5.0 Landscape and Visual Impact

Transcription

1 5.0 Landscape and Visual Impact 5.1 Introduction WYG is instructed by Biffa Waste Management Ltd (Biffa) to prepare this Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) which relates to proposed small-scale incineration facility on land at ir Swansea Depot on Clarion Close, Morriston, Swansea Biffa operates an existing waste management and transport depot at Clarion Close, Swansea. The depot is located within Clarion Close industrial estate circa 5kms to north-east of Swansea City centre. The depot extends to 1.3 hectares and comprises site offices, maintenance building, a large unused storage building and on-site parking for company s fleet of waste collection vehicles. The depot is accessed from Clarion Close to South and bounded to north and west by existing industrial units. The eastern boundary is defined by Nant-y-fendrod, a tributary of River Tawe, with furr industrial units beyond. 5.2 Methodology and Scope Scope of assessment This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) provides an assessment of effects of proposed development, on landscape of site and its context. The design of proposed development and identification of mitigation measures incorporated within design to minimise adverse effects, is informed by findings of assessment process as it progressed. During assessment, effects on features identified as important to scenic quality, or effects on landscape character of site and its setting are assessed. Effects on peoples views of site and its setting, or visual amenity, are also assessed An environmental impact assessment has been sought by Swansea Council following a Screening Opinion and this LVIA forms part of that assessment For purposes of assessing landscape and visual effects of this proposal, study areas have been defined: Site, extends to red line shown on Figure 5.1. The immediate context, defined by local influences such as topography, vegetation and buildings The wider context, study area in which site influences The visual study area extends to about 2km from site The objectives of assessment are to: Describe and evaluate landscape of site and surrounding landscape context and visual amenity of people in surrounding area, which might be affected by proposed development; Examine development proposals and analyse potential effects on landscape and visual amenity associated with scheme s design or operation, and wher y are likely to be significant; Set out mitigation measures which could be implemented in order to avoid, reduce or offset adverse effects, especially those identified as significant, and, where possible, incorporate se in scheme design; Describe any enhancements of landscape or visual amenity incorporated in development proposals, and Provide an assessment of significance of landscape and visual effects of proposed development with integral mitigation measures in place The LVIA is presented with separate sections dealing with effects on landscape, effects on visual amenity, and cumulative effects. The LVIA is illustrated by plans and photographs, as follows: Figure 5.1 Figure Figure Figure Figure to.5 Figure to.5 Figure to.5 Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure to.4 Site Location Designations Landscape and Heritage Designations Biodiversity Designations Public Access LANDMAP Overall Evaluations LANDMAP Level 3 Classifications LANDMAP Thematic Evaluations Visual Appraisal Topography Visual Appraisal Site Context Zone of Theoretical Visibility Bare Earth Zone of Theoretical Visibility Screening Features Viewpoint Photographs Detailed information is presented in Appendices as follows: Appendix 5.1 General Assessment Methodology Appendix 5.2 Landscape Policies Assessment Methodology The methodology used for assessing landscape and visual effects is based on recommendations in Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Assessment 3rd Edition published by The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment in 2013 (GLVIA3). A summary of methodology used is set out in Appendix The assessment process comprises a combination of desk studies and field surveys, with subsequent analyses, and involved: A review of landscape designations and planning policies for landscape, and of or landscape studies relevant to area, including national and local landscape character assessments; A survey of site and landscape context study areas and inspection of views of site from publicly accessible viewpoints, including a photographic survey. The surveys were carried out on 11 th April Evaluation of features and elements of landscape and ir contribution to landscape character, context and setting, based on se studies; Analysis of development proposals and consideration of potential landscape and visual effects of proposed development; Assessment of susceptibility and sensitivity of landscape to changes likely to arise from development; Identification of extent of oretic visibility of development and viewers, ir susceptibility and sensitivity, and view locations, supported by a viewpoint analysis; Consideration of proposals and mitigation measures to avoid, reduce or offset adverse effects; Assessment of magnitude of change, degree and nature of effects on landscape and on visual amenity and ir significance, with mitigation proposals in place. 1

2 Assessment and mitigation The effects of development, wher beneficial or adverse, may vary in nature and degree through its lifecycle and, where feasible, mitigation measures are proposed to be incorporated in design of development. Where design measures cannot address identified likely adverse effects, measures such as management of construction and operational processes or of use of public rights of way may be proposed. The purpose of mitigation measures is first, to prevent or avoid potentially adverse effects identified, and if that is not possible, to reduce potential adverse effect. Where adverse effects are unavoidable, purpose is to offset or compensate for effect Details of criteria for assessing landscape effects, visual effects, and cumulative effects, are set out in those respective sections. Wear The wear is a factor affecting assessment of, especially, visual impacts. The Met Office 1 publish average statistics for wear patterns for region, monthly and annual, for maximum and minimum temperatures, days of air frost, hours of sunshine, amount of rainfall - both generally and number of days when rainfall is above 1mm. For Mumbles Head, nearest Climate station to where site is located: Rainfall above 1mm per day, which limits visibility, occurs on an average of days in year, about 40.5% of year There are on average 9.7 days when air frost occurs, which can produce hazy conditions limiting visibility, about 2.6% of year There is an average of hours of sunshine per annum for England SW & Wales S district, more than Wales regional average of hours. Guidance etc In addition to GLVIA3, Landscape Institute s Advice Note 01/11 Photography and Photomontage in Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment was referred to Relevant policy, landscape character assessments, and or contextual information sources were also referred to, including: LANDMAP Policies relevant to landscape and visual amenity in national and regional policy including Planning Policy Wales, Technical Advice Notes, Swansea City and County of Swansea Unitary Development Plan (2008), and Swansea Deposit Local Development Plan. Photography Photographs have a special role in describing landscape character and illustrating key views. In order for photograph to be representative and to create an image that is as similar as possible to that which is seen with human eye, LI advises using a lens with a focal length equivalent to 50mm for a 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera, and a horizontal field of view of a little under 40 degrees 2. The camera used for appraisal photography was a Canon EOS 5D Mark iii digital SLR camera with a full frame sensor. Photographs were taken with a focal length of 50mm, unless orwise stated Landscape photography includes wide angle or panoramic views requiring a sequence of photographs to be taken across view. Where this approach is taken, a series of overlapping photographs are digitally spliced toger in Adobe Photoshop CS using a cylindrical projection to provide a panorama approximating to normal field of view in a landscape context. Where necessary, contrast and brightness of individual photographs is slightly manipulated in order to create a consistent panorama without visible joins. The viewpoint locations are shown on Figure Landscape Policies and Designations National and local policies Planning Policy (Wales) Planning Policy Wales (PPW) Edition 9, November 2016, sets out land use planning policies of Welsh Government. It translates The Welsh Government s commitment to sustainable development into planning system, to be taken into account when preparing development plans, so that it can play an appropriate role in moving towards sustainability. Key Legislation The key policies that are of relevance to development include: PPW 4 Planning for Sustainability states that planning to minimise causes of climate change means taking decisive action to move towards a low carbon economy by facilitating delivery of new and more sustainable forms of energy provision at all scales. PPW 5 Conserving and Improving Natural Heritage and Coast states that while value of all landscapes of Wales is recognised local planning authorities should have regard to relative significance of international, national and local designations in considering weight to be attached to nature conservation interests and should take care to avoid placing unnecessary constraints on development. PPW 6 The Historic Environment gives an objective that The Welsh Government s in this field are to conserve and enhance historic environment, which is a finite and non-renewable resource and a vital and integral part of historical and cultural identity of Wales. PPW 12 Infrastructure and Services, requires under Renewable and Low Carbon Energy, that The Welsh Government is committed to playing its part by delivering an energy programme which contributes to reducing carbon emissions as part of our approach to tackling climate change whilst enhancing economic, social and environmental wellbeing of people and communities of Wales in order to achieve a better quality of life for our own and future generations Planning Policy Wales is supplemented by Technical Advice Notes (TAN): TAN 8 Planning for Renewable Energy under Energy from Waste stipulates that some of output from energy from waste plants is deemed to be "renewable" but Assembly Government's priority is to see 1 The data quoted are those for Mumbles Head, England SW & Wales S, obtained from The Met Office website: [accessed April 2018] 2 2 The Landscape Institute, Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11, Photography and photomontage in Landscape and Visual Assessment, March 2011, on LI website: [accessed April 2018]

3 amount of waste reduced with energy recovery usually only coming after recycling and composting City and County of Swansea Unitary Development Plan (2008) Policy EV2 Siting and Location: The siting of new development should give preference to use of previously developed land over greenfield sites, and must have regard to physical character and topography of site and its surroundings. Policy EV6 Ancient Monuments & Protection of Archaeological Sites: The Council will seek to protect, preserve and enhance Scheduled Ancient Monuments and ir settings, and also unscheduled archaeological sites and monuments and ir settings. Policy EV9 Conservation Areas: Development within or adjacent to a conservation area will only be permitted if it would preserve or enhance character or appearance of conservation area or its setting. Policy EV11 Historic Parks, Gardens and Landscapes: Development that would harm character or setting of registered Historic Parks and Gardens will not be permitted. Policy EV12 Lanes and Public Paths: The character of lanes and public paths that contribute to amenity, natural, and historic qualities of an area will be protected. Policy EV24 Greenspace System: Within greenspace system, consisting of wildlife reservoirs, green corridors, pocket sites and riparian corridors, natural heritage and historic environment will be conserved and enhanced. Policy EV27 SSSIs and National Nature Reserves: Development that significantly adversely affects special interests of sites designated as SSSIs and NNRs will not be permitted unless need for development is of such significance that it outweighs national importance of designation. Policy EV28 Sites of Local Importance: Development that would significantly adversely affect SINCs will not be permitted. Policy EV30 Trees, Woodland and Hedgerow Protection: Protection and improved management of woodlands, trees and hedgerows which are important for ir visual amenity, historic environment, natural heritage, and/or recreation value will be encouraged. Policy R11 Renewable Energy: Proposals for provision of renewable energy resources, including ancillary infrastructure and buildings, will be permitted provided that scale, form, design, appearance and cumulative impacts of proposals can be satisfactorily incorporated into landscape or built environment and would not significantly adversely affect visual amenity, local environment or recreational/tourist use of se areas and re no significant adverse effect on natural heritage and historic environment or development would preserve or enhance any conservation areas and not adversely affect listed buildings or ir settings. Policy R12 Waste Management: Proposals for development of waste management facilities involving transfer, treatment, re-use, recycling energy recovery from waste will be assessed against regional and local requirements. Proposals will be permitted within areas designated for B2 industrial use or having benefit of lawful B2 use provided that re are no significant adverse effects in relation to scale and location, visual impact, and Natural heritage and historic environment. Designations Landscape designations provide an indication of landscape value. They are areas that have been recognised for scenic beauty and recreational potential of landscape. Designations are shown on Figures to National Park/ AONB There are no national parks of AONBs in study area. Historic and cultural landscape designations Conservation areas and listed buildings The nearest conservation area to site is located in Llansamlet, 200m to east, which also includes nearest listed building, Grade II listed St. Samlet s church. There are no or listed structures within 1km of site. Morriston conservation area lies just over 1km to west and contains several listed buildings, including Grade I listed Capel Tabernacle. Conservation areas and listed buildings and structures located within 3km of site are shown in Figure The setting of conservation areas and listed buildings is a consideration during preparation of landscape and visual impact assessments. Scheduled Monuments Scheduled Monuments are shown on Figure The nearest to site, at 1.5km to east, is Scott s Pit, a 19 th century coal pit with a surviving beam engine building. Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest in Wales Llewelyn Park, 2.1km to south-west, is nearest site included in Register of Parks & Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. It is one of most major Victorian parks of Swansea. Ecological designations Ramsar site/ Special Areas of Conservation There are no Ramsar sites or SACs in study area. Sites of Special Scientific Interest The nearest SSSI to site, at 900m to south, is Six Pit, Swansea Vale and White Rock. The site is of special interest for its calaminarian grassland, lichen assemblage, and for vascular plant spring sandwort Minuartia verna. Ancient woodland The only ancient woodland within 1.5km of site is a small parcel nearly 700m to north. Sites of Interest for Nature Conservation Swansea Vale SINC covers Nant-y-fendrod and its banks as it passes through Swansea Enterprise Park, including as it passes eastern site boundary. 3

4 Public access Public rights of way (PRoW) There are no public rights of way with within site. The nearest passes close to eastern boundary along bank of Nant-y-fendrod, connecting Clarion Close with Llansamlet to east. Anor public footpath passes through Llansamlet churchyard, approximately 180m to south-east at its nearest point. There are very few or public rights of way in study area. Open Access Land There is no access land within 2.5km of site. Long distance footpaths (LDFP) There are no promoted long distance footpaths in study area. National cycle routes NCR 43, a traffic free cycle route, follows eastern bank of River Tawe, about 750m to west of site. A local cycle route also passes though industrial estate just over 500m to south of site. Interim summary The following elements of landscape policies and designations are relevant to assessment of landscape and visual effects of this proposal: The setting of scheduled monuments, Historic Parks, Gardens and Landscapes, listed buildings and conservations areas is a material consideration (EV6, EV9, EV11); The character and setting of public rights of way and lanes is to be protected (EV12); Within greenspace system, including riparian corridors, natural heritage and historic environment will be conserved and enhanced (EV24); Protection of trees, woodland and hedgerows is to be encouraged (EV30); Renewable energy proposals are to be supported providing re are no significantly adverse effects on local environment (R11); and Development must have regard to physical character and topography of site and its surroundings (EV2). 5.4 The Proposed Development Details of proposed development are provided on planning application drawings and Planning Statement accompanying application. This section describes main aspects of proposed development which could potentially affect landscape and/or visual amenity. It also identifies features of proposals which will assist in mitigating adverse landscape and visual impacts The existing depot is Biffa s hub for waste collection services for Swansea and surrounding area employing circa 40 members of staff and with a fleet of approximately 15 vehicles. The existing operations comprises collection and transfer of trade waste from existing commercial customers in Swansea area, this waste is n bulked up at local Swansea Council depot and transported to landfill at Merthyr Tydfil The proposals seek development of a small-scale incineration facility, located within surplus storage building, to complement existing operations at depot by treating collected trade waste, currently transferred to landfill, in a more sustainable and beneficial manner. The existing building is 38m by 30m and has a footprint of 945m 2. The height of building, to ridge, is circa 13m In order to accommodate waste reception, drying and treatment operations within building it will be necessary to extend building southwards by 6m in order to create an additional floor area of 180m 2. There will be no increase in height of building. The external plant associated with operation will be limited to air filtration system and an emission stack The emission stack will be circa 25m high albeit this is a worse case assumption and Biffa are currently undertaking detailed emissions modelling to ascertain exact stack height requirements. Sources of potential effects on landscape and views The main features of development proposal which could potentially result in landscape and visual impacts are: Construction of stack and extension to building; Movement of vehicles and materials associated with construction activity; and Introduction of stack to landscape and in views from surrounding area. 5.5 Effects on Landscape This section deals with effects on landscape of site and its context of proposed construction and occupation of site. Assessment criteria The assessment process is described generally in section 5.2 above. The general methodology for assessing effects is set out in Appendix 5.1, and criteria used at each stage of assessment of landscape effects are set out in tables below In summary, degree of likely landscape effects of proposed development is determined by relating sensitivity of receptors to changes arising from development proposals, and degree and nature of changes in landscape arising from proposals. Receptor Sensitivity As described in Appendix 5.1, sensitivity of landscape receptors 3 is dependent on ir value and susceptibility to, or ability to accommodate, changes that brought about by proposed development. The sensitivity of landscape receptors combines professional judgments of value attached to landscape or its components, established in baseline study, and ir susceptibility to type of change arising from development, as follows: The following categories of landscape sensitivity to change are used, combining consideration of landscape value and susceptibility, with criteria applied: 3 The term used for elements and aspects of landscape that might be affected by proposals and people with views of development. 4

5 Table 5.1 Indicative criteria for assessing landscape sensitivity Category High Lesser sen siti vity sen siti vity sen siti vity Indicative criteria A highly valued landscape e.g. of national or international importance, whose character or key characteristics are susceptible to change; Aspects of landscape character are highly valued as key characteristics and susceptible to change in National or local character assessments; The landscape character is highly valued as intact and in good condition and particularly vulnerable to disturbance; A highly valued landscape with no or limited potential for substitution or replacement. A landscape of local importance or value, whose character or key characteristics are susceptible to change; Or characteristics of landscape character also noted in National or local character assessments and susceptible to change; The landscape character is valued for moderate condition and not particularly vulnerable to disturbance; A moderately valued landscape with some potential for substitution or replacement. No or little evidence of value or importance attached to landscape area, its features or characteristics; Few features, characteristics or qualities susceptible to disturbance or particularly susceptible to improvement or upgrading Good potential for substitution or replacement These are criteria against which receptors are considered in order to arrive at a judgement as to ir sensitivity, but it is not necessary for all criteria set out for a category to apply. Effect Magnitude The degree of likely landscape effects of proposed development is determined by relating sensitivity of receptors to changes arising from development proposals, and degree and nature of changes in landscape arising from proposals The scale of magnitude of changes is related to considerations of size or scale of change, geographical extent of area influenced, and duration and reversibility of change. The scale of magnitude of changes is graded, as follows: Table 5.2 Indicative criteria for assessing magnitude of landscape change Magnitude of Change Great change Landscape Change Major size or scale of change, affecting landscape type or character of area within which proposal lies or extending over wider area; Magnitude of Change Medium change Small change Negligible/no change Effect Significance Landscape Change likely to be longer term or permanently, with low prospect of reversibility Intermediate size or scale of change, affecting part of landscape type or character of area within which proposal lies, or larger scale of change at level of site or immediate context; likely to continue into medium term, with good prospect of reversibility A minor proportion of extent of character type or area is affected or smaller scale of change over a larger extent; changes occur at level of site or immediate context, and likely to be short term and reversible. No apparent change to landscape characteristics The degree of effect, wher adverse or beneficial, is assessed by relating sensitivity of receptor and magnitude of change, by considering following indicative criteria: Table 5.1 Indicative criteria for assessing landscape effects Landscape effect Major Minor Negligible Indicative criteria Highly sensitive landscape completely degraded or greatly changed, with little or no scope for mitigation; Great improvement, sufficient to upgrade overall landscape character. Medium change to moderately sensitive landscape; lesser change to higher sensitivity landscape or greater change to less sensitive landscape. Localised or limited adverse change to existing landscape character; greater change to less sensitive landscape; Considerable scope for mitigation; Localised improvement to existing landscape. Little or no perceived change to existing landscape character; The change is difficult to discern Intermediate conditions may be described, such as -Major, where criteria for may be exceeded but not qualify as Major. Where magnitude of change is none, effect would correspondingly be None Major effects are likely to be considered significant, especially if or adverse and long term or not reversible, and Minor or Negligible effects as not significant. The relative significance of intermediate effects is indicated in assessment below, as are effects that are not significant, but may be important considerations in decision making about proposed development. 5

6 Effects may be adverse or beneficial. In some instances, effect may be offset by or considerations, for example, through mitigation proposals, and resulting effect is neir beneficial nor adverse. 5.6 Baseline Environment Existing baseline The landscape baseline is a description and analysis of existing landscape, against which effects of proposed development are assessed, first, by reference to landscape character assessments for area in which site is located, at national and local levels and, n, from site-specific surveys and analysis carried out for purposes of this assessment. LANDMAP Landscape Assessment, following LANDMAP methodology, has been undertaken for Swansea Council. The assessment uses Natural Resources Wales (NRW) / Wales Landscape Partnership Group approach which separates defining aspects of landscape into five categories, or aspects; geology, habitats, visual & sensory, historic cultural, and visual & sensory. It considers relationship that exists between people and places; how people have given meaning to places through time and how physical landscape has shaped ir actions, or how ir actions have shaped landscape. LANDMAP information is summarised below for most relevant aspect areas. The findings of LANDMAP studies have informed baseline for landscape and visual impact assessment. LANDMAP data is based on 2016 data downloaded from NRW website. Geological Landscape The site lies within urban boundary of Swansea and as such is not classified under this aspect by LANDMAP. Landscape Habitats The Landscape Habitats aspect area in which site lies (SWNSLH644) covers whole of urban Swansea. It is Level 3 classified as Dry (Relatively) Terrestrial Habitats/ Built Up Areas/ Residential/ Green Space. As a manmade urban habitat, overall evaluation is Low. Historic Landscape The Historic Landscape aspect area (SWNSHL307) that covers site, covers Swansea and its surroundings. The aspect area is classified as Built Environment (Level 1) and has does not have an overall evaluation. Cultural Landscape The site lies within an aspect area (SWNSCL012) classified as Influences/ Material expressions/ Infrastructure/ or Infrastructure (Level 4). The aspect area covers Tawe valley plain between city centre and M4, site lying towards its central eastern side. Overall aspect area is evaluated as Outstanding as first, largest and lasting Enterprise Zone in UK that contributes markedly to economy and society of Swansea. Visual & Sensory Aspect The aspect area (SWNSVS002) covers eastern part of urban Swansea with site lying towards centre of its norrn part. Its Level 3 classification is Development/ Built Land / Urban. The aspect area does not have an overall evaluation. Site-specific appraisal The landscape of site The site is situated towards eastern edge of Swansea Enterprise Park, which occupies flat land in bottom of Tawe Valley between central Swansea and M4 to north. The Enterprise Park consists of large industrial units which are separated by bands of mature trees, which also line many of roads in area. Nant-y-fendrod, a small tributary of River Tawe, runs through open grasscovered land adjacent to eastern perimeter fence of site. The nearest housing to site lies in Llansamlet, just over 100m to east as land starts to rise in a small hill, which is topped by St. Samlet s Church, a prominent landmark in surrounding area. Features of site The extent of ownership area is level and measures approximately 170m x 80m, contains three industrial buildings and is primarily surfaced in concrete. The application site occupies south-eastern half of this area, which includes largest of three buildings. In comparison to buildings in its surroundings, site building is of a small scale but at 13.8m, of a similar height. A narrow band of mature deciduous trees, primarily alder, surrounds site boundary but are not within site. Characteristics and aestics The flat nature of surrounding areas and trees around site create a sense of enclosure, which is furr emphasised by nearby large buildings. The aestics are dictated by industrial context and use of site, with large featureless walls of industrial buildings and areas of hardstanding. Trees and stream corridor to east help to break up industrial prominence, adding some softer textures and a diversity of colour. Public access There is no public access to site. A public footpath runs parallel to eastern site boundary along Nant-y-Fendrod. Landscape baseline summary Key landscape issues that need to be considered in detailed assessment of landscape effects include: The trees around site both provide an important screening function and soften hard nature of industrial surroundings; The setting of nearby St Samlet s Church and Llansamlet conservation area is a material consideration; The site is situated within Swansea Enterprise Park which is assessed as an outstanding cultural landscape; and The setting of public footpath adjacent to site boundary and nearby nature reserve is an important consideration. 6

7 Landscape value The characteristics, sensitivities and guidelines in existing character assessments at national and local level and site-specific analyses carried out for purposes of this LVIA were taken into account as indicators of aspects of landscape important to character, and evaluated according to following criteria: Table 5.2 Indicative criteria to determine landscape value Effects on landscape This section examines nature and significance of landscape effects arising as a result of proposed development with reference to: effects on landscape fabric within site, its features and qualities; effects on landscape character, including consideration of effects on designated landscapes; and effects on landscape setting of settlements, public rights of way and roads. Value Criteria Effects on landscape features qualities High Value Low Value Landscapes subject to international, national or local designations, and non-designated landscapes where following considerations apply: Areas of landscape whose character is judged to be intact and in good condition; Scenic quality, wildness or tranquillity, and/or natural or cultural heritage features make a particular contribution to landscape; There are important cultural and artistic associations; They are representative of typical character of area or have a character or elements that are valued for ir rarity; Particular components may be identified as important contributors to landscape character; The landscape is valued for recreational activities where experience of landscape is important. Areas of landscape whose character is in poor condition; Scenic quality, wildness or tranquillity, and/or natural or cultural heritage features are not key characteristics of landscape; Cultural and artistic associations are absent; They are not representative of typical character of area, but are also not valued for rarity; Particular components may be identified as important contributors to landscape character; There is little scope for recreational activities where experience of landscape is important Where value falls between high and low, level of value is medium The features/ elements/ characteristics identified as important or key to landscape character of site are: The mature trees around site boundary; and Its setting within Swansea Enterprise Park Effects of landscape fabric may occur where re are eir direct or indirect physical changes to landscape. Direct changes to landscape fabric would only occur within application boundary. Effects on Landscape Character The effect of proposed development on landscape character will depend on key characteristics of receiving landscape; degree to which proposed development is considered consistent with or at odds with m, and how proposed development would influence landscape context, affected by: distance from site; wear conditions; and fit of proposed development within landscape pattern and characteristics. Landscape Receptor Sensitivity The sensitivity of landscape receptors is judged by considering ir value, assessed in baseline description above, and ir susceptibility to changes arising from proposed development. The receptors, ir value and susceptibility are set out in following table, with resultant judgement of ir sensitivity to proposed development: Table 5.3 Sensitivity of landscape receptors Receptor Value Susceptibility Sensitivity Landscape features and qualities Landscape character Public access: Public rights of way and footpaths Trees around site boundary - High Outstanding cultural landscape: High Promoted walks nearby and adjacent public footpath - Trees to be retained: Low susceptibility Small part of aspect area and proposals within its context: Not susceptible Near to site and within its context: ly susceptible Lesser 7

8 Receptor Value Susceptibility Sensitivity Public access: National Cycle Route National route: High Not susceptible as outside of context area Setting to settlement Local residents - High Screened from site: Designated landscapes: Llansamlet conservation area Locally designated - ly susceptible Within context area of site: ly susceptible Lesser There a small change to setting of adjacent public footpath during this period as path already runs through an area with an industrial context and activity. Footpaths in wider area and NCR43 would experience no change Setting to settlement Settlement within context area of site would experience a negligible scale of change during construction period as re are extensive existing trees between m Designated landscapes and features Although only a small part of Swansea Vale SINC is adjacent to site, it proximity would result in a medium scale of change to its setting during construction. The setting of St. Samlet s Church and Llansamlet conservation area in which it is situated would experience a small scale of change as result of construction activities. There no change to setting of designated landscapes and features in wider area. Designated landscapes: Listed buildings Designated landscapes: Registered Park and Garden Designated landscapes: Swansea Vale SINC Magnitude of change Architectural and historic interest - High Nationally designated landscape - High Locally designated landscape - Within context area of site: ly susceptible Outside of context area: Not susceptible Adjacent to site boundary: ly susceptible The features of development giving rise to changes in landscape are: Construction activity associated with development proposals; extension to existing building; and addition of proposed stack. Construction phase Operational Phase Landscape features, qualities, and character There scale of change to setting of site boundary vegetation in long-term none as proposed changes are consistent with existing context. Likewise, re addition of proposals to character of LANDMAP aspect area would result in no change Public access The addition of building extension and stack to setting of adjacent public footpath would create a small scale of change to its setting as path is already within an industrial area. There would be no change to setting to areas of public access within wider study area Setting to settlement There no change to setting on nearby settlement as any changes interpreted as part of existing industrial context of area Designated landscapes and features The addition of development proposals to setting of adjacent Swansea Vale SINC and nearby conservation area and listed building would create a small scale of change. There no change to setting of designated landscapes and features in wider area. 5.7 Likely Significant Landscape Effects of Scheme Landscape features, qualities, and character The vegetation screening site along Nant-y-fendrod is outside of site boundary, development proposals would refore not alter it. Construction activity associated with building extension and stack construction would however be immediately adjacent to se features, assessed as a medium landscape change Cultural Landscape is only LANDMAP aspect area to both be assessed and to have an overall evaluation above low, being evaluated as outstanding. As this evaluation is connected to historic importance and longevity of Swansea Emperies Park, this would not be altered by development proposals. Therefore, scale of change negligible Public access Consideration of magnitude of changes due to development is combined with consideration of sensitivity of landscape receptors affected by development to assess degree and nature of effect, and its significance, at each stage of lifecycle of development. Construction Phase Effects Landscape features, qualities, and character The proximity of development proposals to vegetation around site boundary would result in re being a moderate adverse impact on its setting during construction phase. The character of Swansea Enterprise Park, assessed as an outstanding cultural landscape, would not be notably 8

9 effected as proposals are both small in scale and in keeping with existing context of area., creating a negligible impact Public access The setting of adjacent public footpath would experience a minor adverse impact during construction period due to its proximity to site. Public rights of way and or areas with public access furr away from site are screened by intervening vegetation and buildings and re would refore impact on ir setting none Setting to settlement The construction of stack may be perceptible within setting of several of nearest properties to site. The setting of this settlement would experience a minor adverse impact during construction phase. There no impact on setting on settlement in wider study area as any activity on site interpreted as part of existing context of area Designated landscapes and features The setting of St. Samlet s Church and conservation area in which it is located would experience a minor adverse impact on ir setting during this phase as although site itself is screened by intervening vegetation, construction activity of higher components of proposals a perceptible element within ir setting. Although Swansea Vale SINC is adjacent to site boundary construction of development proposals would only impact on a small part of setting of SINC and re no direct impact on features of it, resulting in a minor adverse impact on setting during this phase. The impact on setting of more distant designated landscapes and features none as site is a small part of ir setting and any alternations interpreted as part of wider context of area. Operational Phase Effects Designated landscapes and features The introduction of development proposals to setting of Swansea Vale SINC would create a minor adverse impact in long term as addition of proposed features would not have a notable impact on setting of SINC as y are comparable with existing situation. The impact on setting on nearby conservation area and listed building of St. Samlet s Church minor adverse due to stack being a perceptible element within ir setting, although it interpreted as part of existing industrial context of area. There no impact on setting of designated landscape and features in wider study area The assessment conclusions are set out in following table: Landscape features, qualities, and character The changes brought about by development proposals read in context of existing use of both site and its immediate surroundings. The impact on setting of vegetation around site boundary would refore be negligible in long term. The fact that development proposals are consistent with existing industrial setting of Swansea Enterprise Park also ensure that impact on setting of LANDMAP aspect area none Public access As proposed development is both filtered by intervening vegetation and keeping within existing context of area, impact on setting of adjacent public footpath negligible in long term. Screening provided by existing buildings and woodland ensure that re no impact on setting of or areas with public access in context area Setting to settlement Any elements of proposals that may be perceptible within setting of nearby residential properties interpreted as part of existing industrial context of surrounding Swansea Enterprise Park. The impact on setting of se properties would refore be negligible. The impact on setting of or residential properties in study area none as development proposals would eir be a very small part of ir setting, distant or screened. 9

10 Table 5.4 Assessment Summary and Landscape Effects Summary description of identified impact Sensitivity of Receptor Impact Magnitude Significance and Nature of Effect Confidence Level Construction Landscape features - site boundary vegetation Medium adverse not significant Medium Landscape character - LANDMAP Lesser Negligible Negligible not significant High Public access - Public rights of way and footpaths Public access - National Cycle Route 43 Setting to settlement Designated landscapes - Llansamlet conservation area Designated landscapes - Listed buildings Designated landscapes - Registered Park and Garden Designated landscapes Swansea Vale SINC Lesser Small - none Small to none not significant Medium None None not significant High Negligible Minor adverse to none not significant High Small Minor adverse not significant Medium Small Minor adverse not significant Medium None None not significant High Medium Minor adverse not significant Medium Operation Landscape features - site boundary vegetation None Negligible not significant High Landscape character - LANDMAP Lesser None None not significant High Public access - Public rights of way and footpaths Public access - National Cycle Route Setting to settlement Designated landscapes - Llansamlet conservation area Designated landscapes - Listed buildings Designated landscapes - Registered Park and Garden Designated landscapes Swansea Vale SINC Lesser Small - none Negligible not significant High None None not significant High None Negligible to none not significant High Small Minor adverse not significant Medium Small Minor adverse not significant Medium None None not significant High Small Minor adverse not significant Medium 10

11 Conclusions No significant or major adverse impacts are identified for any stage of development proposals The only moderate adverse impact identified is on setting of site boundary vegetation during construction period. Following completion of construction this impact would reduce to negligible as proposed development interpreted in a similar manner to its existing use The only long term adverse impacts identified are minor and are on setting of nearby listed building of St. Samlet s Church and Llansamlet conservation area. The stack would add an additional vertical element to setting of se features, although it interpreted as part of similar elements nearby in enterprise park The only or adverse impact identified is small on setting of nearest residential properties during construction phase. This is due to possibility of stack construction being a perceptible element within ir setting. In long term impact would reduce to negligible as if stack is a perceptible element to setting of properties it interpreted as part of industrial context of its existing surroundings. 5.8 Effects on Visual Amenity This section deals with effects on visual amenity, arising from changes in views available to people in surrounding area. Assessment Criteria Category sensitivity Lesser sensitivity Effect Magnitude Indicative criteria Viewers in residential or community properties with partial or largely screened views of site Frequent open views available of site Viewers are pursuing activities such as sports or outdoor work, where landscape is not principal reason for being re or focus of attention is only partly on view A view of site from or valued landscapes, or a regionally important recreation facility or route A view of low importance or value, or where viewer s attention is not focused ir surroundings A view of site from a landscape of moderate or less importance Occasional open views or glimpsed views available of site passing views available to travellers in vehicles A view available to few viewers The assessment process is described in Appendix 5.1. The criteria for assessing likely effects of proposed development are set out below. Receptor Sensitivity The sensitivity of viewers is affected by susceptibility of viewer to changes in views and visual amenity and value attached to particular view locations and views. The context of location contributes to susceptibility, for example, people viewing from residential properties or from a valued landscape are likely to be more susceptible to change than people viewing from an industrial context. Particular views may have importance and be valued as part of experience of a valued landscape or promoted recreation facility or route The following criteria for visual sensitivity, combining susceptibility and value considerations, are used: Table 5.5 Indicative criteria for assessing visual sensitivity Category High sensitivity Indicative criteria Viewers in residential or community properties with open views of site Views experienced by many viewers Daily, prolonged or sustained views available over a long period, or where view of landscape is an important attractant A view from a landscape, recreation facility or route valued nationally or internationally for its visual amenity The degree of likely visual effects of proposed development is determined by relating sensitivity of receptors and changes in landscape or view of landscape to which y will be subjected. The scale of magnitude of changes in visual amenity is evaluated in terms of size or scale, geographical extent of area influenced, duration and reversibility, as follows: Table 5.6 Indicative criteria for assessing magnitude of visual change Magnitude of Change Great change Medium change Small change Negligible/no change Visual Change Major size or scale of change, affecting a large proportion of angle of view or affecting views from a wide area; continuing into longer term or permanently, with low prospect of reversibility Intermediate size or scale of change, affecting part of angle of view or affecting views from wider context, or larger scale of change in views from within site or immediate context; continuing into medium term, with good prospect of reversibility A minor proportion of angle of view is affected or contribution of changed elements or characteristics to composition of view is not important; changes are viewed from longer distances, are short term and reversible Barely perceptible change or change is difficult to discern; No change in view or changes due to development are out of view. 11

12 Effect Significance The degree of effect, wher adverse or beneficial, is assessed by relating sensitivity of receptor and magnitude of change, using following indicative criteria: Table 5.7 Indicative criteria for assessing visual effects Visual effect Indicative criteria During field study ZTV was used as a starting point and features such as vegetation, buildings or localised topographic variation, which define actual visibility, were identified. Representative viewpoints were n selected for visual impact assessment The locations of viewpoints studied relate to receptors, that is, residents and users of landscape, and locations from which y may have views towards or of site. Viewpoint study Major Minor Negligible Large or very large change or visual intrusion experienced by highly sensitive viewers or from highly sensitive public viewpoints The proposal would cause a great deterioration in existing view Large or very large improvement in view, sufficient to upgrade overall visual amenity Medium change or visual intrusion experienced by moderately sensitive viewers; lesser change to higher sensitivity viewers or greater change to less sensitive viewers Small or localised visual intrusion in existing view, especially for less sensitive viewers Localised reduction in visual intrusion, or improvement in view The change in view is imperceptible or difficult to discern The visual appraisal drawing, Figure 5.6.1, illustrates location of proposed development and shows ZTV at a scale of 1:25,000. Figure also shows locations of assessment and appraisal photographs. A total of 10 views were taken to illustrate site and its appearance in publicly available views (Figures 5.8.1, to 5.8.4). From viewpoint studies, a representative selection of 4 views are taken forward to visual impact assessment (see Figure 5.6.1). Viewpoints are ordered in approximate distance from site. Table 5.8 Viewpoint details Viewpoint Reference Location 01 Clarion Close opposite site entrance Distance from site (km) 25m Receptors represented/reasons for selection Minor road Pavement Major effects are likely to be considered significant, especially if long term or permanent, and slight or negligible effects as not significant. The relative significance of intermediate effects is indicated in assessment below and effects that are not significant, but may be important considerations in decision making about proposed development In addition to se criteria, in some instances effect may be discernible or greater, but offset by or considerations, for example, through mitigation or restoration proposals, and resulting effect is neir beneficial nor adverse. Visual baseline Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) In ZTV illustrated on Figure 5.7.1, no allowance has been made for potential screening by minor variations in topography, existing vegetation, buildings within settlement, etc In ZTV illustrated on Figure 5.7.2, screening effects of woodland and buildings has been taken into consideration, based on a digital surface model generated from 2m grid interval from Natural Resources Wales For visual impact assessment, a ZTV study area of a 3km radius from site was investigated and mapped. Potentially sensitive visual receptors include residents, people visiting areas covered by landscape designations, areas or sites of historic interest, public footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes, and visitor attractions. 02 Public footpath to east of site 03 Footpath over Nant-yfendrod 10m 65m Public footpath Public footpath Nature reserve 04 Samlet Road 300m Major road 05 St. Samlet s Church 270m Listed building 06 Boardwalk in Swansea Vale Nature Reserve 07 Crown Street, Morriston 320m 1.5km Conservation area Nearby public footpath Nature reserve Promoted walking route Residential area Conservation area Nearby listed buildings 08 Llewelyn Park 2.1km Registered Park and Garden Residential area 12