landscape character & visual amenity - calderdale€¦ · landscape character & visual...
TRANSCRIPT
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
1
fpcr
ID Planning
Thornhills Lane, Draft Allocation Calderdale Local Plan
Landscape Character and Visual Amenity
April 2018
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
2
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd Registered Office: Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby DE74 2RH Company No. 07128076. [T] 01509 672772 [F] 01509 674565 [E] [email protected] [W] www.fpcr.co.uk This report is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd. Ordnance Survey material is used with permission of The Controller of HMSO, Crown copyright 100018896.
Rev Issue Status Prepared / Date Approved/Date
27.04.18
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
3
fpcr
CONTENTS
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................
2.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................
3.0 PLANNING CONTEXT ..........................................................................................................
4.0 LANDSCAPE CONTEXT .......................................................................................................
5.0 BASELINE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL AMENITY .............................................
6.0 DESIGN APPROACH & POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ........................................................
7.0 SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................
FIGURES
Figure 1: Site Location Plan
Figure 2: Aerial Photograph
Figure 3: Environmental Designations
Figure 4: Topography Plan
Figure 5: Landscape Character
Figure 6: Visual Amenity Plan
Figure 7-11: Photograph Viewpoints
Appendix A: Methodology
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
4
fpcr
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 This is a Landscape Character and Visual Amenity prepared by FPCR Environment & Design Ltd
on behalf of ID Planning.
1.2 The report considers the land at Thornhills Lane, Brighouse that is identified as a housing allocation
(LP1463) in the draft Calderdale Local Plan (July 2017). The draft allocation, hereon referred to as
the site, lies on the eastern edge of Brighouse and covers around 111 ha of land. The site is
proposed within the draft plan by the Council as a “Garden Suburb” with an indicative capacity for
1,926 homes. The site is shown in Figures 1-2.
1.3 The draft Local Plan states:
“The Local Plan identifies a number of key sites and locations which are essential to the delivery
of the strategy. These include the identified Garden Suburbs at Brighouse and Rastrick and larger
development sites which could accommodate in excess of 50/100 dwellings” (§13.40)
1.4 Building upon the Council’s “Garden Suburb” vision, a 'ground up' landscape led masterplanning
approach would ensure that the site’s principal assets (i.e. the settlement of Thornhills;
Thornhills Beck and its valley; steeply sloping fields; woodland, mature trees and ecological
features; and the site’s lanes and rights of way) are sensitively conserved and form the basis in
which to guide the location of development. The conservation of existing landscape features would
underpin the scheme’s wider green infrastructure strategy. These existing features can be suitably
expanded and enhanced by the addition of new green infrastructure such as new woodland planting
and accessible greenspace to define and contain built development parcels and to assimilate
development within the landscape.
1.5 As part of any potential planning application, primary and secondary design and landscape
mitigation measures would be developed. This would ensure that the location, layout and
disposition of built uses within the site are sensitively assimilated into the landscape so that the
impact and consequential effects on landscape and visual receptors is minimised.
1.6 Through an analysis of landscape and visual resources, and subject to a sensitively designed
masterplan that is expected to include an extensive green infrastructure strategy, it is considered
that the site and its landscape context is tolerant of change, and has the capacity to absorb well-
designed and well-planned development without resulting in any unacceptable long term
landscape and visual harm.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
5
fpcr
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 The purpose of this report is to explore landscape character1 and visual amenity2. It also assess
the ability for the landscape of the site and its context to absorb change in the form of new
development.
2.2 The report includes a series of design principles from a landscape and visual perspective that can
guide development upon the site. These principles are focused upon minimising landscape and
visual impacts through well-designed mitigation strategies that can be developed through any
future masterplanning process.
2.3 It is expected that any planning application for development on the site would include further
analysis through the means of a Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) - as well as other
environmental studies. The LVIA would provide judgments on the magnitude of change and the
level of effects on receiving landscape receptors3 and visual receptors4. The LVIA, alongside
additional environmental, planning and technical work, would guide the masterplanning process.
METHODOLOGY
2.4 This report has been prepared using the guidance contained within the Guidelines for Landscape
and Visual Impact Assessment GLVIA3 (2013)5. The FPCR Methodology is contained in
Appendix A.
2.5 The report provides an understanding of the landscape that would potentially be affected, in terms
of constituent elements, character, condition and value. For the visual baseline this includes an
understanding of the area in which people experience views of the site, and the nature of these
views.
Landscape Character
2.6 The baseline landscape is described by reference to existing landscape character assessments
and by a description of the site and its context through the field work analysis.
2.7 The characteristics of the existing landscape resource is considered in respect of the
susceptibility of the landscape resource to accommodate change arising from development. The
value of the landscape is also considered.
Visual Amenity
2.8 A series of preliminary viewpoints are included which are judged to provide representative views
towards the site for some of the principal visual receptors. The views typically represent what can
be seen from a variety of distances and from different viewing experiences.
2.9 The visual receptors most susceptible to change are generally likely to include:
1 Landscape Character: A distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different form another, rather than better or worse [GLVIA3 definition] 2 Visual Amenity: The overall pleasantness of the views people enjoy of their surroundings, which provides an attractive visual setting or backdrop for the enjoyment of activities of people living, working, recreating, visiting or travelling through an area [GLVIA3 definition] 3 Landscape receptors: Defined aspects of the landscape resource that have the potential to be affected by a proposal [GLVIA definition] 4 Visual receptors: Individuals and/or defined groups of people who have the potential to be affected by a proposal [GLVIA3 definition] 5 Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition, Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, April 2013
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
6
fpcr
• Residents at home;
• People engaged in outdoor recreation, including use of public rights of way, whose
attention or interest is likely to be focused on the landscape or particular views;
• Visitors to heritage assets or other attractions, where views of surroundings are an
important contributor to the experience; and
• Communities where views contribute to the landscape setting enjoyed by residents in the
area.
2.10 Visual receptors likely to be less sensitive to change include:
• People engaged in outdoor sport or recreation which does not involve or depend upon
appreciation of views of the landscape;
• People at their place of work whose attention may be focused on their work or activity,
not on their surroundings.
3.0 PLANNING CONTEXT
3.1 The following provides a summary in relation to landscape matters.
National Context
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF 2012)6
3.2 The NPPF sets out the Government’s planning polices and how these are expected to be applied.
At the heart of the NPPF is the presumption in the favour of sustainable development.
3.3 The core planning principles includes the following:
• “take account of the different roles and character of different areas, promoting the vitality of our
main urban areas, protecting the Green Belts around them, recognising the intrinsic character
and beauty of the countryside and supporting thriving rural communities within it” (§ 17)
Planning Practice Guidance (PPG 2014)
3.4 The PPG is an online planning resource that provides guidance on the NPPF. The PPG states
that:
"One of the core principles in the National Planning Policy Framework is that planning should
recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside. Local plans should include strategic
policies for the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment, including landscape.
This includes designated landscapes but also the wider countryside " (§001 Reference ID: 8-001-
20140306)
Local Context
Replacement Calderdale Unitary Development Plan (2009)
3.5 Until such time as the new Calderdale Local Plan is adopted (which is expected to be at the end of
2019) the Development Plan is the current Replacement Caldersale Unitary Development Plan
(RCUDP).
6 National Planning Policy Framework, Communities & Local Government, March 2012
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
7
fpcr
3.6 Strategic and Core Policies include GNE 2 Protection of the Environment. This states that:
“Development should protect, conserve and enhance the character, quality and diversity of the
natural, historic and cultural environment (whether in urban or outlying areas) within the district in
order to improve the quality of life for all and to maintain the natural heritage of the district for use
for future generations and for its own sake”
3.7 There is no specific landscape character policy per se, although the RCDUP states that:
“Policies NE1 to NE10 seek to protect the quality of the environmental and agricultural land within
the Green Belt” (The site and the surrounding land around Brighouse lies within the Green Belt)
3.8 The plan includes a landscape designation in the form of Special Landscape Areas, as expressed
within Policy NE12. The site and the landscape to the east of Brighouse does not lie within a Special
Landscape Area. These designation are predominantly within the western parts of the
Borough.
Draft Calderdale Local Plan (2017)
3.9 The site - along with a number of other draft allocations for development - is proposed as a Green
Belt release. It is identified as a housing allocation (LP1463) in the draft Calderdale Local Plan and
is referred to as a “Garden Suburb”.
3.10 Draft Policy IM7, which covers the masterplanning for these “Garden Suburbs”, lists a number of
design measures. With relevance to landscape matters this is expected to include:
“high standards of design that respect the character of the landscape, heritage, adjacent and
nearby settlements and built development, reflecting the urban to rural transition with appropriate
boundary treatment;
make effective use of the site through the application of appropriate densities in terms of scale,
height and massing, and its relationship to adjoining buildings and landscape;
create a strong sense of place, ensuring the proposed development makes a positive contribution
to local character and distinctiveness
accessible open space to meet identified local needs and/or increase accessibility to existing open
spaces; a green infrastructure strategy, providing an integrated network of green spaces;”
3.11 The emerging plan includes draft Policies: GN1 Securing Green Infrastructure Provision; GN2 A
Joined up Green Infrastructure Network; GN3 Natural Environment; and GN4 Landscape
Character. This latter policy states the following:
“New development should be designed in a way that is sensitive to its landscape setting, retaining
and enhancing the distinctive qualities of the landscape area in which it would be situated. For each
Landscape Character Area, planning permission will only be granted if the proposed development
would:
Make adequate provision as far as is practicable for the retention of features and habitats of
significant landscape, historic, geological and wildlife importance;
Where possible, enhance the character and qualities of the landscape area through appropriate
design and management;
Reflect and enhance local distinctiveness and diversity; and
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
8
fpcr
Provide appropriate landscape mitigation proportionate in scale and design, and/or suitable off-site
enhancements.”
4.0 LANDSCAPE CONTEXT
4.1 The baseline studies determine and describe the current condition of those aspects of the
environment that are likely to be affected by any development.
4.2 The baseline studies have been formulated following a review of published landscape
characterisation work alongside field surveys of the site and the surrounding landscape. This has
included an understanding of the area of the landscape that may be affected, and the area in which
the development is may be visible
Limitations/Assumptions
4.3 The level of impacts and effects on landscape character and visual amenity cannot be determined
at this stage as there is no masterplan or development proposals in which to assess.
4.4 Reasoned assumptions have been made on the landscape components of the site and the visibility
of the site for receptors based upon the initial field work analysis.
4.5 Further work in terms of landscape character and visual amenity would be undertaken as part of
any future planning application through the process of a Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment
(LVIA). This would include judgments on the effects upon the site’s landscape receptors, such as
woodland and mature trees, as a consequence of the proposed development’s masterplan. Effects
would also take into account design and mitigation measures and green infrastructure strategies.
Designations
4.6 The site and the surrounding landscape is not covered by any landscape quality designation at
either a national or local level. In contrast, much of the landscape within the Borough is covered by
a Special Landscape Area designation within the Development Plan (Policy NE12 of the RCUDP).
According to the RCUDP, these designations covers some 66% of the Borough.
4.7 The Special Landscape Area designations are taken forward within the draft Local Plan (Policy
GN4-Landscape Character), which states that these are “the most important landscapes of the
Borough” and that they need to be safeguarded (§ 20.11).
4.8 Although landscape designations are not an exclusive indicator of quality, designated landscapes
are commonly acknowledged as being of particular importance and sensitivity. What is clear is that
the site and its landscape context lies within an area of lesser landscape importance than around
two-thirds the Borough that is considered to be “important” and which is covered by a Special
Landscape Area designation.
4.9 From a heritage perspective there are no Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas or Listed
Buildings within the site, although the Grade II Listed Woolrow Farmhouse lies adjacent to the west
of Clough Lane. There are a further four separate listings near Birkhouse Farm that lies a little
further to the north. The Grade II Listed Kirklees Park lies some distance (1.4km) to the south of
the site beyond the built up area of the village of Clifton and the M62 Motorway.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
9
fpcr
4.10 A substantial proportion of the Borough, to include the site - although this is removed from the
Green Belt in the draft Local Plan as part of its allocation - and all of the land around Brighouse,
lies within the Green Belt designation.
4.11 In terms of ecology there are areas across the Borough that are referred to as part of a Wildlife
Habitat Network, as described within draft Policy GN2. Within the site this includes a number of
pasture fields in the vicinity of the small village of Thornhills; a narrow belt woodland at Rock Hole
Wood near the watercourse of Thornhills Beck; and the wooded corridor of a dismantled railway
line.
NATIONAL CHARACTER
National Character Area: Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe (2014)
4.12 Landscape character is assessed by Natural England through the use of National Character Area
(NCA) Profiles. These provide a broad contextual understanding and describe the general
characteristics found across these substantial landscape areas. The site, and the wider landscape
around Brighouse, lies within the extensive NCA 37: Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe7 that
covers some 58,000 ha of the landscape. The NCA Profile states:
“The Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe National Character Area (NCA) is a transitional landscape
from the upland areas of the Southern Pennines NCA in the west through to the low-lying land of
the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield NCA to the east”
LOCAL CHARACTER
Calderdale Landscape Character Assessment and Review of Special Landscape Area
Designations (2016)
4.13 Landscape characterisation has been undertaken at localised level across the Borough. The
landscape is subdivided into seven Landscape Character Types (LCTs) and then seventeen
Landscape Character Areas (LCAs).
4.14 The majority of the site and the wider landscape to the east of Brighouse lies within the Coalfield
Edge Urban Fringe Farmland LCT and the Thornton- Queensbury LCA. The very western fringes
of the site lie within the Wooded Rural Valleys LCT and the Clifton Beck LCA. (Figure 5) A summary
of these LCAs are explained below.
Thornton- Queensbury LCA
4.15 The report notes that:
“This LCA is fragmented and comprises urban fringe land to the north and east of Halifax and to
the west, north and east of Brighouse…”
4.16 Its key characteristics are the following
Topography, geology and drainage
7 National Character Area Profile 118: Bristol, Avon Valleys and Ridges, October 2014, Natural England
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
10
fpcr
• The LCA comprises pockets of higher gently undulating ground sloping up from the adjacent
valleys of Shibden Valley (LCA G12) and Clifton Beck (LCA G13).
• Underlying geology of the Pennine Lower Coal Measures formation, comprising sandstones,
shales and mudstones with bands of coal.
• Minor watercourses originating from springs on the higher ground flowing towards the
surrounding valleys, creating the rolling landform.
Woodland cover
• Blocks of broadleaved woodland cloaking the slopes of stream valleys, including some ancient
replanted woodland at Jagger Park Wood.
• Mature trees are a common feature along field boundaries, as are in-field trees.
• Coniferous woodland around Ogden Water is a locally prominent feature.
Land use and field patterns
• A mixed field pattern, ranging from larger-scale arable fields to small-scale pastoral enclosures
which results in a seasonal mosaic of colours and textures.
• Horse paddocks and equestrian enterprises are common around settlements.
• Field boundaries consisting of a mixture of stone walls, wire fences and hedgerows, with
frequent trees.
• Golf courses located on the fringes of settlements, including Crow Nest, Lightcliffe and Willow
Valley Golf Clubs.
Semi-natural habitats
• Broadleaved riparian woodlands forming valued habitats, including Cromwell Wood and Elland
Park Wood (a Site of Ecological Interest). Remnant moorland habitat is found to the west of
Swales Moor.
• Beechwood Park Local Nature Reserve is located in the west of the LCA, recognised for its
woodland and grassland habitat.
Archaeology and cultural heritage
• Numerous disused coal mining shafts and quarries alluding to the mining history of the area,
including a nationally important mine shaft, gin circle, spoil heap and tramway at Brow Pit, near
Holmfield.
• The LCA contains and provides a key part of the setting to Northowram Village Conservation
Area.
Settlement and road pattern
• Includes the settlements of Shelf, Northowram, Hipperholme, Clifton and Southowram which
can visually form a continuation of the surrounding urban areas.
• Within the rural fringes, there are scattered farmsteads with buildings of a traditional local stone
vernacular. These are mixed in with more modern buildings of various styles.
• Several A-roads crossing through the landscape, connecting the main towns. The M62
motorway skirts round the eastern edge of the LCA close to Clifton.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
11
fpcr
• Numerous trails crossing through the landscape, including the Calderdale Way, Brontë Way,
Kirklees Way and Brighouse Boundary Walk.
Views and perceptual qualities
• Urban fringe character, due to the dense urban development adjacent to the LCA, including
Halifax, Brighouse and the outer Bradford suburbs.
• Pylon lines and overhead cables often featuring in views, particularly around Southowram and
Willow Valley Golf Club.
• Views vary due to the strongly undulating land, although are generally expansive due to
elevation. There are long views over Ovenden and Halifax to the uplands beyond in the west.
• In clear conditions, travellers along the Keighley Road (A629) in the north of the LCA can enjoy
expansive views across the district, along the Calder and to the Peak District National Park
beyond”
4.17 The report reaches an evaluation of this LCA. Under the heading of “Valued landscape feature and
attributes” it concludes that:
“The LCA has an urban fringe character with a mixed land use and features such as pylons, golf
courses and modern development, although there are some more rural and tranquil areas found
further away from the main settlements which surround the LCA. Strong visual connections with
the district’s upland landscapes evoke contrasting feelings of remoteness. Tranquillity can be
affected by traffic noise and movement relating to the main roads which run through and adjacent
to the LCA.
This LCA contains and surrounds several settlements; located in the more densely populated
eastern part of the district around Halifax. These include Shelf, Northowram, Hipperholme,
Southowram and Mixenden. The LCA also surrounds and rises up above the larger towns of Halifax
and Brighouse, providing a rural edge to development and visual connection with the upland
landscapes to the west. In clear conditions, elevated land in the north of the LCA (including along
the Keighley Road) allows expansive views across the district, along the Calder and to the Peak
District National Park beyond.
Many trails and footpaths provide access to the landscape, including the Kirklees Way, Calderdale
Way and Brontë Way. A network of other routes links the villages with the surrounding woodland
and countryside. Small patches of Open Access Land are found at Scout Edge, Ringby Farm and
near Beacon Hill.”
Clifton Beck LCA
4.18 The western edges of the site, within the vicinity of the dismantled railway line, are located within
this LCA. The report notes that:
“This LCA consists of one contiguous valley in the east of Calderdale District. The Clifton Beck
Valley is located to the south of Shelf and runs down the eastern side of Brighouse. The LCA is
fully contained within Calderdale.
4.19 Its key characteristics are the following:
Topography, geology and drainage
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
12
fpcr
• Distinctive incised forked valley landform associated with several becks and brooks including
Clifton Beck, Hoyle House Beck, Bottom Hall Beck and Wyke Beck.
• Fast flowing, moss and fern-edged streams cutting down into the underlying Pennine Coal
Measures bedrock.
Woodland cover
• Thick broadleaved woodland including beech, sycamore and Scots pine cloaking the valley
sides. Areas of woodland include Sun Wood, North Wood and Jagger Park Wood. This includes
areas of ancient woodland in the north of the valley.
• There is a significant area of broadleaved woodland located in Wellholme Park in the south of
the LCA. This includes oak, ash, sycamore and rowan.
• In-field and boundary trees are frequent features, adding to the valley’s wooded character.
Land use and field patterns
• Small-medium scale pasture fields arranged in a regular pattern along the valley sides, divided
by a mixture of gritstone walls and hedgerows.
• Disused shafts provide evidence of the landscape’s industrial heritage.
Semi-natural habitats
• Sun Wood, to the south of Shelf, is recognised as a locally important ecological site –
comprising ancient upland oak woodlands.
• Freshwater streams on the valley floor provide semi-natural habitats for aquatic species.
Archaeology and cultural heritage
• Strings of watermills with associated features including mill ponds, races and dismantled
railways located along the valley floor; legacies of the area’s industrial past.
• Wellholme Park in the south of the LCA is recognised as a locally significant park and garden,
as is Shelf Hall Park in the north.
Settlement, road pattern and rights of way
• The valley becomes densely settled in the south where it skirts around Brighouse. Settlement
upstream is sparser and consists of small villages and isolated farms.
• In the north of the valley, roads are infrequent and minor. The A641 runs along the bottom of
the valley to the south of Bailiff Bridge.
• The Bradford to Halifax railway crosses the valley via the Grade II listed Bottom Viaduct.
• The Calderdale Way circular route crosses through much of the LCA, joined by the Brontë Way
and the Brighouse Boundary Walk, along with other footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways.
Views and perceptual qualities
• A secluded, ‘hidden’ and tranquil character created by the incised landform, densely wooded
slopes and pockets free from modern development, particularly in the north.
• There are limited views out as a result of the landform and tree cover.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
13
fpcr
• To the south, there are some urban fringe influences, including pylon lines crossing to the north
of Norwood Green.
• From the upper slopes, views are funnelled south to include the urban form of Brighouse and
the upland fringes beyond.
4.20 Under the heading of “valued landscape feature and attributes” the report concludes that the LCA
is:
Comparatively rural and tranquil considering the proximity of adjacent urban development, although
this can be eroded by the presence of main roads and industrial development, particularly in the
south near Brighouse. The north of the valley is highly tranquil due to low levels of development
and dense woodland.
This valley forms an immediate rural setting to several settlements, providing a green edge to
Brighouse, Lighthouse, Norwood Green and Shelf. Views out are generally limited although can be
more extensive from the upper slopes to include Brighouse and the uplands beyond
There are several long distance rights of way which pass through the LCA, including the Calderdale
Way, Brontë Way and Brighouse Boundary Walk. Shelf Hall Park and Wellholme Park both provide
destinations for informal recreation and amenity for nearby local communities”
Summary
4.21 Whilst the report provides an assessment of the characteristics of these large LCAs, it does not
come to a judgment on landscape quality, value or sensitivity. Nor does it provide recommendations
in terms of landscape management guidelines.
5.0 BASELINE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER & VISUAL AMENITY
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
5.1 The baseline appraisal work has been formulated through the use of a field visit and a review of
the published landscape characterisation work. The following provides an overview.
Site Context
5.2 The study area plan (Figure 1) and the aerial photograph (Figure 2) illustrate the site and its
surrounding landscape context.
5.3 In broad terms the site comprises a comparatively large parcel of agricultural land to the east of the
urban area of Brighouse. It lies between the main transport routes of the A643 (Clifton Common -
Highmoor Lane- Walton Lane) and the A649 (Birkby Lane).
5.4 The wooded corridor of a dismantled railway line lies within the site’s western fringes with the
recreational area of Wellholme Park and the built up area of Brighouse beyond. Part of the western
boundary is defined by Clifton Beck, that is a tributary of the River Calder.
5.5 The site’s southernmost boundary is defined by the A643 and the residential edge of the village of
Clifton. Further south, beyond the village, is an extensive industrial site along the River Calder and
the A644 (Wakefield Road). The A644 connects with the M62 Motorway at Junction 25.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
14
fpcr
5.6 To the north and east, the site boundaries are defined by a combination of Jay House Lane, Clough
Lane and hedgerow boundaries. The well treed Willow Valley Golf Course lies to east of the A643.
5.7 The village of Hartshead Moor Top lies to the north east at the A643-A649 junction. Heading
west, the elevated A649 connects with the built up area of Baliff Bridge.
Site Features & Character
5.8 Within the site is the small village of Thornhills that is accessed from Thornhills Lane and Jay
House Lane. Thornhills, which includes a mix of traditional and more modern buildings, is linear
in its form with properties straddling Thornhills Lane which is narrow in its character. Scattered
farms and individual buildings occur within the site. This includes Green Barn, Pondwell Lodge,
Jay House Farm and Hole Bottom Farm.
5.9 The site is agricultural in nature being farmed as grazing land. Hedges -which are fragmented in
places -, together with fences and dry stone walls define the field pattern. More open, larger and
gently undulating fields lie within the central and eastern parts of the site (see Viewpoints 11-12)
In contrast, a more enclosed pattern of sloping pasture fields lie to west of Thornhills Lane where
the landform falls towards the valleys of Thornhill Beck and Clifton Beck (see Viewpoint 16-17)
5.10 The fast flowing Thornhills Beck connects with Clifton Beck which flows southwards through the
built up area of Brighouse and then into the River Calder. There is a further watercourse to the east
of the site and a number of field ponds.
5.11 Woodland and mature tree cover is rather limited being restricted to the western parts of the site.
This includes Rock Hole Wood alongside Thornhills Beck, a block of woodland around the property
of The Lodge on Thornhills Lane and along the dismantled railway line. There is comparatively little
woodland and tree cover within the remainder of the site (see Viewpoint 13)
5.12 As well as Thornhills Lane, Jay House Lane and Thornhills Beck Lane, the site can be accessed
by a number of public rights of way. This includes sections of the recreational trails of Calderdale
Way, the Brighouse Boundary Walk and the Bronte Way. These provide access across the wider
landscape to include connections with other routes such as the Kirklees Way-Spen Valley
Heritage Trail. A section of the Brighouse Boundary Walk runs across the highest part of the site
in the vicinity of Cam Lane, providing opportunities to view Brighouse to the west (see Viewpoint
9,) and across the eastern parts of the site up to the rise at Whitaker Pits Wood (see
Viewpoint 10)
Landform
5.13 The wider landscape around Brighouse is effectively shaped by the River Calder and by its
tributaries, which includes Clifton Beck. Brighouse sits within the Calder Valley with the settlement
lying within the valley floor and occupying the alley slopes that rise above the town (Figure 4).
Given the nature of the landform, the site is influenced to varying degrees by its relationship with
the built up area of Brighouse, that is visible within the valley, and the settlements of Hipperholme
and Hove Edge that occupy higher land to the west. The residential edges of Clifton are also
apparent (See Viewpoint 6 and Viewpoint 9)
5.14 The site comprises part of the upper valley landscape above the Clifton Beck and a plateau
of comparatively higher land to the east of Brighouse. The site’s lowest point is on its western edge
at 60m AOD (Above Ordnance Datum) near Clifton Brook. The landform rises steadily, and in
places sharply, up to the village of Thornhills and Thornhills Lane before culminating in a small
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
15
fpcr
rounded rise within the central part of the site (133m AOD) near Cam Lane. The landform
descends to Jay House Lane (127m AOD) and then into a narrow valley formed by Thornhills Beck.
5.15 The landscape rises to the north of the site at Common End Farm (128m AOD) and at Cherry Hall
(156m AOD) on the elevated A649 that lies on a local ridge. Whitaker Pits Wood (145m AOD)
lies on higher land to the north east with Hartshead Moor Top reaching 169 m AOD.
5.16 To the south of the site, Clifton sits on a small ridge (c106m AOD) above the Calder, before the
landform falls sharply into the Calder valley (c53 AOD).
Landscape Value
5.17 An assessment is made on the value of this landscape. Landscape value can apply to a landscape
area as a whole, or to the individual elements, features and aesthetic or perceptual dimensions
which contribute to the character of the landscape. In all landscapes, there will be variations in the
level of landscape value depending on a number of elements.
5.18 With regards to establishing landscape value, § 5.19 of GLVIA3 notes that:“ A review of existing
landscape designations is usually the starting point in understanding value…” Neither the site nor
the surrounding landscape is subject to a landscape quality designation at either a national or local
level.
5.19 In all landscapes there will be variances in the level of landscape value depending on a number of
factors. GLVIA3 goes onto describe those elements that are generally agreed to influence value
and a review of these is set out below.
Landscape Quality (condition)
5.20 The site is predominantly in agricultural use and is considered to be generally intact in terms of its
fabric. Both the site and the immediate landscape show no marked signs of dereliction, although
the fabric to include boundary features and hedges has clearly been subject to agricultural
practices which includes a number of fragmented boundary hedges. Overall, however, it is
considered that the site and the immediate area is in a moderate to good condition.
Scenic Quality
5.21 The landscape around Brighouse is pleasant and attractive - primarily on account of its landform
character of rising hills and steeper slopes above the Calder Valley.
5.22 For the most part, it is judged that site exudes a pleasant farmland landscape, but not one that is
considered to ‘out of the ordinary’ in landscape terms. There are some attractive landscape
elements within this landscape such as the wooded corridor of dismantled railway near Thornhill
Viaduct, and the narrow valley landscape associated with Thornhill Beck. Views across to
Brighouse and the surrounding hills are another pleasant feature.
Rarity
5.23 It is concluded that site does not contain any particularly unusual landscape features. Whilst
woodland, mature trees and the watercourses of Thornhill Beck and Clifton Beck are clearly of local
value worthy of retention, they are not rare elements within the context of this landscape. Moreover,
and as described later in the report, none of these components would preclude the ability to deliver
well designed high-quality development.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
16
fpcr
Representativeness
5.24 The site and the surrounding landscape is considered to be broadly representative of the National
Character Area Profile and the Landscape Character Areas in which it is located. This includes the
following characteristics summarised from the Thornton-Queensbury LCA that are judged to be
pertinent to the site.
• “higher gently undulating ground…”
• “Minor watercourses… creating the rolling landform.”
• “ Field boundaries consisting of a mixture of stone walls, wire fences and hedgerows…
• “…scattered farmsteads with buildings of a traditional local stone vernacular. …mixed in with
more modern buildings of various styles.
• Several A-roads crossing through the landscape” and
• “Numerous trails crossing through the landscape, including the Calderdale Way …and
Brighouse Boundary Walk.
5.25 In addition, some of the characteristics of the Clifton Beck LCA are reflective of the site’s landscape
character in the vicinity of Clifton Brook and the dismantled railway line. These are:
• “Fast flowing, moss and fern-edged streams…
• “Thick broadleaved woodland… ”
• “Small-medium scale pasture fields …along the valley sides,
• The valley becomes densely settled… where it skirts around Brighouse”..
• A secluded, ‘hidden’ and tranquil character created by the incised landform, densely wooded
slopes…
• …Limited views out as a result of the landform and tree cover.
• From the upper slopes, views are funnelled south to include the urban form of Brighouse and
the upland fringes beyond”
Conservation Interest
5.26 The site is not covered by any statutory ecological designation. Whilst providing local wildlife benefit
the framework of watercourses, hedgerows and trees are comparatively widespread elements
within this landscape. As discussed later within the report, those elements defined as being part of
the Wildlife Habitat Network can be utilised as key elements of a proposed green infrastructure
strategy.
5.27 The site contains no Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings or Conservation Areas. Heritage
assets in the local landscape include the adjacent Grade II Listed Woolrow Farmhouse and Listed
Buildings clustered around Birkhouse Farm to the north.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
17
fpcr
Recreation Value
5.28 Sections of the recreational routes Calderdale Way, Brighouse Boundary Walk and the Bronte Way
cross the site. These all appear to be well used recreational routes – part of a wider and extensive
network of routes across the landscape that also includes the Kirklees Way- Spen Valley Heritage
Trail.
5.29 Welholme Park, that lies outside the site, provides a large area of accessible recreational space,
whilst to the east of the site is the extensive Willow Valley Golf Course.
Perceptual Aspects
5.30 The urban area of Brighouse and the A643 and the A649 have, to varying degrees, an influence
on this landscape that affects levels of tranquillity. There are, however, degrees of tranquillity within
the site away from these urban influences -as would be expected. This includes along Thornhills
Beck Lane for example.
Associations
5.31 The site is not subject to any specific cultural associations in terms of significant artists or writers,
nor any notable events in history.
Landscape Value
5.32 Having examined the above factors and using a word scale of high, medium and low, it is concluded
that the site and its immediate context is of medium landscape value. Whilst it has some value, like
all landscapes, the site lies outside of the “most important landscapes of the Borough” that are of
higher value. Overall, whilst it is pleasant and in places attractive - like much of the wider landscape
around Brighouse - it is considered the site has no pronounced sense of scenic quality, tranquillity
or wildness such that it sets it apart.
5.33 The site contains some landscape assets, as one would expect within this landscape. These
features are predominantly focused within the western parts of the site. These do not constrain the
ability in which to deliver the development and can be readily encompassed within a comprehensive
green infrastructure strategy.
VISUAL AMENITY
5.34 The baseline visual study includes an understanding of the area in which the site may be visible. It
explores the groups of people who may experience views and the nature of these views. The
interaction of landform, settlements and vegetation determines the extent of visibility across the
landscape. An analysis of the site’s visual envelope (i.e. the area in which the site may be visible)
and the availability of views has been undertaken in parallel with the landscape character analysis.
Visual Receptors and Viewpoints
5.35 Visual Receptors include: residents; users of public rights of way; users of open spaces and
recreational facilities; highways users and people at their place of work. In general, residents and
rights of way users are normally of higher susceptibility (sensitivity) to change, although the
surrounding context can in some cases have a bearing on susceptibility.
5.36 A series of initial photographs have been taken to help demonstrate representative views for visual
receptors within this landscape and to aid the descriptions of landscape character. Further
photographs would be undertaken as part of a LVIA to demonstrate varying degrees of visibility for
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
18
fpcr
receptors and this will assist in the judgements on the likely visual effects of the Proposed
Development.
Residents
5.37 There are a number residential properties within the site and this includes residents within
Thornhills (See Viewpoint 4), together with individual properties and farmsteads at Jay House
Farm, Green Farm, Pondwell Lodge, Cock Walk Farm, and Hole Bottom Farm.
5.38 Residential properties border the site on the edge of Clifton along the A643 (Clifton Common), and
at Edward Street, Victoria Avenue, Linden Close and Birch Close. Viewpoint 5 taken near Birch
Lane provides a representative view looking across the site: illustrating that these receptors have
views of Brighouse. Given their location, all of these receptors (residents) afford views of the site
as well as the surrounding local landscape. The nature of the landform is such that many of the
residents within the site have views of the built up area of Brighouse and the wider rising landscape
to the west. Viewpoint 5 and 8 taken from Thornhills Lane provide an example of this.
5.39 There are also views back towards the western parts of the site from Brighouse with residential
receptors having views of the rising slopes up to Thornhill Lane. Views of the site are also
experienced for properties and farmsteads at Common End Farm and Lower Birkhouse Farm,
albeit these tend to be restricted to views of the sloping fields up to Thornhills Lane rather than the
wider site.
Rights of Way Users
5.40 Users of the rights of way experience close range views of the site and the surrounding landscape.
Depending on their location and context, these receptors also experience views of the built-up area
of Brighouse (see Viewpoint 6, from the Calderdale Way). As they move through the landscape
these receptors often have an awareness of moving through a landscape that lies close to edge of
Brighouse and Clifton. This is less so along Clough Lane and the section of Bronte Way that runs
through the site to the east. (Viewpoints 12 and 14 Figures).
Highway Users
5.41 Highway users that are travelling past the site along the A643 or along Jay House Lane, Thornhills
Beck Lane and Thornhiils Lane experience transient views of the site and the landscape.
5.42 These receptors afford close range views of the site although the actual level of visibility varies.
More open views are experienced for highway users travelling on the A643 (Viewpoint 13) whilst
along Thornhills Beck Lane visibility is restricted and obscured by a combination of rising land and
vegetation (see Viewpoint 16)
5.43 Moving along Thornhills Lane there are views of the site as well views across to Brighouse.
(Viewpoints 4-5). From Jay House Lane, in the general vicinity of Jay House Farm, there are more
open and distant views across the landscape (Viewpoint 2-3). All of these receptors are of lower
sensitivity.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
19
fpcr
Summary
5.44 Clear views of the site are broadly limited to localised visual receptors. These being receptors within
the site itself such as residents in Thornhills and users of the rights of way. There are also views
for those receptors within the immediate context. This includes residents on the edge of Clifton and
those within Brighouse. Road users, to include those travelling through the site on Thornhills Lane
and Jay House Lane, have transient views of the site.
5.45 The rise in the landform within the vicinity at Cherry Hall and at Harthead Moor Top forms a local
ridge that effectively contains the site from the much wider landscape to the north and east. The
character of the landform is such that it falls from this ridge towards the Calder Valley and, as a
consequence, much of the site is oriented towards the built up area of Brighouse that lies within
the valley. Where parts of the site are visible from higher vantage points to the west and south of
Brighouse, where the land rises above the Calder Valley, the site - and development upon it -would
observed within the context of the wider built up area of Brighouse that is visible.
6.0 DESIGN APPROACH- POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
6.1 The nature of landscape sensitivity takes into account the susceptibility to change8 arising from
proposed development, alongside a judgment on value. It is reasonable to conclude that in all
landscapes there will be variances in sensitivity to change, depending on the receptor’s landscape
character and value, and the type of change that would occur, together with the scale and
magnitude of this change.
6.2 Whilst any new built development upon the site would likely result in a high magnitude of landscape
and visual change due to the introduction of built development upon it - indeed any built
development on existing green fields is likely to have impacts of this nature - this is tempered by
the fact that the site is influenced and associated to varying degrees with the built-up area of
Brighouse that lies within the valley and on the valley slopes. Built development sited on the valley
slopes orientated towards the town would not be an uncharacteristic feature within this landscape.
6.3 Through an analysis of landscape and visual resources, and subject to a sensitively designed
masterplan that includes a comprehensive green infrastructure strategy and a perimeter landscape
framework of planting and new habitats it is considered that this landscape is potentially tolerant of
change, and has the capacity to absorb well-designed and well-planned development in the form
of a “Garden Suburb” presented by the draft allocation.
6.4 As part of any potential planning application, design and mitigation measures would be developed
and adopted as part of the masterplanning process. This would ensure that the location, layout and
disposition of built uses are sensitively assimilated into the landscape so that the impact and
consequential effects on landscape and visual receptors is minimised.
6.5 Building upon the “Garden Suburb” vision, it is anticipated that a 'ground up' landscape led
masterplanning approach would be the preferred starting point to help shape the masterplan. This
would ensure that the site’s principal assets (i.e. Thornhills, Thornhills Beck and its valley, steeply
sloping fields, woodland, mature trees, ecological features, and the lanes and rights of way) are
sensitively retained and form the basis in which to guide the location of the development parcels.
8 The ability of the landscape receptor to accommodate proposed development without undue consequences for the maintaining the
baseline situation and/or the achievement of landscape planning polices and strategies.{GLVIA3]
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
20
fpcr
6.6 The conservation of existing landscape features would underpin the scheme’s wider green
infrastructure strategy. These features can be suitably expanded and enhanced by a variety of
additional habitats such as new woodland planting and accessible greenspace. This would define
logical built development parcels and provide a broad framework of landscape habitats to
assimilate development within the landscape.
Green Infrastructure
6.7 The creation of a multifunctional green infrastructure would perform a range of benefits for
landscape and biodiversity, water and drainage, sports and recreation, health and well-being and
climate change. This would be focussed upon the conservation of the site’s landscape features
that are of particular value as well as the delivery of compensatory habitats to provide mitigation
for any disruption and losses. New areas of greenspace and habitat creation in the form of new
green infrastructure would provide overall enhancement.
6.8 The green infrastructure could, for example, include the provision of parks and open space that
would connect with the railway corridor, Welhome Park and the various recreational trails. Space
could be provided for allotments and community food growing areas to embrace the “Garden
Suburb” vision. The planting of new broadleaved woodland, species rich hedgerows and the
creation of various species rich grassland habitats can also be delivered.
6.9 A key part of the strategy would be to ensure that areas of greenspace, overlapping woodland,
trees and hedgerows are established around the perimeter of the layout. This includes the site’s
eastern fringes where it borders Jay House Lane, and alongside key landscape assets such as
Thornhills Beck. This would provide an appropriate and sensitive relationship between built
development and the surrounding landscape.
6.10 The following provide a series of guiding principles for development.
1) To accord with the aspirations for green infrastructure and good design contained
within the NPPF and to embrace the emerging policies within the Local Plan. This
includes draft policies G1, G2 (green infrastructure) and G4 (landscape character).
2) To develop and deliver sensitive and well-designed design and landscape strategies
that address the development’s relationship with particular components within the site
such as the built character and setting of Thornhills, the watercourse of Thornhills Beck
and its associated valley, and public rights of way.
3) To establish a 'ground up' landscape led masterplan, whereby the site’s established
landscape features are conserved within broad areas of greenspace, and which form the
starting point for the design and the masterplan layout;
4) To minimise impacts upon landscape character and visual amenity by establishing a
green infrastructure framework that:
a) protects, conserves and enhances landscape features of particular value;
b) delivers compensatory landscape features to provide appropriate mitigation for any
loss or disruption as a consequence of the introduction of built development and
infrastructure;
c) introduces a variety of new habitats and landscape features to provide long term
enhancements;
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
21
fpcr
d) to ‘soften’ and filter views of built development through the use of new planting, and
to establish appropriate development ‘setbacks’ from sensitive visual receptors
through new greenspce;
e) to utilise existing viewing points across the valley and to expand on these through
the design exercise.
5) Ensuring that the development’s green infrastructure is multifunctional in its design and
management so that it performs a range of functions, to include benefits for recreation,
biodiversity, drainage and climate change;
6) To establish a variety of interconnected new habitats that can provide long term
biodiversity benefits;
7) To sub-divide and contain the built development through the means of greenspace
corridors. By utilising the landform, woodland, trees and rights of way, these
greenspace corridors would protect features of value as well as establishing
interconnected wildlife habitats and new walking and cycling routes;
8) To deliver easily accessible recreational space for the new and wider community with
new parks, sports and open space for healthy active living.
9) To conserve and expand upon the existing rights of way within the site (e.g Calderdale
Way, Brighouse Boundary Walk, Bronte Way). These can be accommodated within
greenspace corridors forming key features of the masterplan.
10) To establish a well-designed perimeter landscape that provide an appropriate and
sensitive interface between the built development and the surrounding countryside.
11) To minimise impacts on sensitive visual receptors through a well-considered
masterplan. This would address, amongst other things, the location of built
development within the site; the scale, mass and height of new buildings; and the use
of greenspace and planting to ‘soften’ and filter views of built development;
12) To explore opportunities in which to ‘green’ the built environment with the use, for
example, of street trees, landscaped streets, village greens, and the inclusion of native
shrubs, hedges and trees for gardens as part of the “Garden Suburb” vision
13) To ensure that there is an appropriate mechanism in place so that the long-term
maintenance and management of the green infrastructure can either be adopted by the
Local Authority or by a landscape management company.
6.11 Though the analysis of the baseline landscape character and visual amenity, these guiding
principles - which can clearly be developed further - are considered to be an appropriate and
sensitive design response that would minimise impacts of development on landscape character
and visual amenity as well as seeking to deliver overall enhancements.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
22
fpcr
7.0 SUMMARY
7.1 Overall, whilst the site is pleasant and, in places, attractive - like much of the wider landscape
around Brighouse - it is judged that the site has no substantive sense of scenic quality and
landscape value such that it sets it apart. Whilst the site contains some landscape assets - as one
would expect within this landscape - these do not preclude the ability in which to deliver
development on the site. Given the overall scale of the site, these features are in fact rather limited
in extent, being predominantly focused within the western parts of the site. In contrast, much of the
central and eastern parts of site beyond Thornhills Lane are of lesser landscape interest.
7.2 The character of the landform is such that the local landscape falls towards the Calder Valley and,
as a consequence, much of the site is oriented towards the valley and the built up area of Brighouse
that lies within it. Where the site is visible from higher vantage points to the west and south of
Brighouse, where the land rises above the Calder Valley, development upon the site would be seen
within the context of the wider built up area of Brighouse.
7.3 Clear views of the site – and consequently any development upon it – are broadly limited to
localised visual receptors. These being receptors within the site itself such as residents in Thornhills
and users of the rights of way. There are also views for those receptors within the local landscape,
to include residents on the edge of Clifton and those within Brighouse. Design and mitigation
measures would be developed and adopted as part of the masterplanning process. This would
ensure that the location, layout and disposition of built uses are sensitively assimilated into the
landscape so that the impact and consequential effects on these visual receptors is minimised.
7.4 Building upon the “Garden Suburb” vision of the draft allocation, a 'ground up' landscape led
approach would ensure that the design has regard to components such as the village of Thornhills;
Thornhills Beck and its valley; woodland, mature trees and ecological features; and the lanes and
rights of way. These elements would help to form a logical network of greenspaces that can help
define and contain the scheme’s built uses. These can then be expanded upon as part of a wider
green infrastructure strategy to ensure that built development is appropriately assimilated into this
landscape.
7.5 Through an analysis of landscape and visual resources, and subject to a sensitively designed
masterplan that includes a comprehensive green infrastructure strategy that based on conservation
and enhancement, it is considered that the site and the local landscape is potentially tolerant of
change and has the capacity in which to absorb new development as presented by the draft
allocation.
Landscape Character & Visual Amenity
29
fpcr
1:20,000 @ A3 HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
scale drawn issue date
project
client
drawing / figure number rev
drawing title
Figure 1 -
SITE CONTEXT
N
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 1 Site Context.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
Ordnance Survey material - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Licence Number: 100019980 (Centremapslive.com)
LP1463 (Draft Allocation)
0
Scale: 1:20000 @ A3
500m 1000m
NTS @ A3 HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
scale drawn issue date
project
client
drawing / figure number rev
drawing title
Figure 2 -
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH
N
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 2 Aerial.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
Aerial imagery © 2018 Microsoft Corporation
LP1463 (Draft Allocation)
Thornhills
Oak H
ill bank &
Dism
antled Railw
ay Line
Jay House Farm
Clifton
A643
(Hig
hmoo
r)
Clifton Beck
Thornhills Beck Lane
Green Farm
Wellholme Park
Clough Lane
Brighouse
Jay House Lane
M62
A641 (B
radford Road) Thornhills Lane
1:20,000 @ A3 HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
scale drawn issue date
project
client
drawing / figure number rev
drawing title
Figure 3 -
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNATIONS
N
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 3 Environmental Designations.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
Ordnance Survey material - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Licence Number: 100019980 (Centremapslive.com)
LP1463 (Draft Allocation)
Registered Parks & Gardens(Kirklees Park)
Scheduled Monuments
Listed Buildings
Green Belt (Revised)
Special Landscape Area Policy Number: GN4
Local Wildlife Site
Wildlife Habitat Network
Calderdale Local Plan (Initial Draft) October 2017
0
Scale: 1:20000 @ A3
500m 1000m
1:20,000 @ A3 HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
scale drawn issue date
project
client
drawing / figure number rev
drawing title
Figure 4 -
TOPOGRAPHY
N
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 4 Topography.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
Ordnance Survey material - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Licence Number: 100019980 (Centremapslive.com)
LP1463 (Draft Allocation)
40m - 50m AOD
50m - 60m AOD
60m - 70m AOD
70m - 80m AOD
80m - 90m AOD
90m - 100m AOD
100m - 110m AOD
170m - 180m AOD
110m - 120m AOD
180m - 190m AOD
120m - 130m AOD
190m - 200m AOD
130m - 140m AOD
200m - 210m AOD
140m - 150m AOD
210m - 220m AOD
150m - 160m AOD
160m - 170m AOD
0
Scale: 1:20000 @ A3
500m 1000m
1:20,000 @ A3 HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
scale drawn issue date
project
client
drawing / figure number rev
drawing title
Figure 5 -
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
N
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 5 Landscape Character.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
Ordnance Survey material - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Licence Number: 100019980 (Centremapslive.com)
LP1463 (Draft Allocation)
Calderdale District
Kirklees District
Bradford District
Note: National Character Area (NCA) 37: Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe covers all mapping extents shown.
Calderdale District Landscape Character Assessment and Review of Special Landscape Area Designation - October 2016
Kirklees District Landscape Character Assessment - July 2015
South Bradford Landscape Character Supplementary Planning Document - October 2008
Rural Fringes (LCT)
Barkisland - Holywell Green (LCA)
Batley - Dewsbury Rural Fringes (LCA)
Shibden Valley (LCA)
Clifton Beck (LCA)
Thornton - Queensbury (LCA)
Calder Valley Floor (LCA)
Batley Fringe Incised Valleys (LCA)
Wooded Rural Valleys (LCT)
Wooded Rural Valleys (LCT)
Industrial/Business Parks (LCT)
Enclosed Pasture (LCT)
Coalfield Edge Urban Fringe Farmland (LCT)
Industrial Lowland Valleys (LCT)
Urban (LCT)
G12
G11
E2
G13
K1
M1
E8
1
2
3
K1
K1
K1
G12G11
G13
M1
M1
E8
E2
U
U
U
O1
2
3
0
Scale: 1:20000 @ A3
500m 1000m
1:20,000 @ A3 HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
scale drawn issue date
project
client
drawing / figure number rev
drawing title
Figure 6 -
VISUAL AMENITY PLAN
N
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 6 Visual Amenity Plan.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
Ordnance Survey material - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Licence Number: 100019980 (Centremapslive.com)
LP1463 (Draft Allocation)
Photo Viewpoints
Distance Radii
1
800m
1200
m
1600
m
2000
m
5 Mins
10 M
ins
15 M
ins
20 M
ins
1
234
56
7
89 10
11 12
13
14
15
1617
18 1920
21
0
Scale: 1:20000 @ A3
500m 1000m
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 1HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 1 & 2
-
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 1: View from A643 Highmoor Lane
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 2: View from Jay House Lane
Brighouse
A643Brighouse
Green FarmResidential properties at Kinfold
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 2HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 3 & 4
-
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 3: View from Jay House Lane
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 4: View from Thornhills Lane, Thornhill
Brighouse
Jay House Farm
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 3HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 5 & 6
-
fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 5: View from Thornhills Lane, Near Cock Walk Farm
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 6: View from Calderdale Way off Thornhills Lane
Brighouse
BrighouseCalderdale Way
Oak Hill Bank/Dismantled Railway Line
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 4HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 7 & 8 fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 7: View from Thornhills Lane near Calderdale Way
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 8: View from Thornhills Lane
Brighouse
CliftonBrake Head
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 5HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 9 & 10 fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 9: View from Brighouse boundary walk. Looking North West
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 10: View from Brighouse boundary walk looking North East
Brighouse Thornhills
Birkhouse FarmJay House Farm
Whitaker Pits Wood
White Acre Farm
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 6HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 11 & 12 fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 11: View from Brighouse boundary walk looking south
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 12: View from Bronte Way
Jay House Farm Whitaker Pits Wood
BrighouseClifton
Cam Lane
Green Farm
White Acre Farm
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 7HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 13 & 14 fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 13: View from A643 (Highmoor Lane) Near Jay House Lane
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 14: View from Clough Lane (Public Footpath)
Brighouse
Jay House Farm
Willow Valley Golf Course
Green Farm
Rock Hole
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 8HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 15 & 16 fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 15: View from Kirklees Way near Whitaker Pits Woods
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 16: View from Jay House Lane west of Jay House Farm
Jay House Farm
BrighouseClifton
Green Farm
Rock Hole
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 9HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 17 & 18 fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 17: View from Thornhills Lane west of Hole Bottom Farm
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 18: View from Thornhills Beck Lane, near dismantled railway corridor
Thornhills Viaduct
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 10HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINTS 19 & 20 fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 19: View from public footpath
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 20: View from Thornhills Lane
Dismantled Railway Brighouse Thornhill Beck Valley
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
NTS @ A3scale drawn
project
client
drawing / figure number
Figure 11HGK April 2018
Thornhills Lane,Brighouse
ID Planning
issue date
rev
drawing title
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 21 fpcr
FPCR Environment and Design Ltd, Lockington Hall, Lockington, Derby, DE74 2RH t: 01509 672772 f: 01509 674565 e: [email protected] w: www.fpcr.co.uk masterplanning environmental assessment landscape design urban design ecology architecture arboriculture
K:\8300\8369\LANDS\LVIA\8369 Fig 7 - Photo Viewpoints.indd
This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.
PHOTO VIEWPOINT 21: View from A649 (Birkby Lane) near Cherry Hall
Brighouse
Note: Based on a viewing distance of 175mm and focal length of 50mm
Appendix A Landscape and Visual Appraisal – Methodology and Assessment Criteria
Introduction
The methodology for the Landscape and Visual Appraisal (LVA) undertaken for the proposed development is detailed in the LVA report. The following information should be read in conjunction with this methodology.
As advised in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3rd Edition) (GLVIA3), the judgements made in respect of both landscape and visual effects are a combination of an assessment of the sensitivity of the receptor and the magnitude of the landscape or visual effect. The following details the definitions and criteria used in assessing sensitivity and magnitude for landscape and visual receptors.
Where it is determined that the assessment falls between or encompasses two of the defined criteria terms, then the judgement may be described as High/ Medium or Moderate/ Minor etc. This indicates that the assessment lies between the respective definitions or encompasses aspects of both.
Landscape
Landscape Sensitivity
Landscape receptors are assessed in terms of their ‘Landscape Sensitivity’. This combines judgements on the value to be attached to the landscape and the susceptibility to change of the landscape from the type of change or development proposed. The definition and criteria adopted for these contributory factors is detailed below.
There can be complex relationships between the value attached to landscape receptors and their susceptibility to change which can be especially important when considering change within or close to designated landscapes. For example, an internationally, nationally or locally valued landscape does not automatically or by definition have a high susceptibility to all types of change. The type of change or development proposed may not compromise the specific basis for the value attached to the landscape.
Landscape Value
Value can apply to a landscape area as a whole, or to the individual elements, features and aesthetic or perceptual dimensions which contribute to the character of the landscape. The following criteria have been used to categorise landscape value. Where there is no clear existing evidence on landscape value, an assessment is made based on the criteria/ factors identified below (based on the guidance in GLVIA3 paragraph 5.28, Box 5.1).
• Landscape quality (condition) • Conservation interest • Scenic quality • Recreation value • Rarity • Perceptual aspects • Representativeness • Associations
Landscape Value Definition
High Landscape receptors of high importance based upon factors of quality, rarity,
representativeness, conservation interest, recreational value, perceptual qualities
and associations.
Medium Landscape receptors of medium importance based upon factors of quality, rarity,
representativeness, conservation interest, recreational value, perceptual qualities
and associations.
Low
Landscape receptors of low importance based upon factors of quality, rarity,
representativeness, conservation interest, recreational value, perceptual qualities
and associations.
Landscape Susceptibility to Change
This means the ability of the landscape receptor (overall character type/ area or individual element/ feature) to accommodate the proposed development without undue consequences for the maintenance of the baseline position and/ or the achievement of landscape planning policies and strategies. The definition and criteria for the assessment of Landscape Susceptibility to Change is as follows:
Landscape Susceptibility to Change
Definition
High A highly distinctive and cohesive landscape receptor, with positive characteristics and
features and no or very few detracting or intrusive elements. Landscape features
intact and in very good condition and/ or rare. Limited capacity to accept the type of
change/ development proposed.
Medium Distinctive and more commonplace landscape receptor, with some positive
characteristics/ features and some detracting or intrusive elements. Landscape
features in moderate condition. Capacity to accept well planned and designed
change/ development of the type proposed.
Low
Landscape receptor of mixed character with a lack of coherence and including
detracting or intrusive elements. Landscape features that may be in poor or improving
condition and few that could not be replaced.
Greater capacity to accept the type of change/ development proposed.
Magnitude of Landscape Effects
The magnitude of landscape effects is the degree of change to the landscape receptor in terms of its size or scale of change, the geographical extent of the area influenced and its duration and reversibility. The table below sets out the categories and criteria adopted in respect of the separate considerations of Scale or Size of the Degree of Change and Reversibility. The geographical extent and duration of change are described where relevant in the appraisal.
Scale or Size of the Degree of Landscape Change
Scale or Size of the Degree of Landscape Change
Definition
High Total loss of or substantial alteration to key characteristics / features and the
introduction of new elements totally uncharacteristic to the receiving landscape.
Overall landscape receptor will be fundamentally changed.
Medium Partial loss of or alteration to one or more key characteristics / features and the
introduction of new elements that would be evident but not necessarily
uncharacteristic to the receiving landscape. Overall landscape receptor will be
obviously changed.
Low
Limited loss of, or alteration to one or more key characteristics/ features and the
introduction of new elements evident and/ or characteristic to the receiving
landscape. Overall landscape receptor will be perceptibly changed.
Negligible
Very minor alteration to one or more key characteristics/ features and the
introduction of new elements characteristic to the receiving landscape. Overall
landscape receptor will be minimally changed.
None No loss or alteration to the key characteristics/ features, representing ‘no
change’.
Reversibility
Reversibility
Definition
Irreversible The development would be permanent and the assessment site could not be
returned to its current/ former use.
Reversible The development could be deconstructed/ demolished and the assessment site
could be returned to broadly its current/ historic use (although that may be subject
to qualification depending on the nature of the development).
Visual
Sensitivity of Visual Receptors
Visual sensitivity assesses each visual receptor in terms of their susceptibility to change in views and visual amenity and also the value attached to particular views. The definition and criteria adopted for these contributory factors is detailed below.
Visual Susceptibility to Change
The susceptibility of different visual receptors to changes in views and visual amenity is mainly a function of; firstly, the occupation or activity of people experiencing the view at particular locations; and secondly, the extent to which their attention or interest may therefore be focussed on the views and visual amenity they experience.
Visual Susceptibility to Change
Definition
High Residents at home with primary views from ground floor/garden and upper floors.
Public rights of way/ footways where attention is primarily focussed on the landscape
and on particular views.
Visitors to heritage assets or other attractions whose attention or interest is likely to be
focussed on the landscape and/ or on particular views.
Communities where views make an important contribution to the landscape setting
enjoyed by residents.
Travellers on recognised scenic routes.
Medium Residents at home with secondary views (primarily from first floor level).
Public rights of way/ footways where attention is not primarily focussed on the
landscape and/ or particular views.
Travellers on road, rail or other transport routes.
Low
Users of outdoor recreational facilities where the view is less important to the activities
(e.g. sports pitches).
Travellers on road, rail or other transport where views are primarily focussed on the
transport route.
People at their place of work where views of the landscape are not important to the
quality of the working life.
Value of Views
The value attached to a view takes account of any recognition attached to a particular view and/ or any indicators of the value attached to views, for example through guidebooks or defined viewpoints or references in literature or art.
Value of Views Definition
High A unique or identified view (eg. shown as such on Ordnance Survey map, guidebook
or tourist map) or one noted in literature or art. A view where a heritage asset makes
an important contribution to the view.
Medium A typical and/ or representative view from a particular receptor.
Low An undistinguished or unremarkable view from a particular receptor.
Magnitude of Visual Effects
Magnitude of Visual Effects evaluates each of the visual effects in terms of its size or scale, the geographical extent of the area influenced and its duration and reversibility. The table below sets out the categories and criteria adopted in respect of the Scale or Size (including the degree of contrast) of Visual Change. The distance and nature of the view and whether the view will be permanent or transient are also detailed in the Visual Effects Table.
Scale or Size of the Degree of Visual Change
Definition
High The proposal will result in a large and immediately apparent change in the
view, being a dominant and new and/ or incongruous feature in the landscape.
Medium The proposal will result in an obvious and recognisable change in the view and
will be readily noticed by the viewer.
Low
The proposal will constitute a minor component of the wider view or a more
recognisable component that reflects those apparent in the existing view.
Awareness of the proposals will not have a marked effect on the overall nature
of the view.
Negligible/ None
Only a very small part of the proposal will be discernible and it will have very
little or no effect on the nature of the view.
Level of Effect
The final conclusions on effects, whether adverse or beneficial, are drawn from the separate judgements on the sensitivity of the receptors and the magnitude of the effects. This overall judgement is formed from a reasoned professional overview of the individual judgements against the assessment criteria.
GLVIA3 notes, at paragraphs 5.56 and 6.44, that there are no hard and fast rules with regard to the level of effects, therefore the following descriptive thresholds have been used for this appraisal:
• Major: A Major landscape or visual effect based on an evaluation of the susceptibility and value of the receptor, combined with the magnitude of change;
• Moderate: A Moderate landscape or visual effect based on an evaluation of the susceptibility and value of the receptor, combined with the magnitude of change;
• Minor: A Minor landscape or visual effect based on an evaluation of the susceptibility and value of the receptor, combined with the magnitude of change;
• Negligible: A Negligible landscape or visual effect based on an evaluation of the susceptibility and value of the receptor, combined with the magnitude of change.
Where it is determined that the assessment falls between or encompasses two of the defined criteria terms, then the judgement may be described as, for example, Major/ Moderate or Moderate/ Minor. This indicates that the effect is assessed to lie between the respective definitions or to encompass aspects of both.