PROPOSED WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT NEWPORT, CO. MAYO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Transcription

1 PROPOSED WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT NEWPORT, CO. MAYO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Contracting Organisation: E G PETTIT & CO LTD On behalf of MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL Ref: B

2 1. Methodology This assessment is based on the guidelines laid out in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publications: Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in an Environmental Impact Statement' (March 2002) and the accompanying Advice Notes on Current Practice (September 2003). This assessment has been carried out by Tíros Resources Limited: Planning, Sustainable Development and Landscape Consultants in consultation with EG Pettit & Company Limited. Deleted:. In undertaking this assessment, Tíros Resources Limited has carried out a desk study of the Mayo County Development Plan and available Ordnance Survey mapping to establish local landscape character, landscape planning context and the likely visual envelope of the proposed development. A meeting with Mayo County Council s Planning Department was also held specifically to discuss the scope for the landscape and visual impact study, identifying potentially sensitive vantage points and the type of mitigation measures that might be employed as part of the proposed development. A comprehensive field study was subsequently undertaken over a period of two days, where the sites for each component of the proposed development were visited, photographed and assessed for the likely extent of the visual envelope. During the field study, factors influencing the subtleties of the visual envelope were established, including variations in topography, the complexity of the urban fabric of Newport town, and the nature and extent of vegetation surrounding the sites and within the broader landscape. All potential public vantage points were thoroughly explored and views towards the proposed development sites photographed where appropriate. Weather conditions during this time were good, with calm, clear and bright conditions prevailing. Landscape in the Existing Environment The EPA Advice Notes describe landscape as a combination of two separate but closely related aspects. The first is the extent to which new developments can be seen; the second is impacts on the character of the landscape and the responses that are felt towards the combined effects of the new development The assessment also follows the recommended course of addressing context, character, significance and sensitivity. These are terms defined in the EPA Advice Notes as follows: Context: Areas from which the existing site can be seen are generally noted, with particular attention given to views from designated tourism routes and view points; roads; residences, hotels and amenities; and monuments and archaeological sites. Areas from beyond the site boundary from which the site can be seen should be noted. Principal landscape features and areas of distinctive character should be mapped. Tíros Resources Limited 2

3 Character: Landscape character comprises both natural and cultural elements. A description of the landscape character differentiates between subjective assessments and objective description. A description of the character of the site as perceived within both the site and wider landscape is important, as is a description of the intensity and character of land use. Significance: This entails the level of visual intrusion upon or obstruction of designated views, designated landscapes and designated landscape amenity areas. Sensitivity: The extent to which the existing landscape or views are capable of being changed in such a way as not to alter the perceived character and appearance. Impacts on Landscape This includes an assessment of the do nothing approach alongside the predicted impacts of changes in character, visibility and land use patterns. The predicted impacts refer to indirect, secondary and cumulative impacts. Mitigating Impacts on Landscape The principles of mitigating impacts on the landscape are as follows: Avoid developments in sensitive or prominent landscapes. Avoid insensitive or visually intrusive designs. Reduce the visual intrusiveness of the design. Reduce the visibility of the project. Definition of Visual Impacts The following terminology has been used in the visual assessment and is defined as follows: Visual Intrusion: This occurs where a proposed development impinges on an existing view without obscuring the view. Visual Obstruction: This occurs where a proposed development obscures an existing view. Degree (Significance) of Visual Impact None: There will be no change to an existing view. Imperceptible: An impact capable of measurement but without noticeable consequences. Slight: An impact that causes a noticeable change in the environment without affecting its sensitivities. Moderate: An impact that significantly alters an aspect of the environment but in a manner that is consistent with existing character and trends. Significant: An impact that, through magnitude, duration or intensity, alters a sensitive aspect of the environment. Profound: An impact that alters a sensitive aspect of the existing environment so as to dramatically change or obliterate it. Tíros Resources Limited 3

4 Visual Impacts may be Neutral, Positive or Negative: Neutral: This will neither enhance nor detract from the landscape character or viewpoint. Positive: This will improve or enhance the landscape character or viewpoint. Negative: This will have an adverse effect on the existing landscape character or viewpoint. The duration of impacts is defined as: Temporary: One year or less. Short-term: One to seven years. Medium-term: Seven to fifteen years Long-term: Fifteen to sixty years Permanent: Over sixty years 2. Development Proposals The site is located on the north-western outskirts of Newport, overlooking the Newport Channel. The (WWTP) and associated Pumping Stations form part of the wider proposals for the Newport Sewerage Scheme. These elements, together with the proposed marine outfall pipeline have the potential for impacting upon the landscape and visual amenity of the area and are therefore the subject of this assessment. (WWTP) It is proposed that the WWTP be located on the northern side of the Caulicaun peninsula close to the north-western fringes of Newport town (refer to Photographs 1 and 2). An indicative layout has been prepared and is illustrated on EG Pettit Drawing No. B6741-N023. This part of the development is likely to comprise a number of buildings and structures, namely a preliminary treatment plant, aeration and settlement tanks, flow balancing tanks, picket fence thickener, sludge dewatering building, effluent pumping and disinfection plant and a control building. The WWTP is likely to be enclosed by a 2.4 metre high palisade security fence, set within the existing vegetated site boundaries. The WWTP structures are likely to range in height up to a maximum of 6.5 metres high. As the site is sloping, the layout of the WWTP is likely to take advantage of this in order to maximise use of gravity-fed circulation (instead of pumping). Where possible, taller structures will be located on the lower slopes. A new Access Road from Quay Road will service the WWTP, following the route of the existing track (refer to Photographs 3 and 4). The road is likely to be a minimum of 4.0 metres wide, increasing to 6.0 metres wide to allow for passing points. The construction period for the and Access Road is likely to be approximately eighteen months, although this and any Deleted: Deleted: se Deleted: be Deleted: no more than 5.0 metres high (check) Tíros Resources Limited 4

5 phasing of the works are likely to be determined by the appointed contractor. A broad range of plant equipment is likely to be used during construction, including bulldozers, Volvo A25s, low-loaders, excavators, HGVs and concrete lorries. Construction staff cars will also be parked in this location. Any surplus excavated material generated on site will be either incorporated into the landscape works or removed from site with any waste material. During the subsequent operation of the, there is likely to be one operator vehicle accessing the site each day, plus one visit per week each from a sludge-removal tanker/lorry and delivery truck. Other vehicles may visit the site on an infrequent basis for maintenance purposes. Waste Water Collection System (WWCS) Two Pumping Stations will be located south of here, one to each side of the entrance to Newport Harbour. One will be located at the western end of Quay Road in a small clearing amongst the existing woodland/scrub vegetation (refer to Photograph 5). This structure is likely to comprise a two-room single storey building. The second Pumping Station will be located in the vicinity of the new apartments adjoining Newport Harbour s south quay (refer to Photographs 6 and 7). This structure is likely to comprise an underground pumping chamber with a small above-ground control kiosk. Deleted: pumping Deleted: stations Deleted: h Deleted: entrance The remainder of the Waste Water Collection System (WWCS) will comprise a network of sewers and rising mains, indicated as Options A to H on EG Pettit & Co. Drawing No. B6741-NO16, and connected into the Pumping Stations. Small control kiosks may be installed in a limited number of locations. The construction of this WWCS pipeline network is likely to be constructed in phases and sequences determined by the appointed contractor. Plant employed during the construction is likely to comprise excavators, dumpers, 4-6 axle trucks, vibrators and vans. The depth of excavation is likely to vary between 1.5 metres and 3.4 metres, depending on topography, and approximately 1.0 metre wide, utilising the available road-space as the working area. Surplus excavated material will be removed from site for recovery, recycling or disposal. All excavated trenches will be reinstated to tie in with the existing road surface. Marine Outfall The Marine Outfall pipeline will run from the WWTP in a westerly direction through Lisduff and along the road to Rosmore, where it will turn north and discharge into Newport Bay at a point below the Lowest Astronomical Tide. The pipeline is likely to run underground for its entire length, with the exception of a short section crossing the channel at Lisduff that is likely to be installed at or close to the channel bed. The construction period, phasing and sequence for the Marine Outfall pipeline is likely to be determined by the appointed contractor, although this would typically occupy a four month period. The pipeline is likely to be laid at a depth of 1.5 to 2.0 metres in a trench 1.0 metre wide, requiring a working width of up to 10.0 metres. Construction plant are likely to be the same as for Deleted: These will comprise small single storey buildings containing pumping equipment (check description, size). Deleted: m Deleted: o Deleted: outfall Deleted: Tíros Resources Limited 5

6 the Waste Water Collection System, but also include boats/barges for waterborne activities. Again, surplus excavated material and waste material will be removed from site for recovery, recycling and or disposal. Deleted:. During the construction of the entire WWCS, WWTP and Marine Outfall, it is likely that the site for the WWTP will serve as the contractor s compound. Within the text that follows, the term proposed development is used to refer to the project as a whole or in general, while specific parts of the project are referred to as above, namely: the or WWTP ; the Access Road to the WWTP; the Waste Water Collection System or WWCS, which includes the Pumping Stations and sewer network; and the Marine Outfall pipeline. 3. Site Location, Context and Visibility The landscape of the area is characterised by the distinctly undulating topography of the drumlins that occur extensively in this part of County Mayo. The drumlins continue into Newport Bay and the wider Clew Bay to produce an extensive network of islands that characterise the sea views from here. The landscape generally surrounding Newport is predominantly rural, a character that is reflected in the scale and nature of Newport town itself. Agriculture depends on mainly grazing land, comprised of both improved and unimproved pasture. Ground conditions are frequently wet, which is reflected in the local vegetation fields frequented by rushes and scrubby hedgerows dominated by goat willow. Field boundaries comprise mostly stone walls, while earth banks and hedgerows occur along some of the roads. Scrubby woodland occurs frequently, particularly on some of the steeper slopes of the drumlins and shorelines. Coniferous trees are not uncommon, mostly spruce, where they have been planted around farm buildings or in small plantations. Deleted: A full description of the proposed development is contained in Section XX. Formatted: Bullets and Numbering Deleted: poor Outside of Newport town, settlement occurs at frequent intervals along the local road network, mostly in small clusters (WWTP) The site of is an elevated and gently sloping field on the northern side of the Caulicaun peninsula (refer to Photographs 1 and 2). The southern and western field boundaries are comprised of substantial scrubby hedgerows (willow and thorn), while the northern boundary comprises a substantial area of scrubby woodland (including ash and maple). The southern boundary forms a secondary ridgeline in views from the south (Quay Road, Photograph 1). To the east there is further willow and thorn scrub where the ground rises up to and beyond a footpath, also overgrown. The existing footpath (refer to Photographs 3 and 4) will be widened and surfaced to provide access to the WWTP. While potentially a prominent location, field observation indicates that this is a very well screened location. This part of the peninsula is low-lying, reaching a peak of only 12 metres OD. The WWTP site has been located on the Deleted: WWTP Deleted: nd Deleted: upgraded to a single track access road, to service Deleted: site has been located on the northern side of the peninsula so that topography and vegetation screen views from the south and from the western side of Newport town (refer Tíros Resources Limited 6

7 northern side of the peninsula so that topography and vegetation screen views from the south and from the western side of Newport town (refer to Photograph 1). Further screening is afforded by rising ground to the east of the WWTP site, precluding views of it from high ground around St. Patrick s Church at the centre of Newport (refer to Photographs 9 and 10). Principal views of the site only occur from the northwest - from Lisduff and the road to Rosmore (refer to Photographs 11 and 12). These are not considered significant public vantage points. Waste Water Collection System (WWCS) The Pumping Station sites lie on either side of the entrance to Newport Harbour. The northern-most of these will be located at the western tip of Quay Road (refer to Photograph 5) overlooking the Newport Channel (refer to Photograph 1). This is a relatively prominent location, as the Quay Road is frequented by walkers and offers excellent views of the Newport Channel. It is not overlooked as such, but will be clearly visible adjacent to the Quay Road. The second Pumping Station site lies adjacent to new apartments and quay on the southern side of the harbour. While not as prominent as the first location, there are open views from the Quay Road and the nearby apartments (refer to Photographs 6 and 7), plus a distant view from the N59 (refer to Photograph 8). The remainder of the WWCS will be installed within the street network of Newport town. The urban setting affords mainly localised views of relatively short sections of the network route, which will be affected only during construction. Deleted: largely Deleted: to Deleted:, Deleted: In broad terms, t Deleted: views Deleted: p Deleted: s Deleted: lies Deleted: lie Deleted: pumping Deleted: station Deleted: likely to be Deleted: and Deleted: potentially Marine Outfall The proposed route of the marine outfall pipeline passes from the WWTP down the northern side of the Caulicaun peninsula and crosses the channel at Lisduff, then follows the northern side of the channel to joins the road to Rosmore near the Lisduff bridge (refer to Photographs 1, 13 and 14). The route itself is screened in the view from Quay Road (refer to Photograph 1) except where it crosses the channel near Lisduff; the route is mainly visible from Lisduff (Photographs 11 and 12) and from the Rosmore Road itself (refer to Photographs 15 and 16). There are no views of this route from other directions. 4. Planning context Mayo County Council has commissioned and published a Landscape Character Assessment for the whole county as part of its Development Plan This publication has been used to ascertain the relevant planning context in relation to landscape and visual amenity matters, as set out in the following. An assessment of the proposed development in the context of the following planning policies is provided subsequently in Sections X.X titled Likely Landscape and Visual Impacts. Deleted: up the hill Deleted: and Deleted: This first section is prominent in views from the Quay Road, while the remainder of the route is partially screened by intervening topography and vegetation, although it will be prominent Landscape Character Areas Tíros Resources Limited 7

8 The site falls into Landscape Character Area J: Clew Bay Glacial Drumlins. Here, views to the north are dominated by the mountainous Beg Range and to the south by Croagh Patrick. There are generally open views out to the sea and inland towards Castlebar. Land cover is predominantly poor pasture and transitional woodland scrub. There is a significant zone of continuous urban fabric within this Character Area, identified as Westport; Newport is not described as such, although it is a significant town in a county context, within which the proposed development will largely occur. This designation identifies a number of critical landscape factors that require consideration when preparing and analysing development proposals for this area. In particular there are distinct and unmistakable coastal vistas, particularly from elevated sections of the N59 and R335, which should be preserved; however, such views do not occur in the vicinity of the proposed development site. Deleted: Firstly, t Deleted: namely Deleted: A Deleted: in this area In Landscape Character Area J, the complex undulating topography can comfortably accommodate appropriately sited development and assimilate it into the landscape. The undulating topography can shelter and absorb development, giving it realistic scale and visual containment. However, the topography also gives rise to a series of prominent primary and secondary ridge lines development should avoid interrupting primary ridge lines in particular. The shelter, visual containment and scale afforded by the drumlin topography is further enhanced by extensive vegetation cover hedgerows and scrubby woodland. Visually Vulnerable Areas The proposed development site falls within an area designated as Vulnerable in the Landscape Character Assessment on two counts under the general designation of the entire Mayo coastline and also in particular under Promontories and Headlands the Clew Bay drumlins. Deleted: Secondly, t Deleted: areas The policies regarding Vulnerable Areas require the protection of those principal features that give character and distinctiveness to the local landscape. Development must not impinge in any significant way on landscape character, integrity or uniformity. Particular regard should be had for views from Scenic Routes and the environs of archaeological and historical sites. The proposed development site might also be included within the designation of Sensitive Areas under the categories of transitional woodland scrub and/or agricultural lands with significant natural vegetation. The northern slopes of the Caulicaun peninsula support extensive natural or semi-natural vegetation cover. Scenic Routes As referred to above, regard must be had for Scenic routes, of which there are few in the locality. The nearest is that of the N59, although this Tíros Resources Limited 8

9 designation does not apply to the section of the N59 from Rosturk, more than 8km to the west of Newport, to beyond Westport. In any case, the majority of the proposed development site cannot be seen from the N59 at any point because of intervening topography and/or vegetation. All works along the N59 itself and adjoining roads comprise underground works. Both a Scenic Route and Scenic Vistas are designated along the shores of Lough Furnace to the north of Newport and the N59. Both distance and intervening topography/vegetation preclude any views of the proposed development site from here. Principal Landscape Policy Areas The proposed development site falls into Principal Landscape Policy Area 2: Lowland Coastal Zone. The policies applying to this area reiterate much of what is outlined above and are summarised below. Individual Policies are often relevant to more than one Policy Area only those relevant to Policy Area 2 are listed below: Policy 3: encourage development that will not have a disproportionate effect on the coastal environment in terms of location, design and visual prominence. Policy 11 applies that same principle to the landscape in general. Deleted: Finally, the Deleted: Policies 1 and 2 do not apply; policies 3-7 apply to Policy Area 1 areas as well Deleted:. Policy 4: consider development that does not significantly interfere or detract from scenic coastal vistas when viewed from the public realm. Policy 5: encourage development that will not interrupt or penetrate distinct linear sections of primary ridge lines and coast lines when viewed from the public realm. Policy 6: preserve areas that are not subject to recent or previous development and have retained a dominantly undisturbed coastal character. Policy 7: Development on steep slopes should avoid a disproportionate or dominating visual impact Policy 8: Recognise areas of substantial residential and rural land use and the pressures arising from demand for housing, wind energy and industry. Deleted: er Policy 9: Facilitate appropriate development in a progressive and clustered manner, respecting the scale and sensitivity of the landscape. Policy 10: Recognise the potential impacts of tall and bulky development in a low-lying landscape. Landscape Sensitivity Index Tíros Resources Limited 9

10 A Landscape Sensitivity Index is included in Mayo s Landscape Character Assessment, where different types of development are assessed for likely impacts within each of the Landscape Policy Areas. This index is intended to provide guidance and support the decision-making process. The development under consideration here falls most appropriately into the category of Industrial/Commercial development. The Landscape Sensitivity Index suggests that this type of development in the Lowland Coastal Zone Landscape Policy Area has a low potential for creating adverse impacts. Development will be normal and appropriate unless it is badly sited and/or designed. 5. Sources of Potential Landscape and Visual Impacts Landscape and visual impacts can arise from the development in a number of ways, in particular: Removal of landscape features (temporary or permanent) Construction impacts (short term) Operational impacts (medium or long term) Lighting Removal of landscape features Nearly all development projects require an element of site clearance prior to or during construction. It is anticipated that it will be necessary to remove existing walls and vegetation along parts of the proposed Access Road to the, both as a short term measure to accommodate construction traffic, and for the long-term accommodation of maintenance vehicles. Scrub will be cleared from the eastern side of the WWTP site, adjacent to the proposed Access Road and it is also likely that some scrub will be removed from the northern margins of the site. It may also be necessary to remove earth banks and hedges along parts of the Marine Outfall pipeline route to accommodate construction works. However, it is intended to retain vegetation in most cases. The WWTP is surrounded by mature scrub and young woodland vegetation, which provide significant screening to the site. Vegetation adjacent to the proposed Pumping Station on Quay Road will be retained except where removal is required to achieve a minimum working area around the proposed building. Deleted: access road Deleted: WWTP Deleted: marine Deleted: outfall Deleted: for the same reasons Within the town where the sewer network is to be installed, there is no vegetation that will require removal to accommodate the works. Care will need to be taken in the detailed pipeline routing to minimise potential impacts of excavation works on the roots of existing trees, particularly along Quay Road and the road near Teevmore/Milcum. Construction impacts (Short Term) Construction impacts may potentially arise from the short term presence of contractor s compounds, construction activities and the working areas. Tíros Resources Limited 10

11 Features is likely to include plant activity, parking of contractors vehicles, storage of materials and fuel, movement of excavated materials, delivery of materials and plant. Operational Impacts (Long Term) Operational impacts may potentially arise from the presence of new structures in the landscape. These elements will comprise the Waste Water Treatment Plant and Pumping Stations and/or control kiosks, these being the only above-ground features of the development. The WWTP is the most significant of these and, given the height and location of some of the structures (up to 6.5 metres high), these is the potential impact for these to be dominant features of the local landscape. There is also the potential for lighting of the WWTP to feature in the nocturnal landscape, although this is likely to be used mainly during maintenance works and directed to avoid unnecessary light spillage. Deleted:, both of which will be occupied by Deleted: contractor s vehicles Deleted: plant and materials Deleted: may Deleted: arise Deleted: WWTP Deleted: only Deleted:. 6. Proposed Mitigation Measures The principal consideration in mitigating potential landscape and visual impacts by the WWTP has been site selection. As described above, the location of the (WWTP) occupies a position that has a minimal visual envelope, ensuring that where views do occur, this is likely to impact on as few people as possible. This is the largest above-ground element of the proposed development and comprises a number of individual components. Within the site, endeavours shall be made where possible to locate taller structures or buildings on lower parts of the site, in order to minimise their elevation and avoid intruding on the skyline or shoreline. It may be appropriate and necessary to reduce ground levels at the southern (higher) side of the site in order to keep buildings and structures below the level of the promontory s ridgeline and the vegetation located there. The objective here is to utilise the absorption capacity of the landscape, as identified in the County Development Plan s account of Landscape Character Area J: Clew Bay Drumlins and to minimise or avoid intruding on any primary ridgeines (e.g. the Nephin Beg Range) and/or secondary ridgelines (local ridgelines). The objective is also to avoid undue intrusion in a landscape identified as a Vulnerable Area. This approach also accords with Principal Landscape Policies 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10 (refer to Planning Context Section). Deleted: by far Existing vegetation surrounding the site will be retained as far as practical, in particular along the southern boundary where the hedgerow features at the horizon of this secondary ridgeline. Some of the scrub vegetation along the eastern and northern perimeter will be removed to accommodate access to the site and its internal layout. Supplementary planting of a similar nature is likely to be provided at the site s perimeter to reinforce the existing landscape structure and character and provide additional screening in the medium and long term. The finishes for the WWTP will also be considered carefully. From the surrounding landscape the site is mostly seen against a backdrop of existing Tíros Resources Limited 11

12 vegetation on account of either elevated viewpoints and/or higher ground beyond the site. For this reason, an appropriate selection of materials and colours is likely to be applied to the buildings and structures within the site so as so assimilate them into the surrounding landscape. Stone and render finishes will be appropriate to the buildings and muted olive green and brown paint finishes to treatment tanks and other structures; perimeter fencing will also be finished in similar colours that will recede into the background. In carrying out these measures, the potential for the WWTP to dominate the local landscape will be minimised in accordance with Principal Landscape Policy 10. Deleted: recessive Marine Outfall Pipeline Careful location of the marine outfall pipeline will be critical, not that it will have a presence in the finished scheme, but on account of potential construction impacts arising from the removal of landscape features. The indicative route mostly follows the centre of the Rosmore road; however, the nature of this road is that it is narrow and accommodates the width of only one vehicle. In practical terms, this means that the working width for installing the marine outfall pipeline would be approximately 3.0 metres. In the event that this is not practical, then consideration will be given to an alternative pipeline route, perhaps parallel to, and uphill of, the road. This would enable the existing banks, walls and vegetation to be retained and minimise the likely impacts on the landscape. This solution would be preferable to removing and reinstating these features. The least favoured option would be the removal of banks and vegetation on one side of the road to facilitate the required working area, on account of the significant impact this would have on the local landscape in the short and medium term. Deleted: Existing vegetation surrounding the site will be retained as far as practical, in particular along the southern boundary where the hedgerow features at the horizon of this secondary ridgeline. Some of the scrub vegetation along the eastern will be removed to accommodate access to the site and its internal layout. Supplementary planting of a similar nature will be provided at the site s perimeter to reinforce the existing landscape structure and character and provide additional screening in the medium and long term. Waste Water Collection System Existing vegetation is a dominant feature of Quay Road at its western end in particular. The site selected for one of the Pumping Stations lies within these trees at the western end of Quay Road, where the vegetation comprises relatively scrubby trees. In order to avoid removing significant numbers of trees, the Pumping Station is likely to be located adjacent to the road in a position where it does not feature in views along the road and out to the Newport Channel. This location is likely to also minimise the potential impact on the trees of the waste water collection system that the Pumping Stations will serve. To this end, the pipelines are likely to be located on the opposite side of Quay Road to the trees and Pumping Station, as far as is practical, to avoid or minimise potential damage to tree roots through excavation of the pipeline route. Similar consideration will be required along the road to Milcum House and beyond. Material finishes to the Pumping Stations will be critical to their assimilation into the landscape. Observation of other structures within the vicinity of the site reveals that many are constructed in a style sympathetic to the surroundings and finished in local stone. It would be appropriate for relatively small structures such as the Pumping Stations to be treated with similar finishes to avoid drawing attention to their industrial purpose and reinforce local landscape character. Deleted: probably best Deleted: However, it will also be important to Deleted: should Deleted: in a similar fashion in order to play down Deleted: function Deleted:. Tíros Resources Limited 12

13 Reinstatement works Finally, careful reinstatement of the landscape following construction works will be undertaken. This is likely to include replacing excavated roads/pavements, walls, banks, hedgerows and trees and will be most applicable to the marine outfall pipeline route. The road that this follows is a good quality farm road, finished with a stone surface it would be most appropriate to retain this type of finish rather than construct a tar macadam road. A similar finish would be appropriate to the road accessing the WWTP. High quality road finishes will also be important in retaining the integrity of Newport s road network where the new waste water collection system is to be installed. All of the above measures seek to ensure that the development takes place in accordance with the Policies of Landscape Policy Area 2: Lowland Coastal Zone, as described in the planning context section above. 7. Likely Landscape and Visual Impacts At this stage, we have considered the scope of the proposed development, the relevant planning context and landscape policies for the area, the potential landscape and visual impacts that might arise from the proposed development and the range of mitigation measures that are likely to be employed in implementing this project. This section of the landscape and visual assessment will describe in detail the anticipated likely impacts upon the landscape and visual amenity of the area arising from the proposed development. Likely impacts during construction Construction impacts are likely to be the most significant impacts arising from this proposed development, but by their nature will be short-lived. The most significant are likely to be the installation of the new Waste Water Collection System (WWCS), which will have a short term moderately negative impact on the streetscapes of Newport, arising from the presence and operation of plant machinery, the excavation, stockpiling and replacement of fill material, and from the storage and installation of the new pipes. However, once complete, the roads and pavements will be fully reinstated and there will be no ongoing landscape or visual impacts. Construction of the (WWTP) is likely to have the most significant impact arising from the construction and use of the Access Road, along the line of the existing track (refer to Photographs 3 and 4). A slightly to moderately negative impact is likely to arise in the short term from the removal of existing walls and hedgerows and the presence of a temporary construction road, although new walls and/or hedgerows will be reinstated once construction works are complete. Construction activities on the WWTP are likely to be largely screened from Newport but more significant in views from the minor road and properties at Lisduff where there are more open views of the site (refer to Photographs 11 Deleted: waste Deleted: water Deleted: collection Deleted: system Deleted: access road Deleted: these will ultimately Tíros Resources Limited 13

14 and 12). From here there is likely to be slightly or moderately negative landscape and visual impacts arising from construction activities at the WWTP site. Such activities will include operation of plant machinery, earthworks, delivery and installation of materials and equipment, partially completed structures and buildings, contractors compound and storage areas. Construction of the Pumping Stations are likely to have only localised landscape and visual impacts. There is likely to be a slightly negative landscape impact arising from the removal of vegetation at the western end of Quay Road for one of the Pumping Stations (refer to Photograph 5). There is likely to be short term slightly negative impacts arising from the construction of both Pumping Stations, most particularly at the western and of Quay Road, where construction activities are likely to result in a temporary loss of public amenity. However, following completion and reinstatement, construction impacts will cease. Construction of the marine outfall pipeline to the west of Newport town is likely to have a slightly negative landscape and visual impact, resulting from the presence and activities of plant machinery, excavation of soil and overburden, and temporary storage of pipe units prior to installation. The route of the marine outfall pipeline is only overlooked to any significant degree at its eastern end from Lisduff. Construction will be completed with the reinstatement of the route and there is likely to be no ongoing impacts arising. Construction activities along the Rosmore peninsula will be evident only in distant views from Quay Road and the western fringes of Newport, and shall have only a slightly or imperceptibly negative impact on the landscape. Deleted:, and so on Deleted: at Deleted:, viewed mainly from Quay Road and the southern quay (refer to Photograph 1). Likely impacts on the landscape The proposed development is likely to have only a very slight and neutral impact on the landscape. The location of each element of the development proposal is well contained by topography and vegetation, and considered layout and appropriate finishes to the buildings and structures will ensure that this development sits well in the landscape. The development will not impact significantly on the secondary ridgeline formed by the promontory on which the will be located; the development will not impact significantly on coastal views or views of the surrounding landscape from the public realm; it will retain the relatively undisturbed nature of this section of coastline as it approaches the fringes of Newport town; and the development will be accommodated comfortably within the landscape without undue or disproportionate impact upon it s character. Likely impacts on public open space Areas of public open space occur infrequently in the vicinity of the proposed development. In essence these are the incidental spaces that comprise the waterfront area along Newport Harbour, including both north and south quays and Quay Road, which are regularly used as a walking route and offer fine views of the harbour (refer to Photograph 1). The Waste Water Treatment Plant is likely to be substantially or completely screened from view by intervening topography and vegetation and will therefore have no visual Tíros Resources Limited 14

15 impact upon these locations. The proposed Access Road to the WWTP will be visible from the northern side of Quay Road, and is likely to appear as a new minor road in the local landscape, accompanied by a likely permanent loss of some of the existing vegetation; the impact of this on the local landscape and visual amenity is likely to be slightly negative. The two Pumping Stations are likely to have a slight but neutral impact on visual amenity, by virtue of their presence as new structures in the landscape. With appropriate siting, use of construction materials and style, these will be assimilated into the local landscape and are likely to have no detrimental impact on visual amenity. The Pumping Station located near the new apartments at Teevmore will be underground and only the control kiosk will feature, with no significant visual impact; the Pumping Station at Quay Road will appear as a new building in the landscape and, with appropriate design and finishing, will be consistent with other buildings in the vicinity and therefore blend with the landscape with no detrimental impact on landscape or visual amenity. There are likely to be no impacts upon these areas arising from the waste water collection system or marine outfall pipelines after their completion, as these will be completely underground (or underwater) and fully reinstated. Likely impacts on roads Views of the proposed development from the local road network will be very limited. There are no views of the site in general from the N59, although construction works for the waste water collection system are likely to have a short term direct impact on the road during the installation of the works. Quay Road on the western side of Newport town will have limited views of the nearest Pumping Station and the Access Road to the Waste Water Treatment Plant (refer to Photographs 5 and 6). The Pumping Station will be constructed and finished in a manner that renders it inconspicuous features in the landscape, located so that it does not interfere with views across Newport Harbour/Channel and beyond thereby having a slight and neutral impact on landscape and visual amenity. The new Access Road, by virtue of the loss of vegetation and presence of a wider road is likely to have a slightly negative impact. The remaining views from roads occur to the northwest of Newport along the road at Lisduff, where views are orientated towards Newport town and the (refer to Photographs 11 and 12). A short section of road affords views across the Newport channel to the site of the and the Pumping Stations. The latter will not feature significantly in these views on account of their small size, discreet location and distance from the vantage point. The WWTP will lie significantly closer to the vantage point and will occupy a significant part of the hillside. Views from the road at Lisduff are mostly orientated southwards towards the Newport Channel rather than southeast to the Caulicaun peninsula, the principal exception being from the small bridge that crosses the narrow channel separating the island of Rosmore from the mainland, where the view Deleted: access road Deleted: but will have no significant impact upon these Deleted: views Deleted:. Deleted:. Deleted: while the Deleted: pipes and chambers are being installed Deleted: The only permanent above ground structure that may be visible from the N59 will be one of the pumping stations, to be located adjacent to the south quay in Newport and visible from the vicinity of the road bridge crossing the eastern end of Newport Harbour. This structure will have an imperceptible and neutral impact upon this view (refer to Photograph 8). Deleted: s Deleted: access road Deleted: s Deleted: them Deleted: they do Deleted:. Deleted: The impacts of these and the access road wil Deleted: l be Deleted: re Deleted: Deleted: promontory Tíros Resources Limited 15

16 is directed towards the Caulicaun peninsula. Where visible, the WWTP site lies amongst substantial scrubby woodland vegetation, most of which will be retained for screening purposes. The proposed plant is likely to be partially visible above the existing vegetation, with further screening afforded by additional planting and/or earthworks. At the same time, the colour and material finishes to visible structures are likely to complement the surroundings in order for them to blend into the landscape rather than feature in it. Therefore it is likely that there will be only a slightly negative visual impact upon these vantage points. Deleted: promontory Likely impacts on residential areas There are very few residential areas that overlook the proposed development site. Short term impacts will occur upon residential properties throughout the town while the waste water collection system is being installed; upon completion there will be no residual landscape or visual impacts. Residential areas with ongoing views of the permanent above-ground installations will be confined to the new apartments on Newport s south quay (refer to Photograph 7), a small number of residential properties on the north side of Quay Road, and a small number of houses at Lisduff (refer to Photographs 1 and 11). The apartments on the south quay are located adjacent to the proposed site of one of the Pumping Stations. As such, these apartments may have direct or indirect views of the control kiosk new Pumping Station, but with appropriate location, design and finishing it can be absorbed successfully into its surroundings as part of the quayside furniture. Therefore it is likely that the proposed Pumping Station will have a neutral impact on visual amenity. Properties to the north side of Quay Road will have views onto the proposed Access Road to the. The more significant impacts are likely to occur during construction as described above; following completion, the road will be reinstated to an appropriate finish and the walls, fences and hedgerows removed at the start of the construction phase will be replaced. The ongoing impact of the new road is likely to be slightly negative on account of the loss of more substantial vegetation and the presence of traffic movements where previously there were none. There is likely to be no significant view of the proposed itself. Properties at Lisduff share similar views towards the Waste Water Treatment Plant as those from the road here. Views of the WWTP site will be oblique to the orientation of the houses, but the proposed WWTP is likely to be partly visible. Screening afforded by existing/new vegetation, earthworks and the considered use of colour and material finishes will all serve to integrate the development into the landscape. Also, the context for these views is the western fringe of Newport town. As a result there is likely to be only a slightly negative impact upon visual amenity. Deleted: architecture Deleted: access road Deleted: and neutral Deleted: buildings Deleted: buildings and structures Likely impacts on sites of archaeological and/or historical importance Tíros Resources Limited 16

17 The County Development Plant outlines the location and nature of such sites within the area. A number of protected structures occur within the town of Newport itself, including St. Patrick s Church, rail/road bridges and station. A number of houses occur nearby including Newport House, Carrowbaun House and Milcum House. The views from each of these locations have been carefully reviewed during the site visit carried out at the beginning of this study, concluding that there is likely to be no significant views of the completed development from any of these locations. Therefore the landscape setting of these protected structures will not be affected in any way. With regard to archaeological features, the most prominent of these is the remains of a ring fort at Lisduff, located at the tip of the headland facing towards the Caulicaun promontory (refer to Photograph 1, left hand side). It is clearly evident on account of the characteristic earthworks and mature vegetation that define its outline. The route of the proposed marine outfall pipeline passes immediately north of the fort - it is proposed that the pipeline is routed away from the ring fort in order to preserve it. From the fort itself, there is unlikely to be any significant view of any part of the proposed development, the only exception being a short section of exposed pipeline at low tide. Deleted: c Deleted: Altogether Deleted:, Deleted: trees Deleted: here A full account of the areas archaeological heritage within the vicinity of the proposed development is included in the Cultural Heritage section of this EIS. 8. The do nothing scenario In the event that the proposed development does not proceed, the landscape is likely to remain much as it is at present. The site of the Waste Water Treatment Plant will remain as unimproved pasture characterised by encroaching scrub vegetation. The sites for the Pumping Stations will not change, being maintained in their present state. As a result there is likely to be no significant gain or detrimental effect arising. 9. Conclusion Having considered the planning context and carried out a field assessment of the proposed development sites, it can only be concluded that the proposed development is likely to have slightly or moderately negative impacts on visual amenity in the short term during the construction phase, but no significant medium or long term impacts on the landscape or visual amenity of the area. The majority of the works will be contained underground. The remaining elements, comprising buildings, structures, Pumping Stations and Access Road have all been located where they are likely to have the least significant impact on the landscape and visual amenity of the areas. Furthermore their design and detailing is likely to be complementary to the local vernacular style in so far as is possible and will utilise forms, materials and colours that are easily assimilated into the landscape. Deleted: underused and relatively inaccessible, gradually being taken over by scrub Deleted: locations Deleted: of Deleted: access road Deleted: Tíros Resources Limited 17

18 The proposed development, and particularly the Waste Water Treatment Plant, has been developed with reference to the Policies applying to Landscape Policy Area 2: Lowland coastal Zone, as outlined in the Planning Context section above, as follows: Policy 3: The proposed development is unlikely to have a disproportionate effect on the coastal environment. Its location, particularly that of the, has been chosen to minimise its visual envelope and its prominence in views from the public realm, and the design considered with a view to minimising the number and extent of new features in the landscape. Policy 4: As with Policy 3, the proposed development is unlikely to significantly interfere with scenic coastal vistas when viewed from the public realm, most particularly when viewed from the Harbour and Quay Road areas of Newport or from the few vantage points within the town. The proposed development will not impact in any way on Scenic Routes along the N59. Policy 5: The proposed development is unlikely to interrupt or penetrate distinct linear ridgelines and coastlines when viewed from the public realm, particularly views towards the WWTP from the Harbour and Quay Road areas. Policy 6: The confined scope of the visual envelope and careful design and finish of new structures in the landscape is likely to ensure that the proposed development will not compromise the undisturbed coastal character of parts of this area. Notwithstanding this, the development will take place within and at the fringes of Newport town, a location which is has undergone, and continues to undergo, extensive development. Policy 7: The proposed will take place on modest slopes but set within a mature landscape and avoiding a skyline position. The layout and choice of materials and finishes is likely to minimise and avoid prominence in the landscape. Policy 8: The proposed development will be located within and at the fringes of Newport town and is required to meet the needs of a growing population. Policy 9: The proposed development is appropriate in that it meets a specific need and occupies an appropriate location in close proximity to the town it serves. The scale and presentation of the proposed development is intended to sit comfortably and discreetly in its landscape setting. Policy 10: The design and layout of the proposed development seeks to minimise the potential impact of tall structures in a low lying landscape, through considered layout and design, and is unlikely to have any significant adverse effect on the landscape and visual amenity of the area. Tíros Resources Limited 18