Landscape and Visual Study - Featherstone Staffordshire · andscae and isal Stdy ovember 21...

Landscape and Visual StudyNovember 2017 Featherstone, Staffordshire

Landscape and Visual Study - Featherstone StaffordshireFor David Wilson Homes


PageSection

Contents

1 Introduction 3

2 Landscape Designations & Green Belt 5

3 Landscape Constraints 9

4 Views out from the Site 14

5 Landscape Visual Impact 20

6 Site Comparison 27

7 Conclusion 28

Appendix1:VisualEffects-Definition 29


1 Introduction1.1 Landscape Constraints, Mitigation & Visual Assessment

This Landscape and Visual Study has been commissioned by David Wilson Homes to examine the significance of the visual effects of the proposed residential development at Featherstone, Staffordshire.

This is a composite report considering landscape constraints and their mitigation as well as a visual assessment of the impact of views into and out of the site.

The three proposed sites considered within this Report are amongst several options under consideration for development by South Staffordshire Council.

1.2 Methodology

The visual impact assessment within this Landscape and Visual Study has been carried out with reference to the “Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment - Third Edition” (GLVIA3) by the Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013).

The study seeks to measure the effect of the development on the visual amenity and how significant it is likely to be.

Visual effects consider how people will be affected by changes in views or visual amenity at different places.

This will include consideration of:

• The different groups of people who may experience views• From which points they will be affected• The nature of the views and visual amenity at those points• Changes in specific view points

A crucial element is the importance of significance. Assessment should involve clear judgement and transparency, distinguishing significant from non-significant elements and emphasising well-argued narrative text to make clear what the significance issues and effects are.

This study will consider Visual Constraints - the visual effect on specific views and on the general visual amenity experienced by people.

The study seeks to link judgement about the sensitivity of the receptor and the magnitude of the effects to arrive at significance.

This report includes a desktop review, field study, photographic imagery, constraints and mitigation proposals which are integral to the landscape design proposals.

SITE LOCATION

SITE LOCATION: FEATHERSTONE, STAFFORDSHIRE WV10


SITES pREVIOuSLy SuBMIITTED TO SOuTH STAFFORDSHIRE COuNCIL

Caravan Site

LANE

FEAT

HER

STO

NE

2

Boarding Kennels

Whitehouse Farm

10

37

10

1214

8

Garisford

120.7m

118.9m

1

2

CLOSE

23

1

20

9

GROVE

FOXGLOVE

2

7

10

6

1

4

2

2

1

18

BUR

NET

GROVE

TEASEL

8

7

8

14

11

12

6

22

9

26

50

11

GARDENS

WO

ODCO

CK

TURNST

ONE DRIV

E

1

38

10

2

SNIPE CLOSE

2

1

20

11

WH

ITGR

EAVE AVENU

E

2

9

6

1

BRO

OKH

OU

SE CLO

SE

2

26

28

8

11

1

10

12

8

18

5955

12

17

15

HOUSE

BROOK

CLO

SE

53

19

10

5

45

317

1.22m RH

1.22m RH

Def

NEW ROAD

Farm

Buttermilk Cottage

Hotel

Featherstone

ReposeThe King's

Trac

k

Pond

Pond

Pond

118.3m

127.7m

122.2m

130.1m

29

31

126.8m

119

15

Featherstone Hall

Farm

Rabbit

Lane

Path

Caravan Park

St James Park

1.22m

RH

1.22

m R

H

LB

EAST RO

AD

NEW ROADSTUAR

T MIC

HAEL W

AY

20

1214

17

21

15

18

10

22

22b 20

4

22

4

117

1

22a

21

Playground

112.8m

116.7m

3

24

30

Pond

EAST ROAD

2 1

38

54

21

1

54a

40

2

EDEN COURT

31

6

54c

13

56

35

65

47

64

49

16

9

6

EAST ROAD

8

7

17

East Court

57

61

1

OAKS DRIVE

4

21

20

24

19

6

83

81

1

87

25

77

23

69

67

22

Lay-by

OAKS DRIVE

93

75

26

89

Stone

Stone

OAKS DRIVE

EAST

RO

AD

95

101

40

38

36

31

30

29

32

Drain

Playing Field

16

9

15

11

24

2

12

14

11

2

14

15

1

26

2

21

35

33

SORREL CLOSE

LARKSPUR DRIVE

34

5

24

21

1

16

1226

25

BROOKHOUSE LANE

79

17

GVC

2

38

15

111

9

22

7

16

14

119

23

31

1

SORREL CLO

SE36

37

32

35

9

1

37

GAR

DENS

30

239

15

17

11

34

50

42

55

25

BRO

OKL

IME

4951

10

41

28

4

BELLFLOWERCLOSE

11

4

1

32

5

16

DUNLINDRIVE

RO

CKR

OSE G

ARD

ENS

16

27

8

1

38

10

21

19

8

El Sub Sta

CLOSE

PLOVER CLOSE

WH

ILMO

T CLO

SE

16

8

15

1517

23

1

14

10

12

11

STONE

HUDDLE

7

2

6

20

26

1

11

36

37

7

92

17

15

23

1

7

DERELLCLOSE

26

35

24

2

14

16

35

El Sub Sta

Stone

EAST ROAD

31

37

33

33a

122.3m

Tank

L Twrs

L Twrs

Track

CLOSE

THISTLEDOW

N DRIVE

HAREBELL

23

25

25

15

10

15

16

17

11

16

8

GP

121.9m

30

42

40

2

23

29

31

2

DRIVE

CAMPION

2

43

8

18

16

8

BROOKHOUSE LANE

8

45

2

42

38

JACKSONCLOSE

PEN

22

1

24

11

25

EAST

RO

AD

CORNFLOWER CLOSE

44

4

55

1

15

3

1

9

7

3

11 15

41

120.4m

123.4m

121.9mSluice

Weir

FBFB

CORNFLOWER CLOSE

BROOKHOUSE LANE

DRIVE

EAST

RO

AD

15

8

24

11

44

36

51

45

3 1

3

8

7

4

54

55

49

Playing Field

120.4m

120.4m

A

B

C

D

E

MerciaRemus 2

2 Cranbrook WaySolihull Business Park

SolihullWest Midlands

B90 4GT

t 0121 713 7310f 0121 713 7349www.dwh.co.uk

Land off New Rd & East RdFeatherstone

Contract Plan

1:1250 @ A0

29.07.14

BC

FEA/CP/01 -

FEATHERSTONE SITE pLAN

SITE 1

SITE 2

SITE 3


2 Landscape Designations & Green Belt2.1 Green Belt

The proposed site comprises three separate parcels of land lie within designated Green Belt land. Sites 1 and 2 (land off New Road) are located to the north west of the existing village of Featherstone, whilst site 3 is situated to the west (land off East Road.

As identified within the South Staffordshire Green Belt Review carried out in January 2014, the site location falls within a Green Belt Parcel deemed to “make a considerable contribution to Green Belt purposes”.

2.2 National Trail and Cycle Network

The traffic-free walking and cycling route provides a scenic route along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal to the west of the site.

2.3 Local Nature partnership (LNp)

LNPs are a collaboration of a number of member organisations who work strategically to help their local area manage the natural environment. They aim to make sure that its value, and the value of the services it provides to the economy and the people who live there, is taken into account in local decisions.

The site location sits within area managed by the Staffordshire Local Nature Partnership.

2.4 Ancient Woodland

The ancient woodland at Keepers Wood is within Hilton Park. Situated to the east of the proposed site location and just within the study area, it is of mixed woodland and grazing land.

2.5 National Trust property

Moseley Old Hall

Moseley Old Hall is a Grade II listed Elizabethan farmhouse fabled to have

STuDy AREA

pROpOSED SITE pLAN AT FEATHERSTONE, STAFFORDSHIRE WV10


shielded King Charles II and his troops during the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The National Trust-owned property includes gardens and a fruit orchard.

The Hall lies to the south of the proposed site location beyond the M54 motorway.

2.6 Listed Buildings

The listed buildings within the study area are:

• Agricultural Buildings at Featherstone Farmhouse (Grade II)• Moseley Old Hall and Garden Buildings, Moseley Old Hall Lane (Grade II*)• Moseley Old Hall Cottage, Moseley Old Hall Lane (Grade II)• Pool Farmhouse (Grade II)• Essington Hall Farmhouse (Grade II)• Northycote Farmhouse and Outbuildings (Grade II)• Cross Green Bridge across Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal (Grade II)• Home Farmhouse (Grade II)• Manor Farmhouse (Grade II)• Church of St Mary and St Luke (Grade II*)• Woodbury House (Grade II)• Little Saredon Manor and Dairy Farmhouse (Grade II)• Hilton Hall, Conservatory, Coach House, Stables and Gatepiers (Grade II)• The Portobello Tower (Grade II)

2.7 Other Designations

There are no areas categorised under any of the following designations within the study area:

• Areas of great landscape value (AGLV) as designated in the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act.

• Local Nature Reserves• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSi)• Areas of outstanding natural beauty

ROADWAyS WITHIN THE STuDy AREA

MAjOR ROADSMINOR ROADS

pROpOSED SITE pLAN AT FEATHERSTONE, STAFFORDSHIRE WV10MOTORWAy M54

FOOTpATHS, BRIDLEWAyS AND puBLIC RIGHTS OF WAy+ NATIONAL TRAIL/RECREATIONAL ROuTE+ TRAFFIC-FREE CyCLE ROuTE


puBLIC ACCESS WITHIN THE STuDy AREA


SINGLE AND MuLTIpLE TRACk RAIL LINE


SIGNIFICANT WATERWAyS WITHIN THE STuDy AREA

STAFFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE CANAL


RAILWAyS WITHIN THE STuDy AREA GREEN BELT DESIGNATION



ANCIENT WOODLAND & NATIONAL TRuST


ANCIENT WOODLAND AT kEEpER’S WOOD

NATIONAL TRuST pROpERTy AT MOSELEy OLD HALL


LISTED BuILDINGS WITHIN THE STuDy AREA

LISTED BuILDINGS, NuMBERED1 Featherstone Farmhouse2 Moseley Old Hall and Garden Buildings, Moseley Old Hall Lane3 Moseley Old Hall Cottage, Moseley Old Hall Lane4 Pool Farmhouse5 Essington Hall Farmhouse6 Northycote Farmhouse & Outbuildings7 Cross Green Bridge at Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal

8 Home Farmhouse9 Manor Farmhouse10 Church of St Mary and St Luke11Woodbury House12 Little Saredon Manor & Farmhouse13 Hilton Hall, Conservatory, Coach House, Stables and Gatepiers14 The Portobello Tower

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 910

11

12

13

14

1

pROpOSED SITE pLAN AT FEATHERSTONE, STAFFORDSHIRE

• Historic parks and gardens• Battlefields

3 Landscape ConstraintsGeneral introduction to Landscape Constraints

3.1 proposed Development Land off New Road (sites 1 and 2) - parcel 396 (see Landscape Constraints plan 1)

3.1.1 Constraint 1: Condition and retention of hedge along Featherstone Lane

The hedgerow along Featherstone Lane includes sections which are well-trimmed and maintained along with periodic gaps and sections of poor planting.

MitigationAdditional planting of mixed species to establish a continuous hedge and fence treatment, subject to layout.

3.1.2 Constraint 2: Condition and Retention of Spinney

The Spinney comprises a range of tree and shrub species and protrudes into the site at a bend in the Lane. It is likely to be of ecological value (subject to separate ecological work)and a buffer with the residential area across Featherstone Lane. The trees include Beech, Oak and Pine. There would be foundation implications for properties proposed close to the spinney.

MitigationFormative tree work and a management plan to address any ecology concerns and layout design to avoid the larger trees.

3.1.3 Constraint 3: Condition and Retention of Hedge along East Road

The hedgerow along East Road is well maintained at 1.5-1.8m in height but includes some gaps. Its retention would re-enforce the site boundary.

MitigationAdditional planting and management plan.

3.1.4 Constraint 4: Access to Rabbit Lane with Sloping Access and Mature Vegetation

Established Holly and change of level could compromise any access to the site if this was to be a potential access point.


LANDSCApE CONSTRAINTS pLAN 1


Tree management and removal to enhance the existing trees. The low point to be considered for hydrology management.

3.1.9 Constraint 9: Large change in level and tree presence on the boundary

A significant depression accommodates a water body which may be just inside the site boundary plus a wild collection of trees and shrubs.

MitigationRationalisation of the trees and blending with the development.

3.1.10 Constraint 11: Condition and Retention of Hedge along New Road - Eastern End

The hedge along New Road is in good condition and is well maintained. It will be beneficial to retain it as a well defined boundary. A number of Semi-Mature Beech trees adjacent to the hedge line could have implications for foundation depth and hard landscape treatment.

MitigationRetention and maintenance of the hedge, deeper foundations and creation of no dig areas.

3.1.11 Constraint 12: Condition and Retention of Hedge along Rabbit Lane

Rabbit Lane is outside of the development boundary but the margins are part of the site boundary. The boundaries include intermittent rough hedgerow along with regenerating Elm and occasional sections of dense Holly. The Holly and two semi-mature Oak trees are valuable resources and can be incorporated into any boundary treatment to enhance the landscape appearance of the site.

MitigationCreation of a new hedgerow and incorporate any retained species.

3.2 proposed Development Land off East Road (Site 3)- parcel 397(See Landscape Constraints plan 2)

3.2.1 Constraint 13: Condition and Retention of hedge along East Road

The overgrown hedgerow along East Road will benefit from management and rejuvenation. This is likely to be necessary to achieve the required access visibility splay.

MitigationRemoval of established vegetation and re-grading the access.

3.1.5 Constraint 5: Condition and Retention of Hedge along East Road - North Western Section

This part of the boundary hedge includes some well-maintained sections but also large gaps and mature trees. It will be beneficial to re plant the gaps and retain and manage the boundary hedge.

MitigationAdditional planting, grading and management plan.

3.1.6 Constraint 6: Existing mature Oak and Sycamore

The section of East Road approaching Brinsford running along the South Western portion of the site accommodates some of the best trees on the site. Mature Oak and Sycamore along with younger specimens are likely to be retained as part of the planning conditions. The impact on the site layout would be to require deeper foundations and no dig zones near any proposed properties.

MitigationSite layout adaption, deeper foundations and no dig regimes in the hard landscape.

3.1.7 Constraint 7: Condition and Retention of Hedge along New Road

The hedge along New Road is in good condition and is well maintained. It is beneficial to retain it.

MitigationRetention and maintenance of the hedge.

3.1.8 Constraint 8: Pond and associated trees on the boundary of the Development

Although there is a pond and tree planting outside of the site boundary, the tree presence will impact on foundations and hard landscape construction. The location could also represent an area of flood in times of high rainfall, accentuated by the hard surfaces of the development.

Mitigation


LANDSCApE CONSTRAINTS pLAN 2


MitigationRemoval and replanting of hedgerows along the entrance and Western Boundary.

3.2.2 Constraint 14: Condition and Retention of mature trees on East Road

The two mature trees on East road could require removal or extensive work in order to deliver highway improvements.

MitigationRemoval and replanting several trees in compensation.

3.2.3 Constraint 15: Condition and Retention of Hedge along the Southern Boundary

Site 3 comprises stretches of overgrown hedgerow. With management and additional planting, these features would soften development at the site.

MitigationAdditional planting to fill gaps and reinforce the hedge. A management plan to ensure its longevity.

3.2.4 Constraint 16: Condition and Retention of mature trees on Southern Boundary

Retention of mature trees along the boundaries will contribute to the character and appearance of development at the site. The trees will be valuable visual filtering features for views in from the South.

MitigationRetention and management of existing trees with additional tree planting. The vegetation will need to be managed to ensure properties are not in shade.

3.2.5 Constraint 17: Western Boundary Definition

The western boundary is marked only by a post and wire fence and has open views including across to HM Prison Featherstone.

MitigationNew hedgerow and tree planting along the boundary with a suitable fence to enclose the site in the short-term.

3.2.6 Constraint 18: Mature Hedgerow and tree line overhanging the Boundary

Although most of the mature trees and hedgerow are on the adjacent land to the north, their impact will still be felt on the proposed site.

MitigationThe proximity of the trees may need deeper property foundations and areas of no dig construction.

3.2.7 Constraint 19: Existing Trees and Water Course

The outlet of the culvert is unsightly and is the start of a water course which divides the site into two sections. The water course is lined with a number of mature and semi mature tree species, including willow. The water course leaves the site on the Western boundary. Willow require a generous stand-off to standard foundations and can have significant impact on layout design or foundation depth.

MitigationThe water course could be retained as a surface feature and enhanced with appropriate planting. This would have aesthetic and amenity benefits and create a distinct character to the development.


4 Views out from the Site4.1 Introduction

This section examines the views out from the site from various vantage points. The vantage points are chosen as those with the most extensive views and the ones which would be most sensitive.

In the context of the visual constraint, the focus is on the impact of a view on the potential residents of the development.

VISuAL CONSTRAINTS pLAN 1

LANE

FEAT

HER

STO

NE

2

Boarding Kennels

Whitehouse Farm

10

37

10

1214

8

Garisford

120.7m

118.9m

1

2

CLOSE

23

1

20

9

GROVE

FOXGLOVE

2

7

10

6

1

4

2

2

1

18

BUR

NET

GROVE

TEASEL

8

7

8

14

11

12

6

26

TURNST

ONE DRIV

E

2

SNIPE CLOSE

1

11

1.22m RH

Farm

Buttermilk Cottage

Hotel

Featherstone

ReposeThe King's

Pond

122.2m

29

31

126.8m

119

15

Featherstone Hall

Farm

1.22m

RH

EAST RO

AD

2

22b 20

22

4

117

1

22a

Playground

3

24

30

EAST ROAD

2 1

38

54

21

1

54a

40

2

EDEN COURT

31

6

54c

13

56

35

6547

64

49

16

9

6

EAST ROAD

8

7

17East Court

57

61

1

OAKS DRIVE

4

21

20

24

19

6

83

81

87

25

77

23

69

67

22

Lay-by

OAKS DRIVE

93

75

26

89

Stone

Stone

OAKS DRIVE

95

101

40

38

36

31

30

29

32

Drain

Playing Field

16

24

11

2

14

15

SORREL CLOSE

LARKSPUR DRIVE

34

5

24

21

1

16

12

26

25

SORREL CLO

SE

36

37

32

35

9

1

37

GAR

DENS

30

239

15

17

11

34

50

42

55

25

BRO

OKL

IME

4951

10

41

28

4

Stone

31

37

33

33aTank

L Twrs

L Twrs

Track

THISTLEDOW

N DRIVE

23

25

25

15

11

16

GP

305250N 305250N

305300N 305300N

305350N 305350N

305400N 305400N

305450N 305450N

305500N 305500N

305550N 305550N

305600N 305600N

305650N 305650N

305700N 305700N

305750N 305750N

305800N 305800N

305850N 305850N

305900N 305900N

305950N 305950N

306000N 306000N

306050N 306050N

306100N 306100N

overgrownhedge5-6m

maintained hedge withelder, senescingSorbus tree and

holly hedge

Group of sycamore

Oak and sycamoreamongst overgrownHawthorn hedgerow

good specimens of Oak andSycamore

3x goodspecimens of OakTree

stand of 5 oak treesat the entranceBrinsford

client

project

date

drawing no

scale

drawn dk

David Wilson Homes (Mercia)

Constraints, Mitigation and Visualimpact- Development nearFeatherstone, South Staffordshire

April 2015

1513-PL2-02

not to scale

D E V E L O P M E N T S I T E O F F N E W R O A D - C O N S T R A I N T S A N D M I T I G A T I O N

1

23

4

VisualConstraint


VISuAL CONSTRAINTS pLAN 2

9

50

11

GARDENS

WO

ODCO

CK

1

38

10

2

20

WH

ITGR

EAVE AVENU

E

2

9

6

1

BRO

OKH

OU

SE CLO

SE

2

26

28

8

11

1

10

12

8

18

5955

12

17

15

HOUSE

BROOK

CLO

SE

53

19

10

5

45

317

9

15

11

2

12

14

1

26

2

21

35

33

BROOKHOUSE LANE

79

17

GVC

2

38

15

111

9

22

7

16

14

119

23

31

1

BELLFLOWERCLOSE

11

1

32

16

DUNLINDRIVE

RO

CKR

OSE G

ARD

ENS

16

27

8

1

38

10

21

19

8

El Sub Sta

CLOSE

PLOVER CLOSE

WH

ILMO

T CLO

SE

16

8

15

1517

23

1

14

10

12

11

STONE

HUDDLE

7

2

6

20

26

1

11

36

37

7

92

17

15

23

1

7

DERELLCLOSE

26

35

24

2

14

16

35

El Sub Sta

CLOSE

HAREBELL

15

8

30

42

40

2

23

29

31

2

DRIVE

CAMPION

2

43

8

18

16

8

BROOKHOUSE LANE

8

45

2

42

38

JACKSONCLOSE

PEN

22

1

24

11

25

CORNFLOWER CLOSE

44

4

55

1

15

3

1

9

7

3

11 15

41

123.4m

Sluice

Weir

CORNFLOWER CLOSE

BROOKHOUSE LANE

DRIVE

EAST

RO

AD

15

8

24

11

44

36

51

45

3 1

3

8

7

4

54

55

49

Playing Field

120.4m

304800N 304800N

304850N 304850N

304900N 304900N

304950N 304950N

305000N 305000N

305050N 305050N

305100N 305100N

305150N 305150N

305200N 305200N

392800E

392850E

392900E

392950E

393000E

393050E

393100E

393150E

393200E

393250E

393300E

393350E

393400E

393450E

393500E

393550E

393600E

393650E

client

project

date

drawing no

scale

drawn dk

David Wilson Homes (Mercia)

Constraints, Mitigation and Visualimpact- Development nearFeatherstone, South Staffordshire

April 2015

1513-PL2-03

not to scaleD E V E L O P M E N T S I T E O F F E A S T R O A D - C O N S T R A I N T S A N D M I T I G A T I O N

56

78

VisualConstraint


Views to the West from the Western Side of Rabbit Lane-Site 11

The prison buildings will be less pronounced when the trees are in leaf. Additional site landscape planting will further mitigate these buildings and the properties on East Road.

Views to the East from the Eastern Side of Rabbit Lane -Site 22

This panoramic view of the East is taken from close to the highest point on the site. The roof tops of Featherstone are the most pronounced feature, above which there are open views to the East.

4.2 Visual Constraints

4.2.1 Proposed Development Land off New Road - Parcel 396


Views to the East from a central point between Rabbit Lane and Featherstone Lane. Site 23

The view of Featherstone and the buildings on Featherstone Lane are more pronounced, further down the slope to the east.

View Across the Western sector of the site from the Pond and area of Knotweed Site 14

The view is similar to View 1 but demonstrates the effective use of boundary vegetation which filters views of the properties on East Road.


View from the Area around the Culvert Looking along the Water Course -Site 35

The line of trees follow the water course and splits the site into two sections. The on site trees create a more intermittent space but could affect the foundation depths.

View West from a point adjacent to the Southern Boundary -Site 36

The Open views of the prison building could be mitigated with boundary vegetation.

4.2.2 Proposed Development Land off East Road - Parcel 397


View North from the South West corner of the site Site 37

Views within the site to the North are managed by a back drop of foliage due to trees on the adjacent development.

View East from the South West Corner of the site -Site 38

The view to the East could be opened up if the trees along the water course are removed. Boundary vegetation to supplement the existing could limit the exposure of the site.


VIEWpOINTS


5 Landscape Visual Impact5.1 Introduction

Sites 1 and 2 slope slowly upwards to the 134m spot height, close to the centre of the two sites, just on the eastern side of Rabbit Lane. The surrounding land generally undulates between the 100 and 130m contour . To the East of the site, at Hilton Park ,the land reaches heights of 170m. Most distant views are from public footpaths to the North. View from the East are restricted by the residential areas of Featherstone. The proximity of the M54 to limits views from the South as does the collection of Prison buildings to the West.

Site 3 is also visually enclosed by the prison to the East, Motorway to the South and residential development to East. The more open land to the north does not have public access until the public footpaths and pedestrian routes associated with the land off New Road. The land off East Road is lower and flatter than the land off New Road. Most views into the site are confined to the immediate periphery of the site mainly from access roads and residences.

The definition of visual effects is given in Appendix 1


1 View towards site 2 from the public footpath as it crosses Baneberry Drive2

View towards site 2 over a hedge on the Western side of Featherstone Lane3 View along the Southern boundary on East Road towards the

South East4

View along the Northern boundary hedge, looking east along New Road


View from East Road as it turns into the village of Brinsford. The view is looking North East into site1through the boundary vegetation5

Receptors include motorists and commercial traffic, occassional pedestrians and residents of Brinsford who occupy property overlooking the site.

View towards the sites 1&2 from half way along the public footpath between the Caravan Park and Larches Farm6

Receptors are public footpath users and residents of Larches Farm.


View towards the sites 1 & 2 from the public footpath heading South towards New Road7

Receptors are public footpath users.

View South along East Road at the site 3 Eastern boundary hedge8

Receptors are motorists (non-commercial) and residences on East Road opposite the site. These properties are positioned with their gable ends facing towards the site, limiting their exposure.

View West into site 3 from Brookhouse Lane9

Receptors include motorists on Brookhouse Lane and residences on Brookhouse Lane which face the site.


View North West towards Site 3 from the public footpath which passes under the M5410

Receptors include motorists on Brookhouse Lane and residences on Brookhouse Lane which face the site.

View North from Brookhouse Lane towards site 3 as it starts to run parallel with the M54

Receptors include motorists and pedestrians on day to day business.

11


View 1 Northern boundary hedge, looking east along New Road

The receptors are public footpath users, on day to day activities, including passing motorists and commercial vehicles. Much of this is Prison traffic or access to the caravan park. It of Low sensitivity.

The development would be viewed upward from the road and path and partly screened by the hedge and tree planting, both existing and introduced. Depending on the proximity of the building line the magnitude would be Medium

The significance is considered Minor as there would be limited damage to the view.

Mitigation would include tree planting along the boundary which will filter views in. The exist-ing hedgerow is to be retained

View 2 View towards the site from the public footpath as it crosses Baneberry Drive

The Receptors are public footpath users, residents of the housing development and motorists gaining access. The sensitivity is considered High.

Due to the existing buildings and vegetation along the boundary of the development site, the magnitude is likely to be Negligible.

The change to any view would therefore be insignificant.

View 3 View towards the site over a hedge on the Western side of Featherstone Lane

Receptors are motorists using Featherstone Lane, residents of properties with views across the site. Although views from residences could be largely from upstairs rooms due to the bound-ary hedge. The Sensitivity is considered Medium-High

Users of Featherstone lane will have limited views of the site due to the hedge and boundary vegetation. Some of the residents will experience significant changes over much of the view although this will be set against an open horizon with numerous other man made elements. It would be of Medium Magnitude

In light of the limited view from properties along Featherstone Lane the significance is considered Moderate.

Mitigation could involve positioning properties away from Featherstone Lane and the boundary hedgerow. Planting to be re reinforced, to maintain a “Leafy Lane” character.

View 4 View along the Southern boundary on East Road towards the South East

Receptors are motorists and commercial traffic, occasional pedestrians, although this is no pavement. It is of Low Sensitivity

There could be a significant change over most of the view, however the view from the road is from a lower perspective than the site and obscured at lower levels by the hedgerow. This change is of Medium Magnitude

Significance is Minor due to the receptor sensitivity.

Mitigation could include tree planting along the boundary which will help filter views from the road and filter the upward view into the site.

View 5 View from East Road as it turns into the village of Brinsford. The view is looking North East into the site through the boundary vegetation

Receptors include motorists and commercial traffic, occasional pedestrians, residents of Brinsford who occupy property overlooking the site. The sensitivity is High .

A significant change over most of the view from East Road, Brinsford and from res-idences backing onto the site. The change is of High Magnitude and MajorSignifi-cance

Mitigation could include a generous separation between the development and the residences which back onto the site. Supplementary tree planting to the boundary and margins of East Road.

View 6 View towards the site from half way along the public footpath between the Car-avan park and Larches Farm.

Receptors are public footpath users, residents of Larches Farm - and are considered of High Sensitivity.

The sloping elevated nature of the site leaves it vulnerable to visible change from a distance. However there are relatively few vantage points where this is discernible. The site occupies a proportion of the view but it could significantly change especially in winter. As the site occupies part of the view the magnitude is Low

Significance is considered Moderate due to the distance from site and therefore the proportion of the view affected by the development.

Mitigation of the impact on views from the North would need to be of an appropriate scale. Due to the distance and elevation of the site the clustering of the roof line will be the predominate impression. Layout which allows significant large but individual tree planting at strategic locations will provide prominent visual amenity on site in the short term, but in the long terms provide a canopy which breaks up the mass of the roof line when viewed from a distance.

View 7 View towards the site from the public footpath heading South towards New Road

Receptors are public footpath users and of High Sensitivity.

As with View 6 the sloping elevated nature of the site leaves it vulnerable to visible change from a distance. The view already includes industrial elements such as elec-tricity cables and the site occupies only a proportion of the view. The magnitude is considered Low.

Significance is considered Moderate due to the distance from site and therefore the proportion of the view affected by the development

See mitigation of View 6


View 8 View South along East Road at the sites Eastern boundary hedge

Receptors are motorists (non-commercial) and residences on East Road opposite the site. These proper-ties are positioned with their gable ends facing towards the site, limiting their exposure. They are consid-ered to be of Medium Sensitivity

The view is obscured by a substantial (5-6m) hedgerow which even in winter months forms a significant vi-sual barrier. The impact on the view from this location would therefore be negligible magnitude with Minor Significance

Retention of the hedge is an important mitigating factor. Management of the boundary vegetation at 2m and above will help retain the character of this section of East Road

View 9 View West into the site from Brookhouse Lane

Receptors include motorists on Brookhouse Lane and residences on Brookhouse Lane which face the site. They are of High Sensitivity

The boundary vegetation in this location is inferior to further north along East Road. Views into the site are more open and gaps in the hedge have become informal access points. There could be minor changes over most of the view and more major impact on parts of the view which would make it of Low magni-tude.

The impact would be of Moderate Significance.

Increased boundary planting with species found along East Road would help to reinforce the character of the location.

View 10 View North West towards the site from the public footpath which passes under the M54.

Receptors are public footpath users and of High Sensitivity

The view towards the site is a distant one and obscured by the substantial mature vegetation on the Southern boundary. It is a Low degree of magnitude

The change on the view would be insignificantas the view would not significantly change due to the boundary vegetation.

Appropriate mitigation would include the retention and enhancement of planting on the Southern boundary

View 11 View North from Brookhouse Lane towards the site as it starts to run parallel with the M54.

Receptors include motorists and pedestrians on day to day business. Low Sensitivity.

The view of the site is obscured by the boundary vegetation of two fields including that of the site.

The degree of magnitude if negligible.

The changes to this view would be insignificant

Mitigation might include retention and enhancement of planting on the Southern Boundary, if needed.

VIEW TITLE RECEpTORS MAGNITuDE SIGNIFICANCEVIEW TITLE RECEPTORS MAGNITUDE SIGNIFICANCE

1 Northern boundary hedge, lookingeast along New Road

Low Medium Minor

2 View towards the site from the public footpath as it crosses Baneberry Drive

High Negligible Insignificant

3 View towards the site over a hedge on the Western side of Featherstone Lane

Medium-High Medium Moderate

4 View along the Southern boundary on East Road towards the South East

Low Medium Minor

5 View from East Road as it turns into the village of Brinsford. The view is looking North East into the site through the boundary vegetation

High High Major

6 View towards the site from half way along the public footpath between the Caravan Park and Larches Farm

High Low Moderate

7 View towards the site from the public footpath heading South towards New Road

High Low Moderate

8 View South along East Road at the sites Eastern boundary hedge

Medium Negligible Minor

9 View West into the site from Brookhouse Lane

High Low Moderate

VIEWS SuMMARy TABLE


6 Site Comparison

6.1 SITE 449 Adjacent to M54This is an extensive area between the motorway and the existing development of Featherstone. Development would close the open green buffer running parallel with the Motorway.

This is not only a spatial asset but also a valuable wildlife corridor and refuge which runs continually from Coven Heath to the M6. The southern edge of Featherstone is well defined by the mature hedgerow and vegetation which is typical of field pattern in the area.

A footpath runs across the South West corner of the site.

A water course follows the line of the northern boundary hedge and is a valuable habitat and wildlife conduit. Development in this area would be visually more prominent from the Motorway. Extending the built form towards the motorway compromises a valuable Green Buffer.

6.2 SITE 450 Off Monument Drive NE FeatherstoneThis is a small, isolated site which backs onto open countryside to the north of Featherstone. Although a relatively small area, the site has well-defined boundary vegetation which links with the surrounding pattern of vegetation.

The footpath from Shareshill passes close to the site.

The boundary vegetation of the site is well placed to link with surrounding vegetation and water bodies to the North. Extending development into this location would make the built form more visible from the footpath to the north, which could become intrusive.

6.3 SITE 170 South of Featherstone facing M54This site adjoins the existing development on Broadhouse Lane.

This plot of land is part of the buffer area between Featherstone and the Motorway. It performs a valuable aesthetic and spatial function. The shape of the plot makes little acknowledgement of the local field pattern and is on a different scale to surrounding fields.

Adjacent water bodies afford the location a wider range of habitats.

6.4 SITES 433, 395, 171 Off New Road North SideThese three sites are being considered together because in landscape terms given they have similar characteristics - working agricultural landscape mainly used for grazing and keeping horses.

The sites make a valuable contribution to the Green Belt to the North of Featherstone. The rolling terrain and flora are an attractive addition to the area and the most interesting in the locality. The form is reminiscent of parkland landscape which differs from other sites due to the more varied morphology and range of tree species. The pattern of vegetation is random but includes a good range of plant density which is replicated further northward in the local landscape pattern.

The diverse range of species which contribute to the more interesting habitat are worthy of preservation.

6.5 SITE 172 Off Cannock RoadThis site is separated from the other locations by Cannock Road. The site is of different landscape character to the others and is influenced by the busy A460 Cannock Road. The open arable field contrasts with the large mature boundary vegetation, typical of the Hilton Hall estate landscape which it abuts. This area is an important element of the Green Belt due to its maturity scale and character.


7 Conclusion

Sites 1 and 2 are adjacent to New Road offer a number of advantages for development, in landscape terms.

The sites have largely well developed and maintained hedgerow boundaries which are punctuated by thickets and spinneys. The existing vegetation can be developed to establish a substantial green buffers to the periphery of the sites.

The lower margins of the sites lend themselves to development to take advantage of the mitigating effects of existing and future boundary vegetation.

The boundaries and hedgerows of the sites are typical of the local field pattern but would benefit from repair, enhancement and managment. By retaining the boundary vegetation the local character can be improved and preserved.

The rising ground to the centre of the sites provide an opportunity to create a noteworthy open space providing recreation, enhanced green infrastructure and landmark landscape features.

The water course which flows through the centre of Site 3 provides great potential for development as an amenity space and diverse habitat. Additional marginal planting will help create a significant feature within a larger public open space.

The established hedgerows will benefit from management and supplementary planting would reinforce the boundary integrity. Improvements to the boundaries would emphasise the proportions and scale which afford the site an attractive character.


Appendix1-VisualEffects:DegreesofSignificance-Definition

Landscape and Visual Study - Featherstone Staffordshire · andscae and isal Stdy ovember 21...

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