and the value of views identified and the susceptibility of

visual receptors to the type of change proposed. It is advised that there should be a

reliance on professional judgement rather than the results of potentially complex,

pre-determined formulae and matrices. This approach has been followed in

undertaking this appraisal.

2.2 Thresholds and criteria

2.2.1 GLVIA para. . states that the guida e is not intended to be prescriptive, in

that it does ot p o ide a e ipe that a e follo ed i e e situatio . It is al a s the primary responsibility of any landscape professional carrying out an assessment

to ensure that the approach and methodology adopted are appropriate to the

pa ti ula i u sta es.

2.2.2 This assessment has therefore defined a set of criteria to assess the potential

landscape and visual effects of the proposed development. These criteria are set out

in Appendix A.





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2.2.3 GLVIA 3 and the Statement of Clarification 1/131 make clear that for non-EIA

developments, such as this, the appraisal should consider all types of effects:

adverse and beneficial, direct and indirect, and long and short term, as well as

cumulative effects. However, none of these effects should be given a judgement

i ol i g the ter s sig ifi a t or sig ifi a e . GLVIA also stresses that the approach to the assessment needs to be proportionate to the scale of the

development being assessed and the nature of the likely effects.

2.2.4 This approach has been followed for this appraisal.

2.3 The Study Area

2.3.1 Guidance is provided by GLVIA3 on the area of landscape that needs to be covered in

assessi g la ds ape effe ts i.e. the Study Area para. 5. page 7 .

The stud a ea should i lude the site itself a d the full e te t of the ide landscape around which the proposed development may influence in a

significant manner. This will usually be based on the extent of Landscape

Character Areas likely to be significantly affected either directly or indirectly.

However, it may also be based on the extent of the area from which the

development is potentially visible, defined as the Zone of Theoretical Visibility, or

a combination of the two.

2.3.2 A desk study, supported by a site visit, analysed the landscape character area

descriptions of relevance to the scheme and identified the potential areas from

which the proposed scheme would be visible within the surrounding landscape.

2.3.3 This as used to defi e the area of la ds ape referred i this assess e t as The Study Area hi h ay e i flue ed y the Proposed Development and to identify

potential areas of visibility from roads, properties and PRoWs.

2.3.4 Due to the small size of the proposed treatment works, in addition to the fact that

only the top section of the RBC unit will be visible above ground the Study Area is a

maximum of 3km from the Proposed Development.

1 GLVIA3 Statement of Clarification 1/13, 10-06-13





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3 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 National Planning Policy

3.1.1 The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published in July 2018,

o tai s the Go er e t s pla i g poli ies a d provides a framework to

contribute to the achievement of sustainable growth . Of the NPPF s three overarching and interdependent objectives in pursuit of achieving of sustainable

development, the environmental objective (paragraph 8) seeks to contribute to the

protection and enhancement of the natural, built and historic environment.

3.1.2 In relation to development and good design (section 12):

• Paragraph 127 advises that the planning system and new development should be

sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built

environment and landscape setting, and foster a strong sense of place, while not

preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation or change.

• Paragraph 128 indicates that design quality should be considered throughout the

evolution and assessment of individual proposals.

3.1.3 With regard to the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment

(Section 15), in landscape and character terms:

• Paragraph 170 notes that the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside

should be recognised, and valued landscapes should be protected and enhanced.

• Paragraph 7 states that Great weight should be given to conserving and

enhancing landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads and Areas

of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have the highest status of protection in

relation to these issues.

3.2 Local planning policy

3.2.1 The Stratford-on-Avon District Core Strategy 2001 to 2031 was adopted in July 2016.

This identifies the Site as being within a Special Landscape Area. Extracts from

policies as applicable to landscape and visual matters are set out below.

POLICY CS.5 LANDSCAPE

The landscape character and quality of the District will be maintained by ensuring

that development takes place in a manner that minimises and mitigates its impact

and, where possible, incorporates measures to enhance the landscape. The





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cumulative impact of development proposals on the quality of the landscape will be

taken into account. Development will thus be permitted where:

A. Landscape Character and Enhancement

1. Proposals have regard to the local distinctiveness and historic character of the

District's diverse landscapes.

2. Proposals protect landscape character and avoid detrimental effects on features

which make a significant contribution to the character, history and setting of a

settlement or area.

3. Measures are incorporated into development schemes to enhance and restore the

landscape character of the locality.

B. Visual Impacts

1. Proposals include, dependent on their scale, use and location, an assessment of the

likel isual i pa ts o the lo al la ds ape o to s ape, a d the site s i ediate and wider setting. Applications for major developments may require a full Landscape

and Visual Impact Assessment.

2. New landscaping proposals are incorporated to reduce predicted harmful visual

impacts and enhance the existing landscape. Provision must be made for its long

term management and maintenance.

C. Trees, Woodland and Hedges

1. Proposals do not lead to any loss or damage but rather protect the quality of

ancient semi-natural woodland and aged/veteran trees, particularly in the Forest of

Arden, but also (due to their relative scarcity) elsewhere in the District.

2. Proposals that will have an impact on woodlands, hedges and trees incorporate

measures to protect their contribution to landscape character, public amenity and

biodiversity. The loss of those trees which are of high public amenity value will be

resisted and such trees will be protected by the use of Tree Preservation Orders.

3. The design and layout of development schemes and other projects in rural and

urban areas incorporate trees in a manner that is appropriate to the nature of the

site, including the use of native species. However, given the continued threat to

native trees and plant species from pests and diseases, the incorporation of non-

native species into schemes will be considered and accepted where appropriate.





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4. Development schemes and other opportunities are used to:

- enable the expansion of native woodlands,

- buffer, extend and connect fragmented ancient woodlands,

- develop flood risk reduction measures through the planting of woodlands, trees

and undergrowth for their intrinsic value and to help climate change adaptation.

Policy CS.12 sets out additional factors to be taken into account when considering

development proposals in those parts of the District designated as Special Landscape

A eas.

POLICY CS.12 SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREAS

The high la ds ape ualit of the Spe ial La ds ape A eas, i ludi g thei associated historic and cultural features, will be protected by resisting development

proposals that would have a harmful effect on their distinctive character and

appearance which make an important contribution to the image and enjoyment of

the District. The cumulative impact of development proposals on the quality of the

landscape will be taken into account.

…Development proposals relating to settlements that lie within a Special Landscape

Area must respect the current and historic relationship of that settlement within the

la ds ape.

3.3 The Neighbourhood Plan

3.3.1 The Wellesbourne and Walton Neighbourhood Plan, in Policy WW4 Preservation of

Landscape and Views, identifies that access to and views of the countryside have a

significant positive impact on the lifestyle and wellbeing of residents and the

implications on these landscapes and views have been taken into account in this

report.

3.3.2 The Neighbourhood Plan states that open spaces and hedgerows must be retained

and the establishment of new native hedges, the gapping up of existing hedgerows

and the planting/replacement of hedgerow trees is to be encouraged, although not

at the expense of the dispersal of flood water.

3.3.3 It also states that the rural nature of the narrow Walton Road and the historic field

patterns of the adjacent land towards the River Dene must be preserved.





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4 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL BASELINE

4.1 Landscape Baseline

4.1.1 Landscape character studies provide guidance on the physical, historical and cultural,

land use and settlement patterns within an area. The following landscape character

studies are of relevance to this appraisal:

• National Character Area (NCA) 96: Dunsmore and Feldon provided by Natural

England2 (Published 2014).

• Warwickshire Landscape Guidelines, Warwickshire County Council

National Character Area (NCA) Profile 96: Dunsmore and Feldon

4.1.2 The site falls in the south westerly extent of NCA 96: Dunsmore and Feldon and is

1.4 km to the south of the boundary with of NCA Profile 106: Severn and Avon Vales.

4.1.3 The profile for NCA 96, as provided by Natural England, describes the area as:

… a t a sitio al Natio al Cha a te A ea NCA , o i g f o the ooded la ds ape of Arden in the north to the more agricultural and market garden lands of the Severn

and Avon Vales in the south-west. It is mainly bordered by rural and agricultural

la ds ape, although the e a e so e la ge u a a eas i eigh ou i g NCAs.

4.1.4 The Proposed Development lies in the south of the Feldon area, which is a rural

landscape strongly influenced by post-medieval enclosures of former strip fields,

heavy clay soil and frequent small, compact villages.

… Across the area some long views are possible but tend to be curtailed by the flat

landform, hedgerows and hedgerow trees.

4.1.5 The profile for NCA 96, as provided by Natural England, includes the following key

characteristics of relevance:

• The se se of a p edo i a tl uiet, u al la ds ape …. ith a ge tl u dulati g landscape of low hills, heathland plateaux and clay vales separated by the

occasional upstanding escarpment.

• Generally low woodland cover across the area, although there are areas of well-

wooded character and ancient woodlands, especially in the north, …

2 http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/4878893332824064?category=587130





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• Narrow, meandering river valleys with pollarded willows, streamside alders and

patches of scrub …

• Mainly large fields, with regular or rectilinear shapes, although some smaller

fields also feature.

• Predominantly nucleated settlement pattern with a low density of isolated

farmsteads and some field barns sitting within a landscape of piecemeal and

planned enclosure of the open fields, which extended from the villages over large

parts of this area.

• The busy roads and large industrial units on the outskirts of the main settlements

of Leamington Spa, Coventry and Rugby exert an urban influence on the

surrounding area.

• Limestone quarrying for the cement industry was formerly a feature in the centre

and south of the area and disused quarries are now prominent elements in the

landscape. .

4.1.6 The La ds ape Cha ge se tio otes a number of trends within the area

• There has been significant creation of new woodland, principally small scale

broadleaved or mixed woodlands.

• There is a continued loss of hedgerows and hedgerow trees.

• Cessation of coppicing has been a significant factor in the loss of woodland

biodiversity.

• Isolation of woodlands has left them unable to sustain some woodland

species populations.

4.1.7 The NCA 106: Severn and Avon Vales profilenotes that woodland is sparsely

scattered and there has been a decline of traditional orchards. It seeks to safeguard

a d e ha e the area s disti ti e la ds ape patter s i ludi g field ou daries, ancient hedgerows and small woodlands. Hard infrastructure developments should

ensure that quality green infrastructure is incorporated.

Landscape Assessment – Warwickshire County Council

4.1.8 A ordi g to the War i kshire La ds ape Guideli es the site is just within the Avon

Regional Character Areas (RCA), and close to the boundary with the Feldon RCA. At a

greater level of detail, within the Avon RCA the Site is within the Avon Terrace





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Farmlands (with its flat, open, intensively farmed landscape with market gardening

on fertile river terrace soils) and is close to the Feldon Parklands landscape type

(with its well wooded estate landscape and many large country houses set in mature

parkland). The majority of the study area is occupied by these two Landscape Types

(LTs). The characteristics and strategies ascribed to both are set out below.

Avon Terrace Farmlands

• Broad, flat gravel terraces.

• A large-scale geometric field pattern.

• Small arable plots growing a wide variety of vegetable crops.

• Well wooded stream lines.

• Glasshouses and other associated horticultural buildings.

• Small nucleated villages with many brick and timber buildings.

4.1.9 The General Strategy of the Avon Valley is to e ha e the egio al ha a te ei fo i g the ide tit a d u it of the histo i settle e t patte . The

Management Strategy of the Terrace Farmlands is to e ha e the st u tu e a d unity of the landscape by stre gthe i g p i a li ea featu es.

Feldon Parklands

• A large scale rolling topography with occasional steep scarp slopes.

• Large woodlands, often associated with rising ground.

• Many small coverts and belts of trees.

• Mature hedgerow and roadside oaks.

• Large country houses set in mature parkland.

• A nucleated settlement pattern of small estate villages.

• Large isolated brick farmsteads.

4.1.10 The Ge eral Strategy of Feldo is to Conserve and maintain the historic rural farmed

ha a te of the egio . The Management Strategy of the Feldon Parklands is to

Co se e a d e ha e the o e all st u tu e a d ell ooded ha a te of the la ds ape.





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4.1.11 Regarding future development the following considerations and landscape

guidelines are incorporated into War i kshire s La ds ape Guidelines:

• Secure opportunities to diversify roadside character through the creation and

management of flower rich grasslands on highway verges.

• Conserve all ancient woodland sites and restock with locally occurring native

species.

• New woodland planting should appear predominantly broadleaved and favour

oak as the major tree species.

• Conserve the u al ha a te …

4.1.12 Neutral grassland and ancient semi-natural woodlands are considered by the

Landscape Guidelines as being the most valuable habitat types, but non-agricultural

habitats such as river corridors, railways, canals and disused industrial sites are also

important in places, often forming a network of linked sites.

Landscape Summary

4.1.13 The Site sits within NCA 96: Dunsmore and Feldon, and lies within the Feldon area,

to the south. It is a relatively undisturbed rural landscape, with low woodland cover,

narrow, meandering river valleys, mainly large fields with regular or rectilinear

shapes, and predominantly nucleated settlement pattern.

4.1.14 The Site and its setting are on the boundary between the Feldon Parklands and Avon

Terrace Farmlands landscape types and are consistent with the descriptions of flat

fertile farmed valley landscape and scattered settlement clusters, and rolling well-

wooded estate landscape with many large country houses set in mature parkland.

Large areas of woodland lie to the west, south and east of Wellesbourne and Walton

Parish, including Bath Hill Wood and Red Hill Wood, and there are wide roadside

verges typically bordered by thick hedges and ditches.

4.1.15 Guidelines at a county level recommend conserving the rural character of the area,

restocking woodland sites with native species, and diversifying the roadside

character through the creation and management of flower rich grasslands on

highway verges.





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4.1.16 The Wellesbourne and Walton Neighbourhood Plan states that any development

should not impact on the nature of Walton Road and the historic field patterns of

the adjacent land towards the River Dene must be preserved.

4.2 The Site and Surrounding Area

4.2.1 The Site occupies an area of approximately 0.1Ha and comprises a small portion of a

wider pastoral field which sits within a predominantly arable landscape with grazing

focused along the course of the River Dene. It is bound by the field hedgerow to

Walton Road to the west, and to the north is a disused building which sits adjacent

to the northern field boundary demarcated by a post and rail fence.

4.2.2 Other features in the vicinity include the River Dene at a short distance to the east,

and Walton Farm and the small settlement of Walton to the South. The large village

of Wellesbourne lies circa 2km to the northwest.

4.2.3 Wellesbourne and Walton Parish is framed to the south by the valley slope

woodlands at Red Hill, Bath Hill and Friz Hill, which;where unimpeded by woodland

and vegetative cover; allow attractive views across the valleys of the Dene and its

tributaries. Walton village to the south of the Site benefits from the parkland around

Walton Hall, where the River Dene has been dammed to form a lake.

4.2.4 The Site does not lie within or adjacent to any designations such as Conservation

Areas (Cas), Registered Parks and Gardens (RPGs), AONBs or National Parks, or other

site designations on the grounds of landscape or visual matters. A number of Grade

II Listed Buildings lie in the area, including The Laundry, which is in close proximity to

the Site on Walton Road. There is an RPG approximately 1.5km to the south east of

the Site at Compton Verney.

4.3 Visual Baseline

Visual Context

4.3.1 The visual appraisal has explored the nature of the existing visual amenity of the

area, seeking to establish the approximate visibility of the Site from surrounding

locations and receptors. A site visit together with a desk study identified existing

Public Rights of Way (PRoW), public highways, residential properties and other

receptors from which the development could potentially be visible. A representative

series of photo viewpoints illustrating these views are included to support this

analysis.





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4.3.2 Photoviews 1 – 10 and Plates 1 – 6 (Appendix B) illustrate the existing views. Each

photoview is accompanied by a table and a location plan. The table describes the

location and details of the viewpoint; the existing components of the view within the

photograph; the components of the view during construction and upon completion

of the Proposed Development. The assessment of the visual effects generated by the

Proposed Development at each viewpoint are included in these tables. This

assessment uses the methodology set out in Appendix A.

4.3.3 A site visit was undertaken on the 11th March 2019. While the photos included

represent early spring ie s, the assess e t of effe ts refle ts a orst- ase scenario.

4.3.4 The location of the photoviews and plates is shown on Figure 1.

Viewpoint Appraisal

4.3.5 Photoviews 1, 2 and 3 represent receptors passing the Site in closest proximity. For

these road users the Site access will be visible along Walton Road and the treatment

plant may be visible via the Site access (Photoview 1) but only for a short distance of

approximately 60m from the end of the garden of the property south of the Site

The Laundry to the disused building lying on a bend in Walton Road.

4.3.6 The Site may be visible from top floor windows of The Laundry (a Grade II Listed

Building), however, this may be partially restricted by garden trees and angle of

view. Once further north along Walton Road the elevation is slightly lower and this

combined with the disused barn, will obscure views of the treatment plant as

demonstrated in Photoview 2.

4.3.7 The view of Walton Village towards Walton Hall is an identified view in the

Neighbourhood Plan (View 2) and is represented by Photoview 2 in this appraisal. As

outlined above, there is a narrowed view looking north to south along Walton Road

and there is no visibility of the River Dene, Walton Village or the Dene Valley looking

north to south on Walton Road.

4.3.8 There are a number of bridleways with medium distance views towards the Site. To

the south a bridleway runs alongside the north east corner of the Walton Hall estate.

From here (Viewpoint 4), despite the flat and open nature of the River Dene valley

the Site cannot be perceived.





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4.3.9 To the west, views from the Public Right of Way between Walton Road and Ettington

Road (Viewpoints 9 and 10), look across a relatively open and flat foreground with

woodland on the opposite valley slope dominating the backdrop. The Site may be

marginally glimpsed although intervening hedgerows serve to screen it from some

sections. The nature of the view is similar to that experienced by residents on the

edge of Wellesbourne at Viewpoint 8.

4.3.10 Although views are possible at short distance passing the site along a track between

Kinerton Road and Walton Hall (Photo View 5), views towards the Site from the east

across the River Dene are typically infrequent, from roads, and the Site is not easily

identified (Photo View 6 and 7).

4.3.11 Further photographs (Plates 1 to 6) are also included to demonstrate the screening

of the site by existing developments, topography and vegetation.

Visual Summary

4.3.12 The Site lies within the River Dene valley which in the vicinity of the Site is flanked by

gently rolling hills before opening out into the wider, flatter valley of the Avon to the

northwest beyond Wellesbourne. Potential visibility therefore only extends as far as

high ground to the east and west around Waltion / Friz Hill and Red Hill and is

further constrained by woodland on the valley slopes. Visual containment is also

provided by the well wooded river corridor to the south, and to the north by

Wellesbourne.

4.3.13 The majority of the receptors beyond those within short distance of the Site (along

Walton Road and from a track to the east) have little or no opportunity for views of

the Site.

4.3.14 Views of the proposed development are likely to be very limited due to the small size

of the proposed treatment works and predominantly underground installation.

Consequently only the top section is potentially visible. The majority of the views

(Illustrated by Photo Views 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10) are at short to medium distance,

taken within approximately 1km from the Site. There is the opportunity for brief

limited (illustrated in Photo Views 7, 8 and 9) are at long distance between 1 and

1.5km away.





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5 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 The Site lies adjacent to Walton Road. The height of the RBC unit above ground is

430mm, the width is 2537mm and length 10965, and comprises a turning head and

RBC unit within a compound. It is fabricated in a light grey from a glass reinforced

plastic material.

5.1.2 A short section of existing hedgerow will be removed in order to create the Site

access and turning head, and the ground excavated for the installation of the RBC

unit. Some new hedgerow planting is proposed to the Site boundaries.

5.2 Landscape Effects

5.2.1 Impacts upon the character of the Site itself and the surrounding landscape during

construction will typically be transitory in nature i.e. materials storage, contractor s

compound, views towards machinery, etc.

5.2.2 All construction works, including creation of visibility splays and turning head as

advised by Highways, to ensure safe site entrance and egress would be carried out in

full accordance with best practice procedures to minimise any adverse impacts on

landscape character. Existing trees and hedgerows adjacent to the Site boundaries

will be suitably protected during the construction phases, following accepted best

practice methods.

National Landscape Character

5.2.3 Due to the small scale of the Site and development proposals it is considered that

there would be no notable effects on the wider landscape of the NCA 96 nor the NCA

106. The proposed Development offers the opportunity to plant native hedgerows to

reinforce the existing landscape structure and screen the low-profile sewage

treatment plant.

Local Landscape Character

5.2.4 The Site and the study area lie within the two landscape types: the Felton Parklands

with its well wooded estate landscape and the Avon Terrace Farmlands with its flat,

open, intensively farmed landscape. Large field patterns, the meandering wooded

river banks, small developments and large wooded areas are the predominant

elements of the proximate landscape.





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5.2.5 The Proposed Development, which comprises of widening the existing field access at

the junction of Walton Road creating a turning head on site and installing a pre-

fabricated RBC unit underground with only the top section visible from the ground,

will not affect the key landscape characteristics of the Avon Regional Character Area

nor the Avon Terrace Farmlands within which it sits. A small section of hedgerow

may need to be removed to facilitate the site access, however, site boundary

planting is proposed which will assist in strengthening the hedgerow network and

provide screening of the proposed development within the surrounding rural area.

Effects upon the Avon Terrace Farmlands within the study area are not considered to

be greater than Negligible to Slight Adverse during construction, and Negligible

during operation. Given the scale of the proposals there are not considered to be

any indirect effects upon the Feldon Parklands.

The Site and its Immediate Setting

5.2.6 The proposed compound with the treatment plant occupies a small portion of a

wider pastoral field, within wider farmed along the course of the River Dene. Other

features in the vicinity include an existing disused building to the north and Walton

Farm and the small settlement of Walton to the South. Landscape features within

the Site are confined to the perimeter hedgerow to the west. The landscape is

relatively intact and in good repair with few visual distractions within the study area.

The Susceptibility to Change is considered to be Medium.

5.2.7 Landscape value of the Site and its immediate setting is examined against factors set

out in GLVIA3 Box 5.1:

Landscape Components

/ Receptors Comments

Landscape

Value

Landscape

Designations

The Site does not lie within or adjacent to any designations

such as Conservation Areas (Cas), Registered Parks and

Gardens (RPGs), AONBs or National Parks. There is a Grade II

Listed Building approximately 60m north of the Site.

Low

Landscape

Quality/Condition

The site comprises a portion of a wider pastoral field enclosed

by hedgerows and riparian vegetation to the west and east,

and a post and rail fence to the north.

Medium

Scenic Quality

The flat to gently rolling topography with geometric pattern of

medium to large sized fields allows wide views across the river

valley framed by valley-side woodlands.

Medium

Rarity The Site itself does not contain any rare elements or features. N/A





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Landscape Components

/ Receptors Comments

Landscape

Value

Representativeness

This site and its surroundings are typical of the landscape

character types: the Feldon Parklands with its well wooded

estate landscape and the Avon Terrace Farmlands with its flat,

open, intensively farmed landscape. Large field patterns, the

meandering wooded river banks, small developments and

large wooded areas are the predominant elements of the

landscape.

Medium

Conservation Interest There is not considered to be any particular conservation

interest within the Site. Medium

Recreation Value. The site is not accessible to the public. Low

Perceptional Aspects

and Associations.

The Site has a rural and fairly tranquil setting but is without a

sense of remoteness. No associations have been identified. Medium

Overall Landscape Value Medium/Low

5.2.8 This assessment concludes that the overall sensitivity of the landscape of the site

and its immediate setting to this type of development is medium.

5.2.9 The existing topography, landscape pattern and will not be affected by the

development. Although a small section of the hedgerow is to be removed, this will

be at an existing field access to be widened to facilitate the proposed development.

5.2.10 The proposals are localised and small scale, and mitigation through the planting of

new hedgerows will strengthen the existing hedgerows on Walton Road and help

screen the Site. The magnitude of impact is considered to be Medium during

Construction, with a Moderate Adverse level of effect. On completion, effects would

be of low magnitude and on balance effects would be Slight Adverse.

5.3 Visual Effects

5.3.1 Section 3 above identifies visual receptors that may potentially be affected by the

proposals. This section assesses the levels of effect likely to be caused by the

associated impacts.

5.3.2 The views included within this assessment represent winter photography, and as

such given the reduced screening the assess e t of effe ts refle ts a orst- ase scenario.





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Visual impacts on Public Rights of Way (PRoW)

5.3.3 Views from PRoW have been classified as being of high sensitivity. Views of the

development could potentially be available from the following ProWs:

• Public Bridleway SD81a

• Public Bridleway SD84b

5.3.4 Bridleway SD84b is located to the south of the proposed Site and runs north of

Walton Hall across to the B445, as illustrated in Photoview 4.

5.3.5 Bridleway SD81a is located to the west of the Site and links Ettington Road, which

runs through Wellesbourne, with Walton Road and Walton Park, as illustrated in

Photoview 9 and 10.

5.3.6 Photoview 4 lies at a slightly higher elevation than the proposed Site and the

landform and intervening vegetation of the treeline and hedgerows renders it

imperceptible. The Magnitude and level of effect would be None.

5.3.7 Photoview 9 is taken on Ettington Road at the junction with Bridleway SD81a. The

PRoW here is at long distance from the Site, and the relatively level nature of the

view along with the distance and intervening hedgerows and trees, would render

views of the proposed development at this point as barely perceptible. The

magnitude and level of effects therefore during construction and operation are

unlikely to be greater than Negligible.

5.3.8 Photoview 10 is taken further east along the Bridleway SD81a and represents

medium distance views of the Site. Again, the relatively level landform combined

with the intervening hedgerow and tree cover largely screens the Site, although

there may be glimpses of the construction activities via gaps in the intervening

hedgerows. The Magnitude of Impact will be Negligible to Low during construction,

resulting in a Slight Adverse effect. Following completion of works and hedgerow

planting and the visual impacts during operation would be of Negligible magnitude

and consequently a Negligible to Slight Adverse effect at the greatest.

Visual impacts on the road network

5.3.9 Road users are classified as being of medium sensitivity. Views of the development

could potentially be available from the following roads:





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• Kineton Road

• Walton Road

• Ettington Road

• Unnamed road between Kineton Road and Fosse Way Roman Road

5.3.10 Views from along Walton Road change in nature as users travel past the Site. On the

approach, existing settlement and roadside hedgerows restrict views, and the Site is

not visible until users are at very short distance (photoviews 2 and 3). From here the

removal of some of the roadside hedgerow and the creation of the new access

would be perceived and seen obliquely. During construction some activity may be

visible beyond the hedgerows, but during operation the RBC would not be seen. The

magnitude of impact is likely to be no greater than Low, with a Slight Adverse effect,

reducing to a Negligible to Low magnitude of impact during operation, resulting in a

Negligible to Slight Adverse level of effect. Photoview 1 is taken at the existing field

entrance to the proposed Site. The proposed development will result in notable

change in the existing view for a short distance of approximately 60m along Walton

Road. The magnitude of impact at its greatest (at the Site access itself) would be

Medium during construction, with a Moderate Adverse level of effect. The visual

effect will be Low during operation, following completion of the works, with a Slight

Adverse level of effect. It should be noted that due to the transient nature of road

users that these views are fleeting and the Site would quickly be screened.

5.3.11 Photoview 5 is taken to the east of Walton from along a track. The proposed

development will be visible but will not form a conspicuous element within the

overall view due to its small size. During construction the Magnitude of Impact will

be Low, and given the distance and intermittent screening in the view it is

considered that there would be a Slight Adverse level of effect. Following completion

of works and implementation of the proposed boundary planting the magnitude of

impact during operation is considered to be Negligible to Low, with a Negligible level

of effect on balance.

5.3.12 Opportunities for views from the wider road network are limited. Although land

broadly to the east and west of the river valley is elevated, there are very few

sections where views towards the Site are not controlled by intervening higher

ground, woodland or successive field boundary vegetation.





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5.3.13 Photoview 6 is situated along the B4086 where the foreground is unimpeded. The

property and surrounding vegetation to the south of the Site is visible, although the

Site is only just perceived, intermittently filtered by intervening field trees. The

construction works are likely to be just visible but will form only a very small element

within the wider landscape. The distance, landform and intervening vegetation and

the fact that the above ground element of the treatment plant is less than 0.5m high

result in a predicted magnitude of Impact of Negligible during construction and

following completion of works. The level effect wold therefore be Negligible both

during construction and operation.

5.3.14 Photoview 7 is taken on an unnamed road, which goes from Kineton Road, to Fosse

Way, B4456. This view point is at a higher elevation than the proposed Site and the

residential property lies in a direct line of view, rendering the proposed Site

imperceptible. The Magnitude and Significance of Impact will be None.

Visual impacts on residential properties

5.3.15 Views from residential properties have been classified as being of high sensitivity

from ground floor windows and medium sensitivity from upper floor / rear windows.

Potential views of the development would be from the following properties:

• Properties on Copeland Avenue

• Properties on Walton Road

5.3.16 Photoview 3 also represents ie s fro reside ts at The Lau dry . There may be

some visibility of the proposed Development from the upper floors of the residence

adjacent to the site. However, a small orchard lies between the house and the

proposed site. In addition, the RBC is low lying and approximately 100m from the

property on a slight bend. The magnitude of impact may be up to medium during

construction, with a Moderate Adverse effect. On completion of the works the

magnitude of impact is considered to be low, and together with the new hedgerow

planting will on balance result in Slight Adverse effects.

5.3.17 Photoview 8 is taken from Copeland Avenue on the edge of the residential edge

Wellesbourne. The development proposals would be screened by trees in the

foreground. In addition, the low-profile nature of the RBC will render it

imperceptible at this location. The Magnitude of Impact will be None with No effect

predicted both during construction and operation following completion of the works.





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5.3.18 A summary of the visual effects is provided below.

DURING CONSTRUCTION DURING OPERATION

magnitude significance magnitude significance

VIEW 1 Medium Moderate Adverse Low Slight Adverse

VIEW 2 Low Slight Adverse Negligible / Low Negligible

/ Slight Adverse

VIEW 3 Low (road)

Medium (residential)

Slight Adverse

Moderate Adverse

Negligible / Low

Low

Negligible

/ Slight Adverse

Slight Adverse

VIEW 4 None None None None

VIEW 5 Low Slight Adverse Negligible / Low Negligible

VIEW 6 Negligible Negligible Negligible Negligible



VIEW 9 Negligible Negligible Adverse Negligible Negligible Adverse

VIEW 10 Negligible / Low Slight Adverse Negligible Adverse Negligible

/ Slight Adverse





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6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

6.1.1 The Site lies adjacent to Walton Road and occupies approximately 0.1Ha of

agricultural land. It is predominantly rural in character, with a disused building and

agricultural fields to north, east and west and Walton Farm and the small settlement

of Walton to the South.

6.1.2 The proposed development consists of a compound with an RBC unit (circa 2.5 x

11m) above ground, a turning head and Site access via a widened existing field

access. It is fabricated in a light grey from a glass reinforced plastic material.

6.1.3 A short section of existing hedgerow will be removed in order to create the Site

access and turning head, and the ground excavated for the installation of the RBC

unit. Some new hedgerow planting is proposed to the Site boundaries.

6.2 Landscape Character

6.2.1 The Site sits within NCA 96: Dunsmore and Feldon, and lies within the Feldon area,

to the south. It is a relatively undisturbed rural landscape, with low woodland cover,

narrow, meandering river valleys, mainly large fields with regular or rectilinear

shapes, and predominantly nucleated settlement pattern. Due to the small scale of

the Site and development proposals it is considered that there would be no notable

effects on the wider landscape of the NCA 96 nor the NCA 106.

6.2.2 The Site is within the Avon Terrace Farmlands, and is close to the boundary with the

Feldon Parklands landscape type. The Site s setti g is consistent with the

descriptions as set out for these landscape types ithi the War i kshire La ds ape Guideli es . The proposed development will not affect the key landscape

characteristics of the regional or local landscape assessments. Effects upon the Avon

Terrace Farmlands within the study area are not considered to be greater than

Negligible to Slight Adverse during construction, and Negligible during operation.

Given the scale of the proposals there are not considered to be any indirect effects

upon the Feldon Parklands.

6.2.3 The mitigation proposed would respond to the guidelines set out for the landscape

type ithi the War i kshire La ds ape Guideli es through the pla ti g of e hedgerows and trees.





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6.2.4 The existing topography, landscape pattern and will not be affected by the

development. Although a small section of the hedgerow is to be removed, this will

be at an existing field access to be widened to facilitate the proposed development.

6.2.5 The proposals are localised and small scale, and mitigation through the planting of

new hedgerows will strengthen the existing hedgerows on Walton Road and help

screen the Site within the local landscape. On completion, effects would be of low

magnitude and on balance effects would be Slight Adverse.

6.3 Visual Effects

6.3.1 The Site lies within the River Dene valley which in the vicinity of the Site is flanked by

gently rolling hills before opening out into the wider, flatter valley of the Avon to the

northwest beyond Wellesbourne. Potential visibility therefore only extends as far as

high ground to the east and west around Waltion / Friz Hill and Red Hill and is

further constrained by woodland on the valley slopes. Visual containment is also

provided by the well wooded river corridor to the south, and to the north by

Wellesbourne.

6.3.2 The majority of the receptors beyond those within short distance of the Site (along

Walton Road and from a track to the east) have little or no opportunity for views of

the Site. Primary receptors comprise residents to the south of the site and road users

along Walton Road passing the Site. There may be medium to long distance glimpses

for road users to the west and east.

6.3.3 Views of the proposed development are likely to be very limited due to the small size

of the proposed treatment works and predominantly underground installation.

Further limitations on opportunities for views arise as a result of the level nature of

the topography within the valley; resulting in successive screening by field boundary

vegetation; and by woodland and other vegetation on valley slopes from more

elevated locations to the east, northeast and west.

6.3.4 The majority of receptors, if views of the proposed development are predicted, will

generally not experience effects greater than Negligible. Residents in the property to

the south, and road users passing the Site along Walton Road may experience

adverse effects of levels of up to Moderate, however these are considered to be

confined to the construction period, after which levels of effects would reduce to no

greater than Slight Adverse by virtue of the small scale of proposals and introduction

of a perimeter hedgerow.





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6.4 Conclusions

6.4.1 The number of visual receptors is limited due to the flat topography within the

valley, field hedgerows, and woodland and the undulating nature of the more

elevated areas of land to either side of the valley. Greatest visual impacts are

predicted only for receptors immediately adjacent or at short distance from the site

and mitigation in the form of hedgerows will assist in softening views and

assimilating the Site into its surrounding context. However the majority of receptors

are likely to experience no greater than negligible effects.

6.4.2 In conclusion therefore, this appraisal does not consider that there are any

unacceptable or overriding landscape or visual effects that should preclude the

development of the Site as proposed.





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Appendix A

Methodology and Guidance





BM11559/DRAFT

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Appendix B

Photoviews and Plates

Landscape and Visual Appraisal

Appendix A - LVIA Methodology

APPENDIX A - LVIA METHODOLOGY

1 GUIDANCE ON LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT APPRAISAL

1.1.1 This Landscape and Visual Appraisal has been prepared based upon the Guidelines

for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, third edition (GLVIA3), published by

the Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and

Assessment, in 2013.

1.1.2 In summary, the GLVIA3 states:

“Landscape and Visual impact assessment (LVIA), is a tool used to identify and assess

the significance of and the effects of change resulting from development on both

landscape as an environmental resource in its own right and on people’s views and

visual amenity.” (GLVIA3 paragraph 1.1.)

1.1.3 GLVIA 3 states that when undertaking an LVIA, this should consider:

• “Assessment of landscape effects; assessing effects on the landscape as a

resource in its own right;

• Assessment of visual effects: assessing effects on specific views and on the

general visual amenity experienced by people.” (GLVIA3 paragraph 2.21.)

1.1.4 It goes on to note that:

“LVIA must deal with both and should be clear about the difference between them”.

(GLVIA 3 para 2.22 page 21)

1.1.5 The guidelines explain that both landscape and visual effects are dependent upon

the sensitivity of the landscape resource or visual receptors and the magnitude of

impact.



2 METHODOLOGY FOR THE APPRAISAL OF LANDSCAPE EFFECTS

2.1 General approach

2.1.1 The level of the effects on landscape character identified as part of the appraisal is

determined by a consideration of the sensitivity of the landscape receptors and the

magnitude of the impacts (change) on the landscape.

2.1.2 The nature or sensitivity of a landscape receptor combines judgements of their

susceptibility to the type of change or development proposed and the value attached

to the landscape, as defined in the GLVIA1 glossary and in paragraph 5.39 of GLVIA 3.

Paragraph 5.39 of GLVIA 3 also states that LVIA sensitivity is similar to the concept of

landscape sensitivity used in landscape planning, but is not the same, as it is specific

to the particular project or development proposed and the location in question.

Thus, appraisal of sensitivity is not strictly part of the initial baseline study of

landscape character; it is considered as part of the appraisal of the effects of the

development.

2.1.3 The nature or magnitude of the impacts on the landscape receptors depends upon

the size or scale of the changes, the geographical extent of the area influenced, and

the duration and reversibility of the impacts.

2.2 Landscape receptors

2.2.1 The landscape receptors include the constituent elements of the landscape, its

specific aesthetic or perceptual qualities, any identified and described landscape

character studies applicable to the site or its study area, and the designated

landscapes within the study area; this includes the impact on the landscape character

of any designated landscapes within the study area. The impacts on the visual

amenity of visitors to formally designated areas (such as Registered Parks and

Gardens and Scheduled Monuments) which are open to the public, are addressed in

the visual impact appraisal section of the chapter or report. The impacts on the sites

and settings of such designations as heritage assets would typically be addressed by

any Cultural Heritage appraisal.

2.2.2 For smaller scale developments such as housing sites, typically, Natural England’s

National Character Areas will not provide an adequate representation of the

landscape character of the site or the variations in landscape character in the vicinity

1 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition, by the Landscape Institute and Institute of

Environmental Management and Assessment (2013)



of the site. As such, the LVIA will typically include a regional, county or district /

borough Landscape Character Assessment, carried out by the specialist assessor if a

local authority assessment if not available at the local level. Such Landscape

Character Assessments may identify local landscape typologies or discrete areas, or

both, as appropriate. These are also landscape receptors considered as part of the

appraisal of landscape effects; these will be described within the overall document.

2.2.3 The effects of the development on landscape character can therefore be appraised

at three scales of landscape character, as applicable:

• the landscape character of the site itself and its immediate setting;

• any local, borough or district Landscape Character Assessments; and

• any County or regional Landscape Character Assessments.

2.2.4 The effects on any designated landscapes within the study area are considered

separately as they may often cross character type boundaries; therefore, to

understand the overall effects, the total area of the designation needs to be

considered as a whole.

2.3 Susceptibility to change

2.3.1 This is defined as the ability of the landscape receptor (whether it be the overall

character or quality/condition of a particular landscape type or area, or an individual

element and/or feature, or particular aesthetic and perceptual aspects) to

accommodate the proposed development without undue consequences for the

maintenance of the baseline situation and/or the achievement of landscape planning

policies and strategies (see paragraph 5.40 of GLVIA 3).

2.3.2 Susceptibility is combined with landscape value (see below) to determine the overall

sensitivity of a landscape receptor / receptor landscape to the type of change

proposed. Susceptibility and sensitivity are not the same, therefore, in the context

of LVIA.

2.3.3 Table 1, below, explains how criteria are applied to arrive at an assessment of

susceptibility to change, in this appraisal.



Table 1: Criteria for the Assessment of Susceptibility to Change

Level Typical Criteria

High Key characteristics of the landscape are highly vulnerable to change. The nature of the

development would result in a significant change in character.

Medium Some of the key characteristics of the landscape are vulnerable to change. Although the

landscape may have some ability to absorb some development, it is likely to cause

some change in character.

Low Few of the key characteristics of the landscape are vulnerable to change. The landscape

is likely to be able to accommodate development with only minor change in character.

Negligible Key characteristics of the landscape are robust and would not be adversely affected by

development.

2.3.4 Factors influencing the susceptibility of the landscape to change of the sort

associated with a proposed development include:

1 Scale: whether or not the landscape includes human scale elements, and the

presence or absence of enclosing features. The presence of human scale

elements may suggest a lower susceptibility.

2 Landform: Landform may be undulating, rolling or flat, with more or less variation

in form / gradient. Featureless, convex or flat landscapes with an absence of

strong topographical variety suggests a lower susceptibility, with very complex

landforms exhibiting strong topographical variety at the other end of the scale.

3 Landscape pattern and complexity: including presence or absence of cultural

pattern; time depth; landscape structure/fabric; enclosure patterns; and

interplay of colour and texture. Simple, large-scale patterns (such as plantations

or arable fields), and/or regularly disturbed, fragmented land covers are less

susceptible to change. Intricate, varied patterns, and undisturbed consistent

patterns of land cover or land use, and historic field patterns are more susceptible

to change.

4 Settlement and human influence: including time depth, age, nature, form and

level of settlement. The following tend to indicate a lower susceptibility to

change: concentrated settlement pattern, presence of contemporary structures

e.g. utility, infrastructure or industrial elements, and hard or eroded settlement

edges. A higher susceptibility to change may be indicated by: dispersed

settlement pattern; absence of modern development; presence of small scale,

historic or vernacular settlement; and a porous / soft landscape edge with

settlement well integrated with the landscape.



5 Condition: Landscapes with a low level of intactness with landscape elements in

poor state of repair are considered to have a lower susceptibility to change; with,

on the other hand, landscapes having a high level of intactness and a very good

state of repair having a higher susceptibility to change.

6 Typicality and Rarity: A lower susceptibility to change is associated with areas

which have no rare features or a weak association with the key characteristics of

the landscape. Conversely, a higher susceptibility to change is associated with

areas which have rare features of importance to a particular area or region, or a

very strong correspondence with the key characteristics of the landscape.

7 Perceptual aspects (such as tranquillity and sense of remoteness): Presence or

greater proximity to human activity, noise and light, modern development or

industrial structures (e.g. utilities, infrastructure) decreases susceptibility, and

vice versa. Areas having a strong sense of remoteness; being either physically

remote or having a perception of being remote; are considered to have a higher

susceptibility to change.

8 Skylines: A visual component of landscape character but interdependent with

topography. Where the development has no relationship to the skyline, or the

skyline is either not prominent / screened, or developed and/or otherwise

cluttered the susceptibility to change is lower. Where there is a strong

relationship to prominent, simple and undeveloped skylines, or a skyline with

important historic landmarks the opposite is the case.

9 Intervisibility: A visual component of landscape character but interdependent

with enclosure. Landscapes which are self-contained with restricted intervisibility

have a lower susceptibility to change than landscapes which are extensively

intervisible and part of a wider landscape.

10 Views and Landmarks: A visual component of landscape character but has some

relationship to typicality and rarity. An area which contains no landmarks and is

not a feature in local views is considered to have a lower susceptibility. On the

other hand, a landscape which includes important landmarks or is important in

views across a wide area has a higher susceptibility.

11 Visual Receptors: A visual component of landscape character. Locations with

greater opportunities for visibility from transport routes or larger numbers of

properties are considered to have a higher susceptibility to change (depending



on the nature and extent of the change), whereas areas with a low number of

viewers would have a lower susceptibility.

2.4 Landscape value

2.4.1 Assessment of value is concerned with the relative value attached to different

landscapes by society. A consideration of value at the baseline stage informs

judgements on the level of effects. Landscapes can be valued by different people for

different reasons connected to a range of factors including landscape quality

(condition), scenic quality, rarity, representativeness, conservation interests,

recreation value, perceptual aspects and associations (see GLVIA 3 Box 5.1 for

definitions). This consensus can be recognised at a local, regional or national or

international scale. Table 2 explains how criteria are applied to arrive at an appraisal

of landscape value for this project. It is derived from GLVIA 3.

Table 2

Criteria for the assessment of landscape value

Value Typical criteria Typical scale Typical examples

High

• Very good or excellent

condition, high

importance, scenic

quality, rarity

• No or very limited

potential for substitution

International /

National

World Heritage site, National Park,

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

(AONB), Registered Parks and

Gardens

Medium

• Reasonably good

condition, medium

importance, scenic

quality, rarity

• Some potential for

substitution

Regional /

local

Registered Parks and Gardens,

undesignated landscapes but valued

for example for the high occurrence

or number of important / protected

features present therein, or in

demonstrable use.

Low

• Poor or very poor

condition, low

importance, scenic

quality, rarity

Local

Areas identified as having some

redeeming feature or features and

possibly identified for improvement,

or Areas identified for recovery

2.5 Landscape sensitivity

2.5.1 As noted above, landscape sensitivity combines judgements on the susceptibility of

landscape receptors to change of the type proposed, with the value attached to the

landscape. Generally, a higher sensitivity will be ascribed to landscapes which have

a high value, and which are highly susceptible to change, and vice versa. However,

as GLVIA 3 (para. 5.46) recognises, these relationships are complex, particularly when

considering change within or adjacent to designated landscapes.



2.5.2 Para. 5.46 states:

“For example:

• An internationally, nationally, or locally valued landscape does not automatically,

or by definition, have a high susceptibility to all types of change;

• It is possible for an internationally, nationally or locally important landscape to

have relatively low susceptibility to change resulting from the particular type of

development in question, by virtue of both the characteristics of the landscape

and the nature of the proposal;

• The particular type of change or development proposed may not compromise the

specific basis for the value attached to the landscape.”

2.5.3 For the purposes of this appraisal, landscape sensitivity is defined through the

application of the typical criteria set out in Table 3, below.

Table 3: Criteria for the assessment of sensitivity of landscape receptors

Level Typical criteria

High Many of the key characteristics and qualities of the landscape are susceptible to

change from the type of development being assessed and/or the value ascribed to

the landscape is high.

Medium Some of the key characteristics and qualities of the landscape are susceptible to

change from the type of development being assessed and/or the value ascribed to

the landscape is medium

Low The key characteristics and qualities of the landscape are robust and are less likely

to be adversely affected by the type of development being assessed and/or the

value ascribed to the landscape is low.

2.5.4 Planning policy is important and relevant to LVIA when it reflects a recognition of the

value placed upon a particular landscape, or its attributes, by society. Thus,

designations such as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

have relevance, since they identify a consensus about this aforesaid value. Reference

to planning policy can therefore assist in an appraisal, in identifying sensitive

receptors.

2.6 Magnitude of landscape impacts

2.6.1 Table 4 explains how criteria are applied to determine the magnitude of impacts; this

has been developed specific to this LVIA and is derived from GLVIA 3.



Table 4

Criteria for the assessment of magnitude of landscape impacts


High

• Total loss of or major alteration to key features or perceptual aspects of the

baseline and/or the addition of new features considered to be totally

uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape

• The impacts would be of a large scale influencing several landscape character

types/areas

• The impacts would be long term and/or irreversible

Medium

• Partial loss of or alteration to key features or perceptual aspects of the baseline

and/or the addition of new features that may be prominent but may not

necessarily be considered to be substantially uncharacteristic when set within the

attributes of the receiving landscape

• The impacts would be at the scale of the landscape character type/area within

which the proposal lies

• The impacts would be medium term and/or partially reversible

Low

• Minor loss of or alteration to key features or perceptual aspects of the baseline

and/or the addition of new features that may not necessarily be considered to be

uncharacteristic when set within the attributes of the receiving landscape

• The impacts would be at the level of the immediate setting of the site

• The impacts would be short term and/or reversible

Negligible

• Very minor loss of or alteration to key features or perceptual aspects of the

baseline and/or the addition of new features that are not uncharacteristic with the

surrounding landscape - approximating the ' no change' situation

• The impacts would be at the site level, within the development site itself

• The impacts would be very short term and/or reversible

None • No loss or alteration to the key characteristics/ features, representing ‘no change’.

2.7 Level of landscape effects

2.7.1 A consideration of the sensitivity of the landscape receptors to the development and

the magnitude of the impact resulting from the development, determines the level

of the predicted effect.

2.7.2 The relationship between sensitivity and magnitude of impact to reach the level of

effect is sometimes presented in the form of a matrix. However, such a matrix may

lead to the same weighting of each criterion, which might not always be appropriate

and may lead to a formulaic approach, therefore descriptions of how overall effects

have been determined are provided and a conclusion is given on whether or not an

effect is considered to be highly adverse or not (see paragraphs 3.34 and 3.35 of

GLVIA 3).



2.7.3 Overall, effects may be adverse, neutral or beneficial, and are assigned a level on the

scale: None-Negligible-Slight-Moderate-Substantial-Very Substantial, taking into

account mitigation measures, and different stages of the project lifecycle.

2.7.4 Table 5 assigns typical criteria to each level, as applied in this appraisal; however, it

should be noted that various different scenarios of susceptibility to change,

landscape value, the size or scale, geographical extent and/or duration and

reversibility of impacts could apply to result in highly adverse effects as described in

the appraisal. The criteria in Table 5 are therefore provided as typical examples.

2.7.5 Intermediate levels, such as slight - moderate and moderate - substantial, may also

apply.

Table 5

Criteria for determining the level of landscape effects


Very

Substantial

The proposals are wholly out of character with the existing situation, both locally

and on the wider scale, and/or the landscape receptors are of high sensitivity

Substantial

The proposals have a large and prominent impact within the context of the wider

area or are wholly out of character with the existing situation, and/or the

landscape receptors are of high sensitivity

Moderate The proposals have a noticeable impact within the context of the wider area,

and/or the landscape receptors are of medium sensitivity

Slight The proposals have some, but only a limited impact within the mainly local

context, and/or the landscape receptors are of low sensitivity

Negligible The degree of change is so small as to have little or no impact, and/or the

landscape receptors are of low sensitivity

2.7.6 It is relevant to note that the assessed levels of effect merely form one element of

the way in which a proposed development is determined. Other factors (e.g.

environmental, economic, societal) will also play a role in the decision-making

process.

2.8 Approach to the Appraisal

2.8.1 To understand the potential impacts upon the landscape receptors, the sensitivity of

the area with respect to the proposed development is considered. The appraisal of

sensitivity of the landscape to the development considers whether the key physical

and perceptual characteristics of the development site could be materially affected

by the proposed development. This is then combined with an appraisal of landscape

value to determine the overall sensitivity of the landscape to the proposed

development.



2.8.2 Visual sensitivity is not included in the landscape appraisal, as visual effects are

considered separately, in accordance with GLVIA3.

2.8.3 It is important to remember that sensitivity to any development constructed within

a landscape receptor area depends on the defining characteristics of that area, and

of the development. The defining characteristics of a receptor area which is not the

host area can only be greatly affected if one of its defining characteristics is views of

the host area.

2.8.4 The extent of the potential effects over the wider landscape receptor areas is

considered spatially, by reviewing how much of the area would be influenced by the

development.

2.8.5 However, sequential experience of change could also amount to a change of the

experience of parts of a landscape receptor area outside the immediate ZTV of the

development. If a large proportion of an area was to be adversely affected, then this

would be likely to lead to loss of character over the whole of the area. The converse

is also true.

2.8.6 The impacts on each landscape receptor area were appraised by a consideration of

the susceptibility to change of the area to the development, the value of the

landscape, and the magnitude of change as a result of the proposed development,

all taken together.

2.8.7 The appraisal of effects upon landscape character in general cannot therefore just be

carried out by considering discrete viewpoints alone, however representative they

may be.



3 METHODOLOGY FOR THE APPRAISAL OF VISUAL EFFECTS

3.1 General approach

3.1.1 As with landscape effects, a consideration of the sensitivity of visual receptors

(people) and the magnitude of the impact determines the level of the predicted

effect on views and visual amenity. The nature or sensitivity of visual receptor

considers their susceptibility to the type of change or development proposed and the

value people attach to the affected views (GLVIA 3, paragraph 6.31).

3.2 Sensitivity of visual receptors

3.2.1 Visual receptors include the public or community at large, residents, visitors, workers

and people travelling through the landscape. The types of viewers, the numbers, the

duration of the view and the importance of the view or views of and from valued

areas contribute to defining the sensitivity of a visual receptor.

3.2.2 In the context of this development, the scale of the sensitivity of the visual receptors

is as outlined in Table 6 and is derived from the GLVIA 3.

Table 6

Criteria for the assessment of sensitivity of visual receptors


High

• Public views within areas of protected landscapes such as National Parks and Areas

of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)

• Users of outdoor recreational facilities including public rights of way, or visitors to

heritage assets or other attractions whose attention or interest is focused on the

landscape and where tolerance to change is likely to be low

• Occupiers of residential properties with views affected by the development

• users travelling through or past the affected landscape on recognised scenic routes

Medium

• Users travelling through or past the affected landscape by road, rail or other

transport routes

• Users of public rights of way/ footways where attention or interest is not primarily

focussed on the landscape and/ or particular views

• Users of outdoor recreation facilities whose attention or interest will include some

views of the wider landscape and where there is some tolerance of change

Low

• People engaged in outdoor sport or recreation which does not involve or depend

upon appreciation of views of the landscape so that the tolerance to change is high

• People at their place of work, or engaged in similar activities, whose attention may

be focused on their work or activity, not their surroundings, and where setting is not

important to the quality of working life

• Views from roads, footways, railways and industrial areas whose attention may be

focused away from the landscape and where tolerance to change is likely to be high



3.3 Magnitude of visual impacts

3.3.1 The nature or magnitude of the impacts on visual receptors depends upon the size

or scale of the changes, the geographical extent of the area influenced, and the

duration and reversibility of the impacts. In visual appraisal, the magnitude is also

determined by the distance from the viewer, the extent of change in the field of

vision or visibility of the proposed development, the proportion or number of

viewers affected and the permanence or transience within the view.

3.3.2 Table 7 explains how criteria are applied in the assessment of magnitude and is

derived from GLVIA 3.

Table 7

Criteria for the assessment of magnitude of visual impacts


High

• Total loss of or major alteration to views and/or the addition of new features that

would be incongruous, very prominent, and/or would greatly contrast with the

existing view

• Full, open views, experienced at a location or for the majority of a journey

• The views would be close, direct and/or totally occupied by the proposed

development

Medium

• Partial loss of or alteration to views and/or the addition of new features that would

be prominent, and/or would contrast with the existing view

• Partial views, experienced for part of a journey or activity

• The views would be middle distance, partially oblique and/or partially occupied by

the proposed development

Low

• Minor loss of or alteration to views and/or the addition of new features that would

not be prominent, and/or would not contrast with the existing view

• Glimpsed views, experienced for a small part of a journey or activity

• The views would be distant, oblique and/or only a small part of the view would be

occupied by the proposed development

Negligible

• Very minor loss of or alteration to views and/or the addition of new features that

are unlikely to be readily perceived

• Very brief glimpsed views

• The views would be very distant, very oblique and/or only a tiny part of the view

would be occupied by the proposed development

None

• Barely discernible alteration to views and/or the addition of new features that would

be almost imperceptible - approximating the ' no change' situation

• Views are not possible

3.3.3 The level of magnitude also takes into consideration the scheme’s permanence and

/ or reversibility (i.e. whether the site could be returned to its current/ former use).



3.3.4 Magnitude at some viewpoint positions can vary greatly due to differing seasonal or

weather conditions, changes in light at different times of the day, and whether a

development is seen against the background of the sky or the landscape. The

appraisal takes into account a worst-case scenario.

3.4 Level of visual effects

3.4.1 As with landscape effects, a consideration of the sensitivity of the visual receptors to

the development and the magnitude of the impact resulting from the development,

determines the overall level of the predicted effect. Again, a matrix is not used;

descriptions of how the level of effect has been determined are provided.

3.4.2 Table 8 assigns examples of typical criteria to each level for visual effects, as applied

in this appraisal; however, it should be noted that various different scenarios of

susceptibility to change, the value of views, the size or scale, geographical extent

and/or duration and reversibility of impacts could apply to result in highly adverse

levels of effects as described in the appraisal.

3.4.3 Intermediate levels, such as slight-moderate and moderate-substantial, may also

apply.

Table 8

Criteria for determining the level of visual effects


Very

Substantial

The proposals would dominate views and would be wholly out of character with the

existing situation, the changes would be experienced by a very large number of

people, and/or the visual receptors would be of high sensitivity to the changes.

Substantial

The proposals would be out of character with the existing situation or prominent

and contrasting with the existing views, the changes would be experienced by a

large number of people, and/or the visual receptors would be of high sensitivity to

the changes.

Moderate The proposals would be noticeable in views but not dominating, the changes would

be experienced by a medium number of people, and/or the visual receptors would

be of medium sensitivity to the changes.

Slight The proposals would result in small changes to the views, the changes would be

experienced by a small number of people, and/or the visual receptors would be of

low sensitivity to the changes.

Negligible The proposals would be not be readily perceived in views, the changes would be

experienced by a very small number of people, and/or the visual receptors would

be of low sensitivity to the changes.

None The proposals would be difficult to perceive, or would not be visible.





BM11559/DRAFT

MARCH 2019

DRAWINGS

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PHOTOVIEW LOCATION

PLATE LOCATION

KEY

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DRAWN BY CHECKED BY

CLIENT

PROJECT

DRAWING TITLE

SCALE DATE

APPROVED BY

APP'DCHK'DREVISION DETAILS DATE DR'N

DO NOT SCALE FROM THIS DRAWING

N:\WM\BM11559 - WALTON WELLESBOURNE S101A\03 - DESIGN\AUTOCAD\BM11559-012 PHOTOVIEW LOCATION PLAN.DWG

DRG No.

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WWW.WARDELL-ARMSTRONG.COM

BIRMINGHAM

STOKE ON TRENT | TEL 01782 276700

BOLTON

MANCHESTERCARDIFF

CARLISLE

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

LONDON

N-U-T

SHEFFIELD

Severn Trent Water

Walton, Wellesbourne S101a

Photoview Location Plan

BM11559-012 P0

1:20,000 12/03/2019

MAB

P0

Crown Copyright and database rights 2019

Ordnance Survey 0100031673

c

1TREATMENT

WORKS

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LOCATION OF PHOTOVIEWCLASSIFICATION

OF RECEPTOR

COMPONENTS OF EXISTING VIEW

DURING CONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF WORKS

COMPONENTS OF PROPOSED VIEW:D

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Foreground:

Roadside vegetation defines much of the view

foreground with arable field beyond (the site).

Telecommunication poles are visible within the

site. A disused building is visible to the left of

view.

Middle Distance:

Further agricultural fields separated by hedgerows

and trees are visible across the view.

Far Distance:

Bath Hill Wood is visible from the centre to right of

view.

As existing with:

construction works creating the new access to the

site at the existing field entrance visible in the

foreground of this photoview, and work on site to

construct the treatment plant. The views will be close

and direct, but for only a short distance along Walton

Road.

As existing with:

the completed development, visible over a short distance of

approximately 100m along Walton Road. Mitigation in the

form of strengthening of the existing hedge and native

species will screen the proposed development, which is low

profile.

Medium

Angle of View: 90°

View Looking from:

Walton Road

Classification of

Receptor: Highway

Distance from Scheme

(nearest point): 10m

Elevation: 51m

Sensitivity: Medium

Low

Moderate Adverse Slight Adverse

N:\WM\BM11559 - Walton Wellesbourne S101a\03 - Design\AutoCAD\BM11559-013 Photoviews Final.dwg

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Photoview 1Walton, Wellesbourne S101a

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Foreground:

Roadside hedgerow is visible across the view with

agricultural field beyond. Walton Road extends

into the middle distance right of view.

Middle Distance:

Further agricultural fields are visible from the left

to centre of view. A disused building is visible in

the right of the view and screens the site.

Far Distance:

BathHill Wood is visible across the view.

As existing with:

no apparent visual disturbance apart from

construction traffic accessing (and within) the Site.

As existing with:

no visual disturbance. The view is screened by the

abandoned building, which is visible in the middle distance in

the right of the photoview. The road curves as it approached

the proposed Site so there is no visibility of the existing field

entrance. Whilst the hedgerow is low and gappy there will

not be any visibility of the site at this point on Walton Road

nor as the road goes further south.

Low

Angle of View: 90°

View Looking from:

Walton Road

Classification of

Receptor: Highway



Elevation: 48m

Sensitivity: Medium

Negligible / Low

Slight Adverse Negligible / Slight Adverse


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Foreground:

Walton Road is visible to the left of view and

extends into the middle distance. Roadside

vegetation visible throughout the view. Tree

associated with residential property along Walton

Road visible centre to right of the view.

Middle Distance:

Disused building visible far left of view.

Far Distance:

Far distance views are screened by a combination

intervening vegetation.

As existing with:

the widened access and roadway at the existing field

entrance to the proposed development, circa 80m

from this view point beyond the road traffic signs.

As existing with:

partial views of the proposed Development screened by the

hedgerow bordering the site. The main visual element will be

the vehicular access into the site. The above ground element

of the treatment plant is less than 0.5m high and once the

hedgerow planting is implemented the proposed

development would be screened and would be visible for a

relatively short stretch of Walton Road, extending no further

than the entrance to the residential property visible in

Photoview 3 and the disused building on the far left of the

view.

Low (road)

Medium (residential)

Angle of View: 90°

View Looking from:

Walton Road

Classification of

Receptor: Highway



Elevation: 51m

Sensitivity: Medium

Negligible / Low

Low

Slight Adverse

Moderate Adverse

Negligible / Slight Adverse

Slight Adverse


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GRID REF

E:

N:

Foreground:

Agricultural field visible across the view.

Vegetation situated along the River Dene visible

left of view.

Middle Distance:

Further agricultural fields separated by trees and

hedgerows visible across the view. Walton Hall

entrance track and tree line along the track is

visible right of view.

Far Distance:

Vegetation is visible along the skyline centre of

view.

As existing with:

no visual disturbance.

As existing with:

no visible change.

None

Angle of View: 90°

View Looking from:

Bridleway SD84b

Classification of

Receptor: PRoW



Elevation: 57m

Sensitivity: High

None

None None


428644m

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