g - peat moorlands character type... · character of the individual farm rather than by landscape...

Part 4 - 48 of 199Doncaster Landscape Character & Capacity Study

G - Peat Moorlands Character Type

Landscape Character Type - Peat MoorlandsThe Peat Moorlands are located towards the east of the Borough. This landscape forms part of the once inundated Humberhead levels, an area adapted to fl ooding until artifi cial drainage was introduced from the early 17th century. The landscape, in the fl ood plain of the Don, Tome, Idle, Went and Aire, is extremely low lying, and in places, even below sea level. It consists of large scale, open, fl at, agricultural landscapes, characterised by arable farming along with extensive areas of peat which have been subject to industrial extraction in recent years, although this activity has now largely ceased. In the farmed areas, fi elds are typically large, geometric and bounded by straight ditches. The open landscape is occupied by scattered farmsteads often with large sheds accessed by farm tracks. The landscape is generally rural and undeveloped although there are infrequent pockets of development and there are large areas without public roads where access is via public rights of way and farm tracks. The landscape is generally open with the sky forming a signifi cant proportion of views and long distance views to Thorpe Marsh Power Station. Views are locally enclosed by the presence of some areas of deciduous trees and by modern motorways and improved roads, often elevated on embankments which are intrusive elements in the often remote rural scene.

Two landscape character areas of Peat Moorlands have been identifi ed which are physically separated and are as follows:

G1 – West Moor Peat Moorlands

G2 – Thorne and Hatfi eld Peat Moorlands

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Part 4 - Page 149 of 199Doncaster Landscape Character & Capacity Study

G1 - West Moor Peat Moorlands

Key Characteristics

Fairly large scale and simple landscape which is fl at and low-lying.

Mainly arable farming in a regular pattern of large geometric fi elds bounded by straight shallow ditches.

Deciduous trees found as occasional small blocks and lines.

A single farmstead within the LCA but several are located just outside the boundary.

An absence of built development except where the large warehouses of an employment site have encroached into the southern tip of the area.

Motorway and main road on elevated embankments on edges of the area but otherwise there are no public roads in the area.

Limited access to the area which is crossed by a few public rights of way and farm tracks.

Views limited by lines of trees and elevated main roads but some long views to Thorpe Marsh cooling towers.

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Landscape DescriptionWest Moor consists of a fl at slightly sunken pocket of land defi ned by a surface geology of peat. It is a simple landscape which is largely undeveloped. It is a small but intact area of mainly arable farmland with large geometric fi elds arranged in a regular pattern. Fields are bounded by straight shallow ditches with reeds; occasional fragmented hedgerows and lines of deciduous trees. There are infrequent smaller fi elds of pasture and occasional small blocks of deciduous trees. The area is bordered by several farms, but there is only one farm, West Moor Farm, within the LCA itself. Large warehouses have been constructed at the West Moor Park employment site near the motorway junction and have encroached into the southern tip of the LCA. They are currently separated from the farmed areas by the A630 main road. Access into the area is limited consisting of farm tracks and public access via public footpaths across the area. However, the busy M18 and A630 roads border the eastern edge and encroach into the southern tip respectively. Both roads are elevated with limited screening which restricts views beyond and reduces the sense of tranquillity on these edges. Views are also locally restricted by occasional small blocks and lines of deciduous trees, but there are some longer distance views to Thorpe Marsh cooling towers to the north west.

Recent Landscape ImpactsNoise and movement from the adjacent motorway and main road reduce the tranquillity of the area.

Large scale development has been constructed at West Moor Park employment site near the M18 motorway junction. This takes the form of warehouses which extend from the adjacent LCA to the south into the southern tip of the LCA.

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Landscape Value and QualityThis is a distinctive and intact agricultural area. There are few manmade intrusions with the major roads on the southern and eastern edges of the LCA and the West Moor Park employment site being large scale but restricted to one edge. Overall it is considered to be a high quality landscape. There are only a few small local regional nature sites and the area is moderately tranquil. This LCA is considered to be of moderate landscape value.

The landscape strategy for G1 – West Moor Peat Moorlands is to Conserve.

ViewersThere are relatively few sensitive viewers within the LCA. These include users of the few public rights of way and residents of West Moor Farm. Sensitive viewers outside the LCA include residents of the farms that border the area and residents on the southern edge of Dunsville. There are large numbers of less sensitive viewers passing by the edges of the LCA on the elevated M18 and A630 roads.



Broad Landscape Capacity for Housing DevelopmentHousing development is not currently found in this landscape and it is considered that such a development would be detrimental to the rural undisturbed character and fragment a small and vulnerable LCA. It would disrupt the strong pattern and detract from its simplicity by introducing a new element. There would be a large change in views increasing local enclosure where it is currently open and changing the naturalistic quality of the views but this would aff ect a relatively small number of sensitive viewers.

The potential for mitigation is limited and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Locate away from public rights of way to maintain the open views where they already exist.

Build on a smaller scale to fi t with the sizes of the woodlands and scale of the existing farm to limit disruption to the existing pattern of the landscape.

Build in old style red brick as on used at West Moor Farm.

Reduce visual impacts by locating with respect to existing screening.

In view of the above the landscape capacity for housing in G1 – West Moor Peat Moorlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Strategic EmploymentLarge scale built development is not characteristic of this largely undeveloped LCA. This type of development is currently only found on the southern tip where the West Moor Park employment site has extended into the LCA from the south. It is considered that further strategic development would be detrimental to the generally undeveloped rural character and would result in further encroachment into an already small LCA. Its scale would be too large for this area and it would dominate this simple landscape and erase its strong pattern. Although it is unlikely to be highly visible beyond the immediate vicinity of the LCA, it would result in a major change in views for relatively few sensitive viewers and larger numbers of less sensitive viewers passing by on the adjacent elevated roads.

The potential for mitigation is considered and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Select building colours to integrate into the background for longer distance viewers such as whites and greys when set against skylines and earthy greens and browns against fi eld and woodlands.

Locate where it is not visible from public right of way such as where trees and hedges provide screening.

Locate near to existing developed areas to limit fragmentation of intact farmland.

Use existing main roads for access to avoid adding more roads.

Use green roofs to integrate the development into the landscape and help to create a sustainable image for Doncaster Borough.

Retain existing drains and use a sustainable urban drainage scheme with wetland vegetation characteristic of the existing drains.

The landscape capacity for strategic employment in G1 – West Moor Peat Moorland is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Mineral WorkingsThis type of development would have a large landscape impact on this small and intact rural area. Road access is currently limited and new access roads or upgrading of existing farm tracks would reduce the distinctiveness of its character. It would reduce the tranquillity of the LCA further and disrupt the simple pattern. Visual impacts are considered to be moderate with the potential for existing hedges and small woodland to provide some degree of screening, the highly visible movement of vehicles on the nearby M18 and A630 road corridors and the relatively limited numbers of sensitive viewers.

The potential for mitigation is considered moderate and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Locate to make use of existing screening to reduce or eliminate some visual impacts.

Locate away from existing public rights of way if possible, but as a minimum retain or divert public rights of way.

Use existing main roads for access to avoid adding more roads.

Retain existing ditches, hedgerows and trees.

Small scale development to fi t with existing landscape elements such as fi elds and small woodlands.

The landscape capacity for mineral workings in G1 – West Moor Peat Moorland is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Compost FacilitiesThe landscape capacity for compost facilities is largely driven by location relative to major roads and the character of the individual farm rather than by landscape character area. Landscape capacity is likely to be higher where the landscape is already disturbed, diverse, larger scale and modern in character; where the agricultural barns and associated farm buildings are medium to large scale and modern not historic in character; and where the farm yard and access roads are well screened. A single farm, West Moor Farm is found in this LCA. Landscape and visual impacts are considered moderate as the farm and buildings already exist and are large scale and modern in character. Also the farm track is of a suitable width and links straight onto the main A630 road, although its surface may need upgrading. It would introduce more movement into the landscape but this is likely to aff ect relatively limited numbers of sensitive viewers. There is already some screening in place along the farm track in the form of a tall hedge.


Plant hedges and trees characteristic of the area alongside the access track to screen vehicle movements.

Screen yards with planting typical of the character areas to visual movement and some noise

Use existing main road and farm track (without widening) for access to reduce loss of character area

The landscape capacity for compost facilities in G1 – West Moor Peat Moorland is judged to be moderate.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for WindpowerWindpower development would introduce a new landscape element into the LCA which may disrupt a highly valued and high quality, relatively undeveloped landscape. There are relatively few manmade infl uences or built elements, and wind turbines would add to the diversity of a simple landscape with a large to medium scale clear pattern of planted elements. It would bring movement into currently still parts of the LCA and would not fi t with the small size of the LCA. Visual impacts could be high with the settlements of Armthorpe and Dunscroft being very close and potentially large numbers of sensitive viewers outside of the LCA particularly on the edges of Doncaster urban area. Also they are likely to be visible for long distances to the east due to the fl at landform. Any new access road would change the nature and character of the existing lanes but after installation should remain relatively quiet and tranquil.

The potential for mitigation is considered limited and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Smaller scale and fewer turbines would fi t better in this small LCA.

Locate in the more disturbed areas near West Moor Park and the major road corridors.

Use existing woodland to screen the lower parts of the wind turbines.

Avoid constructing new access tracks and use existing farm tracks for installation and maintenance access.

Locate away from settlement edges.

Consider and avoid visual impacts to the internationally designated wild areas of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors to the east in LCA G2.

The landscape capacity for windpower in G1 – West Moor Peat Moorland is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for BiomassWillow biomass is not a traditional crop of this area, although some willow was observed in the fi eld boundaries and it is ecologically suitable for wet peat areas. It would fi t with the monoculture of the arable fi elds but would reduce the fi eld pattern by hiding it and reduce the simplicity of this relatively small area. It could enclose views further along the public right of way but there are relatively few sensitive viewers. Long distance viewers would be less aware of changes to views especially those travelling on the major roads passing by the area. Introduction of incinerators and chimneys would not be appropriate in this undeveloped intact rural landscape.


Plant behind existing tall hedgerows to reduce loss of views.

Plant away from public rights of way and lanes to reduce the eff ects of enclosure where views presently exist.

Plant on a scale which fi t the existing fi eld pattern and avoid erasing the existing pattern of crop and land use by not planting in adjacent fi elds.

Retain the ditches to keep existing character.

Introduce mixed planting on the edge of the biomass that is characteristic of the area.

The landscape capacity for biomass in G1 – West Moor Peat Moorlands is judged to be moderate.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Large scale ForestryThis LCA which contains only a few small blocks and lines of deciduous trees, so large blocks of woodland would not be in keeping with its existing character and would introduce more diversity. Its scale would fi t with the large fi eld but would increase enclosure resulting in loss of views, particularly along the farm tracks and public rights of way although there are likely to be relatively few sensitive viewers. There are likely to be many less sensitive viewers passing through the area on the major roads.

The potential for mitigation is moderate and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Plant a mix of species especially around the edges to blend with existing tree and hedge cover.

Use existing roads and tracks for access without widening or otherwise upgrading them.

Avoid enclosing existing public rights of way.

Plant on a scale and pattern to fi t with the existing small woodland to reduce loss of landscape character.

Do not increase the density of the scattered woodlands signifi cantly.

The landscape capacity for large scale forestry in G1 – West Moor Peat Moorlands is judged to be low to none.

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G2 - Thorne & Hatfi eld Peat Moorlands

Key Characteristics

Large scale, open, fl at and low-lying.

Areas of dark peat exposed on Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors where there has been former peat extraction along with regenerating heathland.

Empty and remote feeling landscape on the Moors.

Moors surrounded by area of scrubby woodland and a blocks of more mature deciduous trees which restrict views from the landscape beyond.

Limited access with no roads and few public footpaths onto the Moors.

Areas beyond the Moors are mainly arable farming with turf grown as a crop in some fi elds and occasional pasture.

Large geometric fi elds in a regular grid pattern bounded by straight ditches and occasional hedges and mature trees.

Scattered farmsteads surrounded by large sheds and shelterbelt trees.

Single built up area in the north west of the LCA at Thorne and Moorends.

Intrusive motorways, straight roads and a railway line on elevated embankments and a canal cut across the landscape beyond the Moors.

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Landscape DescriptionThorne and Hatfi eld Moors are the largest lowland raised bogs in Britain and internationally important areas for wildlife. They were previously used for large scale peat extraction which has now ceased and restoration of the lowland bog habitat is ongoing. There are no public roads onto or near the moors requiring access on foot over some distance via a limited number of public rights of way. Within the moors there is an existing network of footpaths and tracks. The moors have a sense of being a remote and secret landscape. The emptiness contrasts with the burgeoning variety of living organisms which are present. The Moors are fl at and open with exposed areas of dark peat, regenerating heathland and surrounded by belts of scrubby woodland as well a blocks of more mature deciduous trees.

To the west of Hatfi eld Moor are former quarry areas restored to wetlands. The landscape between the Moors and to the west of Thorne Moors is arable farmland consisting mostly of large geometric fi elds bounded by straight ditches with a few hedges and mature trees. A few fi elds contain a crop of turf or pasture. The landscape is fairly open but views onto the Moors are restricted by mature deciduous trees on their edges. There is a scattering of farmsteads often built in red brick and surrounded by large sheds and a shelterbelt of trees. The remains of the former Thorne deep coal mine are located near Thorne and Moorends which are the only built up areas. Major transport corridors cross the farmland on raised embankments including two motorways and a railway line, and the Stainforth and Keadby Canal. Other roads are straight, slightly elevated above the surrounding landscape and lined by well maintained ditches.

Recent Landscape Impacts

Noise and movement from the motorways, main roads and aircraft overhead from the nearby Robin Hood Airport reduce the tranquillity of the area.

Loss and fragmentation of hedges has resulted from the intensifi cation of arable farmland.

New built development alongside main roads.

Removal of Thorne Colliery pit head winding gear.

Cessation of peat extraction, habitat restoration and improved public access to the Moors.

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Landscape Value and QualityThis is a highly distinctive landscape which includes intact farmland with few manmade intrusions as well as the large lowland raised bog areas of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. Overall this is rated as a high quality landscape. Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors are internationally designated nature sites and Thorne Moors is currently designated as an Area of Special Landscape Value. There are a few other small nature sites scattered across the rest of the LCA. Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors are used for educational and recreational purposes. They have a sense of remoteness and tranquillity although the surrounding LCA is disturbed in the vicinity of major transport corridors. Overall this LCA is considered to be of high landscape value.

The landscape strategy for G2 – Thorne and Hatfi eld Peat Moorlands is to Conserve.

ViewersViews are relatively open and long distance, but there are small numbers of sensitive viewers. These include the few residents of farms, residents on the edges of the settlements of Thorne and Moorends and the highly sensitive footpath users on the small number of public rights of way and on the Moors themselves. Viewers on the Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors are considered to be particularly sensitive due to the high level of remoteness and tranquillity that is found in these locations. There are larger numbers of less sensitive viewers passing through the LCA on the major transport corridors including the motorways, main roads and railway who would have long distance views in this fl at landscape and due to their raised elevation.



Broad Landscape Capacity for Housing DevelopmentIn the following capacity assessment it is assumed that development is not appropriate on the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. The areas assessed and described as follows are the landscapes surrounding them.

This type or scale of development is not generally found in this landscape with the exception of the settlements of Thorne and Moorends in the north west of the LCA. It is considered that such a development would generally be detrimental to the intact rural character of the farmland that forms the setting for Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. It would disrupt the strong pattern and detract from its simplicity by introducing a new element. It would fi t with the straight lines in the landscape and the scale of the settlements of Thorne and Moorends but not with the scale of the farmsteads. It could also reduce the width of or intrude into the undisturbed farmed ‘buff er zone’ around the edges of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. However, in some areas such as on the urban edges or in the vicinity of the motorways there is already some man-made intrusions and disruption to tranquillity. There would be a large change in views increasing local enclosure where it is currently open and changing the naturalistic quality of the views but this would aff ect a relatively small number of sensitive viewers. The change in views would be perceived by larger numbers of less sensitive travellers passing through the landscape on major transport corridors.


Locate on the edges of Thorne or Moorends where the landscape is already disturbed.

Locate outside the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors and do not encroach onto the undisturbed and intact farmed buff er zone around them.

Avoid other designated nature sites.

Reduce visual impacts by locating where existing elements provide screening for sensitive viewers.

Retain the drains and incorporate into a sustainable urban drainage scheme.

Use a geometric layout to fi t with the existing lines in the landscape.

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Development to be of a scale that fi ts with the scale of existing landscape elements such as at that location.

Locate away from public rights of way to maintain the open views where they already exist.

Ensure that there would be no visual impacts for viewers on Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors.

In view of the above the overall landscape capacity for housing in G2 – Thorne and Hatfi eld Peat Moorlands is judged to be low to none.

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Detailed Housing Survey for Northern Edge of ThorneThe settlement of Thorne is a market town with the Moorends just to the north being constructed to house workers when Thorne Colliery opened. The northern edge of Thorne has almost merged with Moorends just to the east of the minor road between them. To the west of the road, the landscape consists of a single large irregularly shaped fi eld and a much smaller fi eld surrounded by tall hawthorn hedge which serves to screen the edge of Moorends. This farmland is cut off from the land further west by a railway line. The views are dominated by urban infl uences with a line of pylons running across one fi eld, the urban edge of Thorne, the busy road between the settlements and the houses to the east of the road where the settlements have almost merged. The urban edge of Thorne contains two storey semi-detached houses in brown brick. The edge is clear cut and is softened and screened by occasional trees on the edge. There are some large grey buildings set back into the edge which are partially screened by clumps of hawthorn. There is no obvious degradation in the farmland but this it is an already a small and isolated pocket.

The only designations in the vicinity are nature sites along the railway line to the west. The tranquillity of the area is reduced due to the presence of the busy road and built elements dominating the landscape. This area is considered to be of low landscape value. The landscape is not particularly distinctive as the arable farmland is isolated and is dominated by the elements that border it including housing edges on two sides, an uncharacteristically tall hedge and a busy road. However the landscape is in good condition and the landscape quality is considered to be moderate.

Housing development in any part of the area to the north of Thorne would compromise the integrity of the remaining arable farmland which is already a small and isolated pocket. It would merge the settlements of Thorne and Moorends although they are already very close. It would not take the urban edge closer to the edge of Thorne Moors so helping to maintain the remote setting of the Moors. This development would fi t with the scale of the larger fi eld and would not be detrimental to the pattern of the landscape which has already been largely lost.

The area is relatively enclosed visual impacts would be confi ned to viewers in the immediate surroundings and are considered to be limited. Viewers would experience an increased enclosure, loss of views to a small area of farmland and loss of the sense of separation between settlements.


Retain the public right of way and create a buff er zone along their edges to reduce the visual impacts.

Set the development back slightly from the road to limit sense of enclosure on the road and soften and enhance this edge with hedge and tree planting

Retain the existing hawthorn hedges.

Retain the ditches and incorporate them into a sustainable urban drainage scheme.

Conserve key landscape features including the roadside ditches and the hedgerows.

The landscape capacity for housing development on the northern edge of Thorne is judged to be moderate.

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Detailed Housing Survey for the North Western Edge of ThorneThe landscape along the western edge of Thorne consists of a narrow strip of unmanaged pasture with horses grazing , clumps of trees and remnants of hawthorn hedgerows along former small scale, geometric fi eld boundaries. A public right of way run along the length of this area and the area appears to be well used for informal recreation. Another public right of way enclosed by trees and hedges crosses the area on a former minor road linking Thorne to the landscape on the western side of the railway line. Views are enclosed by the railway line to the west which is well screened by trees and the urban edge of Thorne. Most of the urban edge consists of red brick semi-detached houses which are partially screened and softened by mature trees and hedges along the edge. There are some recently constructed three storey apartments on the southern tip of the area assessed which are highly visible as they are not screened or softened by vegetation.

There are small nature sites along the railway corridor immediately to the west. This landscape is moderately tranquil as it is away from busy roads and due to the screening on the Thorne urban edge. The M18 motorway is not visible at this location but causes some disturbance due to its continuous background noise. It appears that the area is valued for its informal recreational value. Landscape value considered to be moderate. The landscape retains some distinctiveness despite its small size and isolation as it still has some fi eld pattern visible with remnant hedgerows and some mature trees. It is a smaller scale and less well managed landscape than found in the LCA as a whole. However, it has become fragmented and in poor condition with fl y tipping and the land is unmanaged, so the landscape quality is considered to be moderate.

Development would result in the remaining pattern of the landscape being lost or its integrity compromised. Users would be aff ected by a loss of informal recreational space away from roads. The landscape impacts would be localised resulting in the loss of a small and isolated area and are considered to be moderate. There is a high level of enclosure provided by the railway line and Thorne urban edge on two sides so that visual impacts will be limited to the immediate vicinity. There are a few sensitive viewers on the edges of Thorne and on the public rights of way and informal recreational users of the area. It is considered that visual impacts would be moderate for the few sensitive viewers against the backdrop of the existing urban edges.


Develop only the southern extreme of the area assessed, retaining the northern part for informal recreational use.

Create a buff er zone between housing and nature sites.

Avoid placing three storey apartments on the urban edge.

Create a clear-cut urban edge that is softened and screened with clumps of trees and shrubs as found on the existing urban edge.

Retain and reinforce hedgerows along former fi eld boundary lines and also along the public right of way that extends from Thorne along a former minor road across the railway line.

Conserve key landscape features including the mature tree clumps, the hedgerows, the public footpath and the mature vegetation alongside the railway line.

The landscape capacity for housing development on the western edge of Thorne is judged to be moderate.

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Detailed Housing Survey for the Eastern Edge of ThorneThe eastern edge of Thorne is mostly contained by a public right of way running along this edge. However, in several places the edge is stepped out to the east of this route and appears to follow former fi eld boundary lines. The urban edge is not particularly unifi ed with a variety of building materials and housing styles, a school, a water tower and various types and degrees of screening of the edge including ornamental conifers and hawthorn hedges. At the northern extreme of the edge is an industrial estate which is bounded by fencing. The landscape adjacent to the edge consists of mainly large arable fi elds with ditches and occasional mature trees along former fi eld boundary lines but few hedges. There are also some smaller arable fi elds. Minor roads which are slightly raised are set slightly away from the urban edge. To the east of these roads are tracks providing access to several nearby farms. A public right of way links the edge of Thorne to a minor road to the east. A railway line cuts across the southern part of this edge bordered by mature vegetation.

The area adjacent to the eastern edge of Thorne is fairly tranquil although there is some occasional noise from the railway line and the landscape is considered to be of moderate value. This is considered to be a high quality landscape with a relatively distinctive character representative of the LCA as a whole, few intrusive elements and in good condition.

The development would bring the housing edge closer to the farms just to the east of the minor road. It would also bring the urban edge of Thorne closer to Thorne Moors. The industrial estate is the closest part of this edge to the Moors. The existing edge is rather disjointed and further development provides an opportunity to unify it. The development would fi t with the scale of the larger fi elds and the geometric lines but not the scale of the smaller fi elds. Overall the landscape impacts are judged to be moderate. Views are fairly contained by mature vegetation along the railway line to the south, by hedges along the minor roads to the east and by the urban edge of Thorne. The few sensitive viewers include some residents on Thorne edge and from properties to the east of the road whose views are not currently screened and some public rights of way users. The visual impacts will not be high due to the relatively small number of sensitive viewers and the context of the change against the backdrop of the existing edge. However, the sense of enclosure may be increased along the public rights of way.


Don’t extend the urban edge further out than the existing industrial estate and minor roads to avoid bringing the urban edge closer to Thorne Moors.

Ensure that there is a clear-cut urban edge which is well separated from the farmland beyond.

Fill gaps in the roadside hedges to screen views and maintain separation between the urban edge and the farmland beyond.

Enhance the urban edge, soften and unify it using tree and hedge planting.

Use a complementary palette of materials to unify the edge of the development.

Retain the public right of way and include a buff er zone between this and the development to reduce the sense of enclosure.

Retain the ditches and incorporate them into a sustainable urban drainage scheme.

Conserve key landscape features including the mature trees, ditches, public rights of way and roadside hedges.

The landscape capacity for housing development on the eastern edge of Thorne is judged to be moderate.

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Part 4 - 3 of 199Doncaster Landscape Character & Capacity Study


Use green roofs to integrate the development into the landscape and help to create a sustainable image for Doncaster Borough.

Retain the drains and incorporate into a sustainable urban drainage scheme with wetland vegetation characteristic of the existing drains.


The landscape capacity for strategic employment in G2 – Thorne and Hatfi eld Peat Moorland is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Strategic EmploymentIn the following capacity assessment it is assumed that development is not appropriate on the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. The areas assessed and described as follows are the landscapes surrounding them.

Large scale built development is not characteristic of this LCA and is currently only found on the edge of Thorne and at the former deep mine workings to the east of Moorends. It is considered that further strategic development would be detrimental to the generally undeveloped rural character and would result in encroachment into the intact farmed ‘buff er zone’ around Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. Its scale would be too large relative to the existing built elements in the landscape and it would reduce the simplicity and strong pattern of this landscape. There is already some disturbance associated with the motorways passing through the area, but if local roads were upgraded to carry large vehicles this could change the character of the landscape. This type of development would result in a major change in views for relatively few sensitive viewers and larger numbers of less sensitive viewers passing by on the adjacent elevated roads.


Locate outside the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors and do not encroach onto the undisturbed and intact farmed buff er zone around them.

Avoid other designated nature sites within the LCA.

Use colours which integrate into the background for longer distance viewers, such as whites and greys when set against skylines and earthy greens and browns against fi eld and woodlands.

Some screening using trees characteristic of the area, such as lines of trees along drains as existing, could reduce but not eliminate visual impacts.

Locate near to existing disturbance to limit fragmentation of intact farmland.

Use existing main roads for access to avoid either adding more roads or upgrading existing minor roads or farm tracks which would alter landscape character.

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Detailed Strategic Employment Survey at Bradholme to the South of ThorneThis area of land sits to the south of Thorne and is contained by the busy A614 and A18 to the west and south and by a minor road to the east. It consists of arable farmland with large, fl at fi elds which are less regular than found in much of the LCA. There are occasional low fragmented hedge fi eld boundaries, straight roads, a network of ditches and occasional mature trees including some rows of Lombardy poplars. This area is separated from Thorne by the Stainforth and Keadby Canal which serves as a strong edge containing the built up area of Thorne. The urban edge is well screened by a line of trees along the southern side of the canal which is also the route of a public footpath. The A614 and A18 roads to the west and south are well screened by hedges and trees with occasional gaps. There are few intrusive elements which include a line of pylons and power lines across the site and distant views to the Thorpe Marsh cooling towers.

The area assessed is considered to be a high quality landscape with a distinctive character and in good condition. It is moderately tranquil with some noise from the adjacent busy roads which are screened by hedges. There are no landscape or nature designations in the area. In view of this the landscape value is considered to be moderate.

This type of development would have a major negative impact on the strongly rural character of this site and its setting. It would have a negative impact on the setting of the current recreational activities on and alongside the canal. Although it is adjacent to an urban area, built development is well contained and screened on this edge. This type of development would reduce an area of intact farmland but fragmentation of farmland in the surrounding area would be reduced as it is on the edge of an existing built up area and bordered on two sides by main roads. The development would not fi t with the scale of the existing buildings and scale of the settlement of Thorne. It would disrupt the pattern and add to the diversity of a relatively simple landscape. It would not move the urban edge closer to the edge of Thorne Moors but is likely to be visible from long distance viewers to the east. There is some screening around the edges of the area, but the development would be highly visible resulting in a major change in view and enclosure for some sensitive viewers on the edge of Thorne and on the public footpath along the canal. The site is highly visible from the minor road to the east and may also be viewed by the residents of the farms further to the east.


Use existing main roads for access and do not upgrade the minor roads or farm tracks or add new roads.

Create a wide buff er zone between the development and the canal.

Retain mature trees and restore fragmented and missing hedges.

Layout of the development should fi t with the pattern of the fi elds and woodlands.

Use colours which integrate into the background for longer distance viewers, such as earthy greens and browns for fi eld and woodlands or whites and greys when set against skylines.

Use additional tree and hedgerows to screen the east side of the development.

Retain the network of ditches and incorporate them into a sustainable urban drainage scheme.

Incorporate green roofs to integrate the development into the landscape and help to create a sustainable image for Doncaster Borough.

The landscape capacity for strategic employment at Bradholme to the south of Thorne is judged to be low.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Mineral WorkingsIn the following capacity assessment it is assumed that development is not appropriate on the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. The areas assessed and described as follows are the landscapes surrounding them. Mineral workings are a former land use in much of the LCA. Until recently large scale peat extraction was carried out on Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors, there was deep coal mining at Thorne and there are some restored sand and gravel workings in the far south west of the LCA. Outside of the moors, these are fairly well contained and have not encroached greatly onto the surrounding intact farmland. This type of development would have a major landscape impact on the remaining intact rural area and could encroach into the surroundings of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. It would fi t with the scale of the larger fi elds, but would reduce the tranquillity and disrupt the strong simple pattern. New access roads or upgrading of existing farm tracks would reduce the distinctiveness of its character. The development would be highly visible where there is currently no screening, but there would be few sensitive viewers.


Locate outside the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors and do not encroach onto the intact, farmed buff er zone around them.

Avoid other designated nature sites within the LCA.

Locate workings to make use of existing screening to reduce or eliminate some visual impacts.

Locate on the larger scale areas such as the arable fi elds and retain existing ditches, hedgerows and trees.

Replace hedgerows along fi eld boundaries to help screen the development.

Locate away from existing public rights of way if possible, or at least divert public rights of way.

Use existing main roads for access to avoid upgrading or adding more roads.


The landscape capacity for mineral workings in G2 – Thorne and Hatfi eld Peat Moorlands is judged to be low.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Compost FacilitiesIn the following capacity assessment it is assumed that development is not appropriate on the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. The areas assessed and described as follows are the landscapes surrounding them. The landscape capacity for compost facilities is largely driven by location relative to major roads and the character of the individual farm rather than by landscape character area. Outside of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors there are a many scattered farms with existing large barns mostly accessed by farm tracks linking to minor public roads. Any changes to these minor roads or lanes would signifi cantly change the intact landscape character including impacts on the scale, pattern and sense of movement in the landscape. Landscape capacity is likely to be higher where the landscape is already disturbed, diverse, larger scale and modern in character; where the agricultural barns and associated farm buildings are medium to large scale and modern not historic in character; and where the farm yard and access roads are well screened.

In addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 this document, mitigation could be achieved by the following:

Screen any roads with obviously increased levels of traffi c

Screen yards to visual movement and some noise

Locate on farms located adjacent to the wider roads to avoid upgrading or widening farm tracks and minor roads.

Replace any hedges trees and ditches removed for road widening

Locate facilities on modern large scale farms.


The landscape capacity for compost facilities in G2 – Thorne and Hatfi eld Peat Moorland is judged to be dependant on the factors described above. Each proposed facility should be judged individually against these criteria.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for WindpowerIn the following capacity assessment it is assumed that development is not appropriate on the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. The areas assessed and described as follows are the landscapes surrounding them. Windpower is a new type of development in this LCA which may disrupt a highly valued and high quality, relatively undeveloped landscape. There are relatively few manmade infl uences, built elements or vertical elements in this landscape. Wind turbines would add to the diversity of a simple landscape, could bring movement into currently still parts of the LCA and would be detrimental to the remote setting of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. New access roads would change the nature and character of the existing farm tracks. Wind turbines would be highly visible from a distance due to the fl at landform and limited screening elements in the landscape. Visual impacts are likely to be high due to the particularly sensitive viewers on Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors and the undeveloped, still and remote nature of the existing views on the moors.



Ensure that there would be no visual impacts for the very sensitive viewers on Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors.

Screen lower parts of the structures by replacing lost hedges on fi eld boundaries.

Locate in the more disturbed areas such as near the major road corridors.

Avoid constructing new access tracks and use existing farm tracks for installation and maintenance access.

Locate away from settlement edges.

The landscape capacity for windpower in G2 – Thorne and Hatfi eld Peat Moorland is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for BiomassIn the following capacity assessment it is assumed that development is not appropriate on the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. The areas assessed and described as follows are the landscapes surrounding them.

Willow biomass is not a current crop in this area, although it is ecologically suitable for wet peat areas. It would fi t with the arable fi elds but reduce the fi eld pattern by hiding it and reduce the existing simplicity of this landscape. There are not many trees and hedges are fragmented and often missing, so they would provide limited screening. Due to the open landscape there would be moderate changes in views from a distance and a biomass crop would enclose views in a currently open landscape. Introduction of incinerators and chimneys would not be appropriate in this undeveloped intact rural landscape.


Plant away from public rights of way to reduce the eff ects of enclosure.

Plant on a scale which fi t the existing fi eld pattern, that is not in adjacent fi elds.

Avoid erasing the existing pattern of crop and land use by not planting in adjacent fi elds or in a greater proportion than other crops or pasture.

Retain the ditches to maintain existing character.

Introduce mixed planting on the edge of the biomass that is characteristic of the area.

Locate outside the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors.

The landscape capacity for biomass in G2 – Thorne and Hatfi eld Peat Moorlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Large scale ForestryIn the following capacity assessment it is assumed that development is not appropriate on the internationally designated nature sites of Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. The areas assessed and described as follows are the landscapes surrounding them.

Large blocks of woodland are not generally characteristic of this LCA. There are areas of deciduous trees on the edges and within Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors, but there are limited numbers of trees in the surrounding farmland. The straight edges and scale would fi t with the arable fi elds but it would introduce more diversity into a simple landscape. Large scale forestry would increase enclosure in an open landscape resulting in loss and fragmentation of views from public rights of way and residential edges. It could also alter the character of the intact arable farmland which forms a setting for Thorne and Hatfi eld Moors. The large changes in view would also be visible to less sensitive viewers passing through the area on the major roads.

The potential for mitigation is limited and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:


Locate on the more disturbed and enclosed areas.

Planting a mix of species especially around the edges to blend with existing tree and hedge cover.

Use existing roads and tracks for access without widening or otherwise upgrading them.

Avoid enclosing existing public rights of way.

The landscape capacity for large scale forestry in G2 – Thorne and Hatfi eld Peat Moorlands is judged to be low to none.

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g - peat moorlands character type... · character of the individual farm rather than by landscape...

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