B ell is Bro th er s Proposed residential development on Land at Rossett Road - Rossett - Wrexham The Ark Company Landscape Architects Preliminary landscape and visual appraisal 06/122/LVIA v1.2 – January 2017 The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L1 B ell is Bro th er s 1.0 Introduction 1.1 The Ark Company Landscape Architects were instructed by J10 Planning on behalf of Bellis Brothers in December 2015 to provide landscape and visual appraisal services in support of a proposed application for residential development on redundant farmland lying to the north and south of the B5012 immediately east of Rossett village north-east of Wrexham. A preliminary appraisal of site setting and design principles was undertaken by the project architects and is provided at Appendix 5 for reference as this document informs the development of the landscape proposals. The preliminary assessment and proposal was discussed with Wrexham County Borough Council in July 2015 in order to seek their view on a potential application for development. 2.0 Methodology 2.1 The appraisal was carried out in accordance with our routinely used adaptation of the methods and criteria set out within The Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 3rd edition (2013) which provides a widely accepted benchmark for professional purposes. 2.2 The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) LandMap database was consulted in preparing a baseline quality assessment of the site and its setting. LandMap assesses the diversity of landscapes within Wales, it identifies and explains their most important characteristics and qualities whether they are ordinary, but locally important, landscapes or Nationally recognised spectacular landscapes. LandMap forms the basis for quality evaluation against which impact is assessed. The relevant LandMap descriptions, maps and evaluations are provided at Appendix 2. 2.3 A Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) was developed using Key Terra-Firma software (version 7.12) with the ZTV module running in BricsCAD Pro version 12.1. Ground modelling was developed using an Ordnance Survey Land-Form Profile Digital Terrain Model (DTM) which has a 10m level grid with no assumed visual barriers. In view of the undulating nature of the surrounding topography a study area of 5Km radius around the target point was assessed to determine a topographical only ZTV which was used as the basis for further appraisal. Beyond this distance the development was not felt likely to represent a significantly detrimental feature in the wider view and that the effect of any residual visibility would therefore be Negligible in the context of the criteria set out at Appendix 1. The ZTV output was overlaid onto OS 1/25,000 scale raster mapping using photo-editing software for presentation purposes and the individual ray maps for each of the target heights used in the ZTV have been reproduced at Appendix 4. 2.4 The theoretical zone of visibility was tested in the field in January 2016 and the visual envelope refined to identify a final number of potentially key viewpoints for future discussion and assessment. 2.5 In addition to the CCW LandMap data (Appendix 2) the relevant WCBC Landscape Character Area assessment for the application area (Appendix 3) was consulted prior to preparation of a site specific landscape quality judgement. The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L2 B ell is Bro th er s 3.0 Site description 3.1 The application site (see Figure F1) comprises two fields straddling the B5012 immediately east of Rossett village all located at OS Grid Ref: E-337325, N-357250. The site location and application area are all as shown on Location Plan drawing Figures F1 / F2 and aerial photograph Figure F3 below. Fig F1 Pulford A483 Rossett Application site B5012 Marford Location of proposed application site (not to set scale) 3.2 The proposed application site (refer to Fig F4) comprises two, relatively open, arable field units lying to the north and south of the B5012 on gently undulating land which dips north-westward along its length. The western boundaries are acutely defined residential boundaries forming a rather abrupt interface to the more open, rural landscape to the east. The remaining site boundaries comprise reasonably well maintained field hedges with occasional trees (refer to tree survey and assessment) 3.3 There are few Public Rights of Way within the immediate vicinity of the site (refer to Fig F2) however the eastern boundary of the southern plot does have a PRoW running along it which then crosses the B5012 and runs away from the site north-eastwards. Inward visibility from this PRoW will be a pertinent issue. The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L3 B ell is Bro th er s 3.4 The proposed application site (see photos P1-3 below) lies approximately 14 miles to the north-east of Wrexham immediately adjacent to the eastern edge of Rossett village which historically has developed on the east side of the B5445 Chester Road thereby preserving an open parkland area west of the village between Chester Road and the A483. The village is effectively constrained southwards by the River Alyn and northwards by Darland Golf Course (refer to Fig F3). The immediate area is characterised by its relative flatness, like the Cheshire and North Shropshire Plain, but lies above the River Dee floodplain. Rossett is a picturesque village with a number of historically significant buildings nearby including a 17th Century water mill. The proposed works are briefly discussed below and are as summarised on the working drawings (refer to preliminary layout drawings 06/122/01 & 06/122/02). Fig F2 Pulford A472 A483 Rossett B5012 Application site Marford Ordnance Survey mapping of target site showing adjacent Public Rights of Way (1/25,000) 1km grid The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L4 B ell is Bro th er s Fig F3 A483 Rossett Lane Farm B5012 Application site River Alyn Aerial view of proposed application site Fig F4 Rossett Proposed Site access Lane Farm Application site Playing fields B5012 - Rossett Road Oblique, elevated view towards application site from north-west 3.5 The application site does not appear to lie within or near to an area of very significant ecological significance and is not known to be sufficiently close to any scheduled ancient monuments or sites of major archaeological importance for the proposed works to have any adverse influence on them. The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L5 B ell is Bro th er s Fig P1 View east along B5012 (Rossett Road) towards site from within Rossett Fig P2 View to western boundary of northern site parcel showing interface with existing housing Fig P3 View to western boundary of southern site parcel showing interface with existing housing The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L6 B ell is Bro th er s 4.0 Baseline Landscape Character Assessment 4.1.1 The application site occupies a significant position between the more densely built up settlement area of Rossett to the west and the more open, rural character of the countryside to the east. Recognition of this role and improvement of the visual quality / character and transition between these is a fundamental consideration. 4.1.2 At a National level the site lies outside of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (refer to Fig F5 AONB map) within which WCBC would give highest priority to the protection and enhancement of the landscape when considering planning applications. The absence of a major National landscape designation / planning protection is relevant to the classification of existing landscape character. 4.1.3 With reference to the adopted Wrexham Unitary Development Plan the site (like all the land around Rossett - refer to Fig U1) falls within Green Barrier (Policy EC1) which, whilst not a formal landscape designation, “possess the same characteristics and purposes of formal green belts, except in their long-term permanency”. Policy EC1 seeks to maintain a belt of countryside free from development around each settlement to: i) prevent the coalescence of urban areas and villages with other settlements; ii) assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; iii) protect the setting of urban areas and villages; iv) assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. 4.1.4 Given the tight visual relationship between the application area and the village edge the impact on these issues is not considered to be a significant constraint and that a satisfactory buffer will remain intact in the event of development proceeding. Fig U1 4.1.5 The application site (like all the land around Rossett - refer to Fig U1) also falls within a designated Special Landscape Area (Policy EC5) which is in place to protect the character of the open countryside. In such areas new development is not precluded but rather “it will be strictly controlled. Development will be required to conform to a high standard of design and landscaping, and special attention will be paid to minimising its visual impact both from nearby and distant viewpoints.” The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L7 B ell is Bro th er s 4.1.6 At the first pre-application discussion with WCBC it was noted that a key concern would be the impact of the scheme upon the open countryside and that whilst they accept a buffer might provide protection an assessment of the landscape is necessary by way of undertaking a Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) with complementary illustrations. 4.1.7 With reference to the online Wrexham LANDMAP Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) adopted March 2007 the County Council have defined the site area as falling within an assessed Landscape Character unit (LCA 13c - Dee Terraces ~ refer to Appendix 3) which is summarised as “extensive flat rural lowland, with scattered farm-steadings and expanding villages above the level of the Dee floodplain”. An extract from the LCA summary describes the area as follows:  Low-lying, flat, intensively farmed landscape  Field ponds, roadside and field ditches common  Abundant hedges and hedgerow trees  Dispersed farms, hamlets and villages, often built in red brick  Holt is built at an ancient crossing point on the Dee  Horticultural and intensive farming uses surround Holt on grade 1 farmland  Rural character under pressure  Loss of tranquillity near A483 4.1.8 In respect of visual character it goes on to summarise the Character area as follows:  Uniformly low-lying flat open farmland with long views where hedgerows permit  Field pattern is medium to large scale, with fields regular and semi-regular in shape  Dispersed pattern of attractive villages, hamlets and farms, traditionally of red brick  Rural villages - Rossett and Holt, both under development pressure weakening character  A483 is a physical barrier and source of noise The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L8 B ell is Bro th er s 4.1.9 With respect to the 2009 assessment of tranquillity in Wales illustrated by the Wales Tranquil Areas Map (Fig F6) it can be discerned that the application site falls within some of the most currently disturbed areas and so further development is unlikely to significantly adversely impact existing levels of tranquillity. Fig F6 Wales Tranquil Areas Map 2009 The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L9 B ell is Bro th er s 4.2 Landscape Quality ~ Geological influences 4.2.1 The application site falls within the CCW LandMap WRXHMGL072 Rossett aspect area which is described as: Extensive area of river terrace deposits between the Alyn valley and Pulsford Brook. Averages around 10m above sea-level in the East rising to 15-20m centrally. Includes some small areas of glacial deposits. 4.2.2 Evaluated overall as being of Moderate value the aspect area is felt to be of Local / County value. 4.2.3 The application site does not lie unduly close to recorded sites of specific Geological value and given the limited footprint of the proposed works the influence of Geological constraints are not considered likely to be adversely affected by development. 4.3 Landscape Quality ~ Historical influences 4.3.1 The application site falls within of the CCW LandMap WRXHMHL001 Burton aspect area which is described as: An area of mixed field-scape’s comprising some residual medieval strip fields with areas of later enclosure, crossing the gently sloping ridge between the Dee and Alyn valleys at the northern edge of the county. Bronze Age burial mounds exist at Burton on the east of the area and at Bryn Alyn on its west where there is also a small Iron Age hillfort fort, but its archaeology is dominated by late medieval and post medieval agriculture and isolated farmsteads - two of which were originally moated. The remains of Wat's Dyke runs along the area's western boundary There are two small modern settlements at Burton and Trevalyn. The area also contains working quarries and residual evidence of industrial activity. 4.3.2 There are SAM / SMR sites within the aspect area and Listed Buildings but the area does not fall within a Registered Landscape of Historic Interest and there are no recorded Historic Parks and Gardens or conservation areas noted. Evaluated overall as being of High value the aspect area is felt to be of Regional / County value and is justified as follows: Area of residual medieval strip fields and later enclosure in relatively good condition but masked by some modern settlement and quarrying. 4.3.8 The application site does not lie unduly close to recorded sites of very significant Historic value and so Historic constraints are not considered likely to be adversely affected by development. 4.4 Landscape Quality ~ Cultural influences 4.4.1 The application site falls within of the CCW LandMap WRXHMCL013 Maelor Gymraeg (North) aspect area which is described as An area which contains a variety of features (small settlements, large traditional farms) within a distinct landscape. The very traditional appearance of this area belies fundamental social changes, in which farming practices are moving away from the traditional tenant-farmer and associated labourers to the employment of contractors, and where villages are becoming Liverpool or Manchester dormitories. 4.4.2 Evaluated overall as being of Moderate value the aspect area is felt to be of Regional / County value. The Ark Company I J10 I Bellis Brothers Rossett Road LVIA (v1.2) | Page ~ L10