Rolleston Park Farm Tutbury, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 9HQ

Transcription

1 P/2014/00830 Received 27/06/2014 LANDSCAPE & VISUAL APPRAISAL Rolleston Park Farm Tutbury, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 9HQ PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR FARM Ref: NC lva01 Status: FINAL Date: 12/06/2014 Client: Push Energy Ltd Nigel Cowlin Ltd Lower Gable Bures Road White Colne Colchester Essex, CO6 2QF

2 Ref: NC lva01 Status: FINAL Date: 12/06/2014 Client: Push Energy Ltd Rolleston Park Farm Tutbury, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 9HQ PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR FARM LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL APPRAISAL Contents page 1. Introduction 3 2. Methodology 3 3. The site & setting 4 4. The proposal 4 5. Nature of potential impacts 5 6. Landscape context 5 7. Potential visibility 8 8. Appraisal of predicted landscape effects 9 9. Appraisal of predicted visual effects Mitigation options Summary & conclusions 14 Appendices Appendix A Summary of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Theory Appendix B Methodology for production of Zone of Theoretical Visibility Mapping (ZTV) Appendix C Methodology for viewpoint photography and presentation Appendix D Staffordshire County Council Planning for Landscape Change Needwood & South Derbyshire Claylands Settled plateau farmland slopes landscape character type detailed description Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Location plan Landform elevation plan Landscape character mapping Zone of theoretical visibility Viewpoint photo locations & zone of visual influence map Mitigation options plan Viewpoint photos A total of 16 viewpoint photos have been produced, two per photo sheet. NC lva01 12/06/2014 2/15

3 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report concerns a solar farm development proposal in countryside to the south of Tutbury in the county of Staffordshire. The purpose of the report is to provide an assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed solar farm development on landscape character and visual amenities within the surrounding area. It is intended to inform consideration of these matters in the determination of a planning application. 1.2 At the time of commencing this study the proposals for the solar farm were not fixed and early findings have informed the development of the scheme. This process provided feedback on the basic suitability of the location from a landscape and visual perspective and was intended to highlight any need for fundamental changes in the siting and layout of the scheme. This version of the report now assesses the final scheme presented for the planning application. 2. METHODOLOGY 2.1 This report has been prepared by Nigel Cowlin Ltd: a Landscape Institute Registered Practice with Chartered Landscape Architects specialising in landscape assessment and landscape design issues relating to planning and development. The company s landscape and visual impact assessment experience includes residential schemes ranging from single house developments to large urban extensions, commercial developments, as well as wind and solar energy projects in a variety of contexts. These landscape and visual impact assessment services have been provided in relation to standard planning application cases as well as technical chapters for Environmental Statements and as part of expert witness services for planning inquiries. 2.2 For this case a concise approach to reporting the landscape and visual impact findings has been adopted. This provides a simple narrative account of the predicted landscape and visual impacts and effects of the proposals. It is informed by appraisal of the background context including: landscape character, local landscape designations and/or landscape policy objectives and visual amenity findings. Potential for simple mitigation measures through planting works or the like are also suggested where appropriate. 2.3 The assessment work has taken the following Push Energy drawings to represent the proposals: JT08/PA001 (Location Plan); JT08/PA002 (Site Layout Plan); JT08/PA003 (PV Layout Plan); JT08/PA004 (Mounting System Details); JT08/PA005 (Substation Plans and Elevations); JT08/PA006 (Transformer/Inverter Plans and Elevations); JT08/PA007 (Grid Connection/Comms Cabinet Plan and Elevations); JT08/PA008 (Fencing and Gate Elevations); and JT08/PA009 (Projected Noise Pattern) NC lva01 12/06/2014 3/15

4 2.4 Computerised view shed analysis and mapping of zones of theoretical visibility (ZTV) provided initial guidance on the potential visibility of the proposed development. OS mapping and web based aerial photography provided further desk study guidance on the range of locations and visual receptors that could be affected. Various landscape character publications provided desk study guidance on the broad landscape characteristics of the location and overall context. Local landscape and heritage designations, together with the local landscape policy context have also been reviewed. Field work was then undertaken to check and refine the desk study findings. 2.5 Field survey work was undertaken on the 8 th November 2013 and 14 January Deciduous trees and other vegetation were not in leaf and fields were bare of crops. The survey work was therefore undertaken at a time of year with greatest inter-visibility of the landscape. 3. THE SITE & SETTING 3.1 The solar farm would occupy portions of two adjacent arable fields in countryside to the south of Tutbury, within the land holding of Rolleston Park Farm. Rolleston Park Farm occupies an east to west tributary valley system leading to the River Dove. The farm estate and valley area is contained between Tutbury to the north and Anslow to the south, not far to the north-west of Burton upon Trent. 3.2 The solar farm fields would be situated to the north and north-east of the Rolleston Park farmstead and to south of Tutbury, with the A511 Burton Road one field over to the east. The west of the two fields would be occupied by the largest array of solar panels. The eastern field would house an area of panels roughly half the size of the western area. The west area of panels would be a large part of an irregular shaped field set a couple of fields from Tutbury and one field away from Rolleston Park Farm. The east area of panels would occupy the southern half of an adjacent irregular shaped field. The north-eastern edge of this field lies alongside the Burton Road. 3.3 The southern portion of the proposed west solar farm area is within the undulating upper slopes of the valley-side. The northern portion flattens out and is part of an area of higher plateau land between the top of the valley and the southern edge of Tutbury. The east solar farm area would be on relatively high gently undulating ground above the valley-side. The field boundaries around the proposed solar farm areas are marked by a mix of hedging, patchy in places, the occasional tree and some sections are open with perhaps only a ditch dividing them from the next field. 4. THE PROPOSAL 4.1 The solar array would be laid out with rows of panels aligned east to west and tilted 15 degrees to face south. The panels would be stacked on frames with a maximum height of 1.7m. The frames would be secured with posts simply driven into the ground. There would be a number of inverters and transformer pods placed within the array. These instruments would be housed in cabinets with a maximum height of 2.6m. The whole site would be fenced NC lva01 12/06/2014 4/15

5 with a 1.8m high timber post and wire deer fence. There would also be a small substation building and grid connection / comms cabinet. The substation building would be the largest structure with a maximum height of 3.5m. Meadow pasture would be established under and around the solar array and this would be managed by sheep grazing as a dual agricultural use for the land. Vehicle access to the site would utilise existing field access tracks and these tracks would be extended to give access to the instrument cabinets within the array. Grid connection would be via an underground cable route. 5. NATURE OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS 5.1 The solar farm would create an area covered by a regular striped pattern of low level manmade forms of an engineered character. From very close by the structure, height and pattern of the rows of solar panels may be apparent. However with distance, and a low level solar panels scheme such as this, the structural definition of the solar farm would quickly diminish and the effect would be a simple change in the colouration of the field area. The panels would tend to reflect the colour of the sky: appearing blue on a sunny day and grey when it is cloudy. In middle range views the effect may have similarities to early season stripy polythene vegetable crop coverings. A little further away the solar farm may appear similar to a large body of water. On sunny days the blue colouration may be similar in appearance to the blue haze of field of Borage flowers. These effects, particularly when observed from close by, may impact on the visual amenities of the location and there may be some perceptual influence on local landscape character. 5.2 Solar energy developments sometimes bring about concern for reflective glint and glare effects. Glint is described as the phenomena where a reflective surface may directly bounce sunlight toward a viewer causing a flash of light 1. Glare is where a reflective surface bounces back the diffuse light more generally from a bright sky 2. Glare is significantly less intense than glint 2. These effects are sometimes experienced with glass house glazing or similar shiny surfaces. However, it relies on the exact three dimensional alignment of the viewer with the angle of reflected light and is normally a short lived temporary effect as the direction of incoming light is constantly changing with the movement of the sun and varying atmospheric conditions. 5.3 In considering the risk of glint and glare and the likely magnitude of these effects, it is important to note that modern solar panels are designed to absorb, and not reflect, as much light energy as possible; the textured surface of solar panels is noted as less reflective than sun on water 2. The 15 degree fixed angle and normal orientation of the solar panels to the south, also means that most of the time reflected light is directed high up into the sky; rather than towards any ground level vantage points. The lowest possible angle of any reflected glint in a southerly direction is around 60 degrees, and this would only occur at noon on a summer day when the sun is effectively directly overhead. Lower angles of reflection may occur in narrow angles to the east and west when the sun is very low in the sky in the morning or evening, but even this is not likely to be experienced as glint or glare unless the viewer is on significantly higher ground than the solar panels. The southerly aspect of the solar panels means 1 Source: Planning for Solar Parks in South West England RegenSW 2010 NC lva01 12/06/2014 5/15

6 there is of course no likelihood of glint and glare effects in views from the north. In normal landscapes glint and glare is more commonly experienced in relation to the vertical surfaces of glasshouses or windows on houses or vehicles. 5.4 In addition to the primary effects of the solar array itself, the perimeter fencing, transformer and inverter plant, grid connection and small substation building may need additional consideration. Generally these would be low key subsidiary elements and would not form significant additional components. 5.5 The substation building would be the largest of the additional built elements. This would be placed alongside a hedge in the southern corner of the west site field and would be a relatively innocuous building. So long as it is a recessive colour this building is unlikely to add in any significant way to the landscape and visual effects under consideration for the main solar array component of the development proposal. 5.6 The underground cable grid connection would travel through the array and cross an adjacent field to a mains connection point alongside Burton Road to the north-east. Cable trenching has potential to cause damage to hedge and tree roots. However, for this short run through open countryside it should be quite possible to avoid any significant harm and this matter could readily be controlled by a pre-commencement planning condition if felt necessary. 5.7 Finally, although not a common feature in this landscape, the deer fencing enclosure of the solar farm area would be of a basic rural nature and should not add significantly to the impacts of the solar farm overall. 6. LANDSCAPE CONTEXT 6.1 The landscape of the area has been studied at various scales and there are landscape character assessment publications available on the web at national and county levels. This study has reviewed the findings of these publications. 6.2 At the broadest scale the landscape of the area falls into National Character Area (NCA) 68 Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands (Natural England 2013). 6.3 At county level the document: Planning for Landscape Change (Staffordshire County Council 2001) provides a finer grain landscape character assessment. This document places the site in the county character type known as the Settled Plateau Farmland Slopes. 6.4 Although the Staffordshire document was published several years before the current National Character Area document, the previous versions of the national character area descriptions were published earlier than this and these from the framework structure within which the Staffordshire landscape character types are set. 6.5 Some key characteristics recorded for the Settled Plateau Farmland Slopes character type within the Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands national character area are: a landscape of irregular, hedged fields and numerous hedgerow trees on a sloping landform, often dissected by small steep sided wooded stream valleys draining the plateau tops; NC lva01 12/06/2014 6/15

7 Hedgerow tree cover is predominantly oak, with some ash, whilst stream side willow and alder have a strong localised influence along the valleys; The predominantly low intensity pastoral farming, together with a network of narrow, often sunken lanes and clustered farmsteads, hamlets and villages of traditional Staffordshire red brick lend the landscape a peaceful, rural feel; and Where agricultural intensification is taking place, a more open landscape of medium to large scale fields is reducing the diversity as field boundaries are declining to wire fence lines, gappy hedges and grown up thorn From an assessment of landscape quality and sensitivity the Planning for Landscape Change document derives landscape policy objectives for each area. The area around of countryside between Anslow and Tutbury is graded as a landscape of medium quality and the policy objective is landscape enhancement. For these areas the following text defines this policy objective: These areas have suffered some erosion of strength of character and loss of condition of landscape elements. In some, but by no means all cases, this appears to be linked to a change in the farming pattern, from grassland to arable production. It may be that in time a new character will emerge from that change, but it is unlikely that the condition of traditional features such as small woodlands and hedges will improve without intervention. There is a particular need, therefore, to encourage relatively small-scale landscape conservation schemes such as hedgerow maintenance, habitat creation and tree and woodland planting, to stem the decline in landscape quality that will otherwise become more evident. 6.7 The local context around the site and in general between Tutbury and Anslow (a large part of this being the land of Rolleston Park Farm) is an undulating rural agricultural landscape of mixed arable and pasture fields folding into a small valley. The land-cover pattern consists of irregular shapes and variable size fields divided by a mix of boundary treatments, but predominantly managed hedges. There is a thin scattering of trees along these field boundaries and there are frequent small woodland copses and a wooded stream corridor within the valley. Woodland copses are less frequent on the higher ground. Outside of the villages the only settlement is a scattering of farmsteads and the occasional farm cottage. Other built form in the area includes a small group of modern chicken sheds in the valley not far to the north of Anslow and nearby a small scale solar installation consisting of a two short rows of solar panels and two raised solar tracker units. There is also one medium sized wind turbine on higher land to the south-west of the chicken sheds and small solar installation. These chicken sheds, small solar installation and wind turbine are all part of Anslow Park Farm. 6.8 There are no particularly notable landscape or heritage designations within the local setting of the proposed solar farm. The nearest listed building is the grade II Chapel House Farm House at the junction of Belmot Road and Redhill Lane, a couple of fields to the north-west. 6.9 For the purposes of this study the countryside within the valley area around Rolleston Park Farm is considered to exhibit some 2 Planning for Landscape Change (Staffordshire County Council 2001), extracts from page 133 NC lva01 12/06/2014 7/15

8 notable and attractive qualities and should be regarded as a landscape of some local value. Whereas the landscape beyond the valley-sides has less distinctive qualities and is more ordinary countryside. 7. POTENTIAL VISIBILITY 7.1 To the west of the proposed solar farm the land is gently undulating initially and then gradually rising beyond 2km away. Local undulations combined with hedged field boundaries and other land-cover were found to limit views from this direction and visibility of the solar farm would be restricted to a couple of fields distance from the edge of the development. 7.2 To the north the land remains at around the same level and hedged field boundaries are able to quickly screen views. The solar farm is not likely to be very visible from any further than the immediately adjacent fields. It is noted that a mixed use development is underway on the southern edge of Tutbury and that views from this new development should be considered. 7.3 To the east the land forms a raised headland extending towards Alder Moor before dropping on all sides into the broad River Dove valley. The valley-side headland and vegetation, particularly along the A511 Burton Road, were found to limit views in this direction with no significant visibility discovered beyond the environs of Burton Road. 7.4 To the south the tributary valley form offers a wider range of potential vantage points than in other directions. Initially the solar farm would be visible from some nearby areas on the same side of the valley. Then visibility would be patchier with the rolling landform containing the outlook and a number of woodland copses adding further to the enclosure within the valley bottom. A range of more distant vantage points would then be available on the higher land on the opposite side of the valley at between 1k and 2km distance. There would be no visibility beyond this local area. 7.5 Within this zone of visual influence it is mainly off road public paths which provide potential vantage points. The nearest of these is a footpath passing by the edge of the west site area, another passes east to west to the south of the solar farm area and through the Rolleston Park farmstead. There is also a path crossing the valley and others, including a bridleway, tracing along the top of the opposite valley-side to the south. 7.6 There are only limited potential views from nearby roads. Bushton Lane presents three opportunities to take in a glimpsed view towards the solar farm site. One on the edge of Anslow around 1.5km to the south; one near Bushton Bridge to the south-west; and one directly west not far to the north of Northwood and Mayfield. Burton Road provides the only other potential view from a nearby road. A short section of this road, near to Burton Road Farm, would give a chance to see toward the east solar farm site area. 7.7 The few properties likely to have any direct views of the proposed solar farm are: Rolleston Park Farm itself, Burton Road Farm & Bleak House Farm (at Burton Road), The Waterhouse (part way along the east access track to the farm), Lount Farm (to the south), a few properties on northern edge of Anslow, and isolated properties (along Bushton Lane). NC lva01 12/06/2014 8/15

9 8. APPRAISAL OF PREDICTED LANDSCAPE EFFECTS 8.1 The proposed solar farm would have very limited effect on the fabric of the existing landscape with no trees, hedges or other features being lost and with the low impact construction technique to be employed. The primary effects of the development would therefore be of a visual nature. The appropriate focus for appraisal of landscape effects is therefore the implications of visual effects in relation to the character of the area. 8.2 The visual presence of the solar farm would affect a small eastern portion of the host Settled Plateau Farmland Slopes Staffordshire character type within the Needwood and South Derbyshire Claylands national character area. There would be no notable effect beyond this into any other local landscape type. The settled plateau farmland slopes landscape character type extends for a large area, including to the edges of Stoke on Trent over 20km to the north-west. The localised changed brought by this proposed solar farm would be a small incidence within the wider character area and would not affect the integrity of this county landscape character type. 8.3 More locally the visual presence of the solar farm may have an effect on the perceived character of the farmland valley between Anslow and Tutbury. In this local landscape context the solar farm would be a prominent feature when experienced in a direct and open fashion from within and around immediately adjacent fields. In these circumstances perception of local landscape character would be altered and the solar farm may become one of the defining characteristics of the location. A little further away visibility would quickly become patchier and the scale of change in the scene would rapidly diminish. In these more distant views the low level and contour hugging nature of the solar farm would also greatly limit the extent of apparent landscape change and the presence of the solar farm in the scene should not greatly harm the attractive characteristics of the countryside in this local area. 8.4 Along with the proposed solar farm the presence of the existing small scale installation of ground mount solar panels and two raised solar tracker units, on the low valley side at Anslow Park Farm, could be considered to constitute an accumulation of solar installations within the valley and there should be some regard for potential cumulative impacts. These installations would be separated from each other by around 1km and due to the terrain and land cover they would only be seen together in a few locations. The Rolleston Park farmstead, with its many large farm shed buildings, and the valley floor would be situated between the two features increasing the sense of separation. They would also be installations of very different scales and in terms of potential cumulative landscape effects, the small Anslow Park Farm solar installation should not have great bearing on the acceptability of the Rolleston Park Farm proposal. 8.5 Overall findings in relation to potential landscape effects are that in the immediate setting / immediately adjacent areas the solar farm would become one of the defining characteristics of the location alongside the prevailing rural features of the landscape. The presence of the solar farm would therefore be co-dominant with the existing landscape fabric when experiencing it at this very close range. However, this influence of the solar farm would be highly localised and further away the landscape character of the NC lva01 12/06/2014 9/15

10 wider area would not be so significantly affected. The solar farm can therefore be accommodated without significant degradation of the character or the scenic qualities of the wider countryside setting. 9. APPRAISAL OF PREDICTED VISUAL EFFECTS 9.1 Potential visual receptors identified for the proposed solar farm development are listed below and the effects on each are then discussed sequentially in the following paragraphs. This is divided into two sections; the first relating to visual receptors within 1km of the site centre and the second relating to receptors within 2km. Visual receptors within 1km of site centre: Walkers on the footpaths on higher valley top land to the west of the solar farm site (see viewpoint photos 1 & 7); Walkers on the footpaths in the valley bottom and around Rolleston Park Farm (vps 3-6 & 9); Users of northern half of Bushton Lane to the west (vp 8); Users of Burton Road to the north-east (vp 2); Occupiers of Rolleston Park Farm (vp 5 & 6); Occupiers of Burton Road Farm and Bleak House Farm, Burton Road (vp 2); Occupiers of Waterhouse, along farm track near to Alder Moor (vp 3); Occupiers of Northwood on Busthon Lane (vp 8); Occupiers of Mayfield, and Chapel House Farm on Busthon Lane; and Occupiers of the new development on the southern edge of Tutbury, a couple of fields to the north of the site. 9.2 Walkers along the footpaths on the higher valley top land near to west of the west solar farm site area would have the closest contact with the solar farm. In fact one section of path would pass directly alongside the edge of the west site area for a short distance. For walkers on these paths the solar farm would become a prominent feature, occupying a wide angle of the view for those sections adjacent to the installation. However, this would be a relatively short lived experience as field boundary vegetation and landform restrict these views to quite localised lengths of these paths. For instance the sections of paths on the edge of Tutbury would initially offer no sight of the solar farm area then, once over the brow of the valley side, views open up away from the solar site and within a short distance the solar farm would recede into the landscape. There is no doubt that the presence of the solar farm will affect the outlook and experience of walking these paths, but it would be a localised incidence along a section of the paths and would not compromise the normal enjoyment of walking in the countryside in this location. 9.3 For walkers on footpaths within the valley bottom and closer around Rolleston Park Farm the solar farm would be seen as a feature one or more fields away from the observer and although relatively close it would be seen in a different part of the landscape from that being walked. It would appear on higher land NC lva01 12/06/ /15

11 and in most instances it would be partly hidden by intervening landform and vegetation. These factors help to moderate the degree of effect on the character of the outlook and the main focus of attention within the attractive valley setting would not be greatly harmed by this addition to the scene. Within this area the prominence of the solar farm would be most notable on sections of footpaths close to the farmstead. 9.4 To the west of the proposed solar farm there is view across from a short section of Bushton Lane. Although a few fields away, this view opens up because the in intervening land drops and then rises to reveal the west solar farm site area. This area of the solar farm would be readily visible, but at this distance the low level rows of solar panels would appear as little more than a stripy field covering some distance away. In this view some may associate the presence of the solar farm with a kind of industrial intrusion into the countryside. However, the overall composition of the scene would not be greatly altered. This is also a fleeting view in this direction and road users would not dwell on this change in their normal use of the road. 9.5 Burton Road, to the north-east, is quite a fast road with high hedges alongside. Views from here are limited and only open up for a view towards the solar farm site at a point where the landform dips then rises again to the front right aspect of the road when travelling south along it. In this view a part of the east solar farm area may be visible in the right periphery of the view when travelling the road. However, the hedging is quite high at this point and when in leaf during summer months it is unlikely that any notable sight of the solar farm installation would be possible. The effect on the amenity outlook from this road is therefore negligible. 9.6 For Rolleston Park Farm there may be some view of the west solar farm site area from north facing upstairs windows and there would be appreciation of the solar farm on approach and exit from the farm along the driveway. However, the primary amenity aspect of the farmhouse is sheltered away to the south-west and from here the solar farm would have no influence. The normal enjoyment of this property would not be significantly affected by the solar farm installation. 9.7 Burton Road Farm and Bleak House Farm are nearby properties on Burton Road. Burton Road Farm is set back from the road and oriented to face south. The primary aspect of this property might provide a view with part of the east solar farm area in the right hand periphery. This would be viewed the equivalent of one field away on the other side of the road and partially screened by roadside vegetation. Bleak House Farm is set closer to the road and it faces directly across the road towards the solar farm. It is on higher ground and although the near landform would probably block out the east solar farm area, to the right of the view the foreground land is lower and part of the west solar farm area might be visible. There is tall roadside vegetation in front of this property and it is likely that any view would be screened at ground level and any visibility would be restricted to upstairs windows only. These findings suggest that the visual impact on these two properties would be of a very minor nature. 9.8 Occupiers of Waterhouse, half way along the Rolleston Farm access track to the east, would have sight of part of the east solar farm area high in the left periphery of the outlook from the front of the property. This is also partly screened by a tall field hedge and in summer months far less of the solar farm area would be visible. NC lva01 12/06/ /15

12 The effect on the amenity outlook of this property would be of a minor nature. 9.9 From Northwood there would be relatively open views to the west solar farm site field around 0.5km away. For this property, on Bushton Road to the west of the solar farm site, the change in the scene would be much as described for the view from a little further north along the road (see para 9.4). Occupiers of a private property in an attractive rural location may be more concerned about the amenity outlook than travellers on a road and on a personal level a view of the solar farm may not be welcomed. However, the degree of change in the composition of the view will not be great and the effect on the normal enjoyment of this property will be of a minor nature The view from Mayfield would be more filtered and would probably be restricted to east facing upstairs windows. If any view at all is possible from Chapel House Farm this would also be restricted to upstairs front facing windows. Neither of these properties is likely to be materially affected by the proposed solar farm There is likely to be a view from the southern edges of the new development at Burton Road, Tutbury. From here the solar farm may be visible on the slightly rising ground of the site area a couple of fields away. This view would be of the shaded backs of the solar panels and hedged field boundaries will provide a containing structure. The solar farm installation might be considered to result in some minor degradation of the outlook from this development, but the overall composition of the landscape would prevail. Visual receptors within 2km of site centre: Walkers and riders on footpaths and the bridleway on the opposite high valley side to the south (see viewpoint photos 12 to 16); Users of southern half of Bushton Lane (vp 10 & 11); Occupiers of Lount Farm (vp 15); Occupiers of Bushton Cottage (vp 10); and Occupiers of properties on the north edge of Anslow (vp 12); 9.12 When exploring the public rights of way on the higher parts of the valley-side, on the opposite slopes to the south, the two solar farm areas would be visible from a number of locations. From this side of the valley one or other of the two field areas may be visible at any one time, but they are not generally seen together in the same view. In these views the solar farm would appear as an alternative field covering in a distant field within a broad panoramic scene. The landform and land cover features, such as woodland, often break the outline of the solar farm and it would always be seen partly behind such features. At the distances concerned the solar farm would be of some curiosity value in the scene, but it would not dramatically alter the composition or character of the view. In a couple of locations the small solar installation at Anslow Park Farm would be visible in the foreground at the same time as the proposed solar farm installation would be visible in the distance. However, as discussed in relation to landscape effects (see paragraph 8.4) the visual and physical separation of these features and the small scale nature of the Anslow installation mean that cumulative visual effects are only of a minor nature. Enjoyment of the visual amenity outlook from these paths would not be harmed by the introduction of this solar farm development. NC lva01 12/06/ /15

13 9.13 There are a couple of locations along the southern half of Bushton Lane where portions of the west site area would be visible. The visual effect and compositional placement of the solar farm in this outlook from the road would be as that described above for the public rights of way on this side of the Rolleston Park valley area. It would be a notable feature, but the effect on the amenity outlook from the road would be minor There are three dwellings at Lount Farm; two farm cottages to the south-west of the complex and the farmhouse to the north-east. All have a rear aspect facing north-west and the solar farm would be angled to the right hand side of any views from the rear of these properties. It is unlikely that the cottages would have any ground floor views of the solar farm, but it may be that some views would be possible from the rear garden of the farmhouse. The views would be similar to those described for footpaths on this side of the valley (see paragraph 8.4) and any effect on amenity outlook and the normal enjoyment of these properties would be very slight Bushton Cottage is in a low lying position in the valley and although it enjoys a countryside aspect towards the location of the proposed solar farm, this view would reveal only a small slither of the solar farm development. The main focus of the view is of the Rolleston Park farmstead blending into quite a wooded valley scene. The solar farm would be visible only as a distant element filtered through vegetation and largely screened behind the farmstead. There would be no significant effect on the visual amenity outlook from this property Finally, it is predicted that in views from a few properties on the northern edge of Anslow some of the solar farm may be visible in a similar composition to those from the nearest footpaths. The solar farm may be a notable feature in the distant scene for the occupiers of these properties, but it would not alter or notably harm the amenity outlook they enjoy In overall terms of potential visual effects, it is acknowledged that the solar farm may be visible from a range of nearby locations. However, site selection has been careful to minimise the visual prominence of the solar farm overall, and the visual influence of this low profile solar farm development would not be substantial in the composition of most views where it can be seen. The flatter top valley side location for the bulk of the solar farm helps to prevent any more harmful effects on the steeper valley sides and keeps the installation away from the more intimate setting of the valley bottom paths. It is also well away from dwellings and has minimal effect on local roads. The highest degree of visual prominence would be experienced by walkers on very close by footpaths. This occurs in one place on the north-western edge of the development, but the very low profile nature of this proposed solar farm, with panels elevated to a maximum of 1.7m above ground level, would be significant in limiting any impression of the development being overpowering in the scene. In the wider context of exploring and living in this area the normal enjoyment of visual amenity should not be compromised. 10. MITIGATION OPTIONS 10.1 This landscape and visual appraisal study has been prepared alongside the design of the proposed solar farm. The layout of the solar farm has been modified during the process and basic NC lva01 12/06/ /15

14 landscape proposals have been considered as listed below and illustrated on the mitigation option plan (see Figure 6): Reinforcement of existing hedges and field boundaries with hedge planting gap filling and scattered hedgerow tree planting; Creation of new hedged field boundaries where the solar farm stops half way across an existing field parcel; and Further tree planting along some additional field edges The placement of these features is designed to provide enhanced screening and softening of the proposed development and to maximise its integration into the setting. They have also been targeted so as to be most beneficial in relation to the identified visual receptors Without prejudice to the landscape and visual effect findings above, this additional hedge and tree planting would further reduce the long term landscape and visual impacts of the solar farm and would be a sensitive enhancement to the landscape structure in the area more generally. All these landscape components are compatible with the landscape policy objectives detailed in the Staffordshire County Council Planning for Landscape Change document The requirement for and approval of further detail relating to such landscape mitigation and enhancement proposals could be readily controlled by pre-commencement planning condition. 11. SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS 11.1 This report provides a study of potential landscape and visual effects for the proposed development of a solar farm to the northwest of Burton upon Trent in East Staffordshire The solar farm would occupy portions of two adjacent arable fields in countryside between the villages of Tutbury and Anslow. It would create an area covered by a dense regular striped pattern of solar panel rows. There would also be 1.8m high perimeter deer fencing, and some additional plant housings The local landscape setting is characterised as an undulating rural agricultural landscape of mixed arable and pasture fields folding into a small east to west valley, centred on the Rolleston Park Farm estate to the south. The Staffordshire Planning for Landscape Change document describes this area as within the Settled Plateau Farmland Slopes character type There are no particularly notable landscape or heritage designations nearby or otherwise likely to be affected by the proposals Views to the site of the proposed solar farm were found to be restricted to locations within 2km distance, and mainly to the south towards Anslow. The high valley side location and the nature of land cover in the area results in potential for views in two main zones. The solar farm would be visible from some locations within its immediate setting out to one or two fields distance. Then the rolling valley form and vegetation groups would restrict views more from within the valley bottom to the south, but some views would be available from a scattering of locations on the opposite higher valley slopes further south. The main visual receptors within this zone are off road public rights of way. Views would NC lva01 12/06/ /15

15 also be possible from a couple of locations along two nearby rural roads and there would be a small number of private properties with some sight of the proposed development. There may also be some view from a mixed use development currently under construction on the southern edge of Tutbury In the immediate setting the solar farm would become one of the defining characteristics of the location alongside the prevailing rural features of the landscape. The presence of the solar farm would therefore be co-dominant with the existing landscape fabric when experiencing it at this very close range. However, this influence of the solar farm would be highly localised and the landscape character of the wider area would not be significantly affected. The solar farm can therefore be accommodated without significant degradation of character or the scenic qualities of the surrounding countryside In analysis of the visual effect of the solar farm it is acknowledged that it may be visible from a range of nearby locations. However, site selection has been careful to minimise the visual prominence of the solar farm overall, and the visual influence of this low profile solar farm development would not be substantial in the composition of most views where it can be seen. The flatter top valley side location for the bulk of the solar farm helps to prevent any more harmful effects on the steeper valley sides and keeps the installation away from the more intimate setting of the valley bottom paths. It is also well away from dwellings and has minimal effect on local roads. The highest degree of visual prominence would be experienced by walkers on very close by footpaths. This occurs in one place on the north-western edge of the development, but the very low profile nature of this proposed solar farm, with panels elevated to a maximum of 1.7m above ground level, would be significant in limiting any impression of the development being overpowering in the scene. In the wider context of exploring and living in this area the normal enjoyment of visual amenity should not be compromised A scheme of possible mitigation planting works has been proposed alongside the solar farm and in some strategic outlying locations. This includes new boundary hedge planting, additional field hedge tree planting and some small woodland copses. These works would help to screen and integrate the proposed development into the landscape setting and they would be a sensitive long term enhancement to the landscape structure of the area The landscape and visual impacts of this solar farm development have been found to be of a moderate nature and the careful design of the scheme limits the degree of harm which may be caused. Further mitigation planting, as outlined, would be beneficial during the lifetime of the development and would be a lasting enhancement for the area. Overall, it is felt that this solar farm could be integrated into the landscape without compromising the attractive characteristics and visual qualities of the area. NC lva01 12/06/ /15

16 APPENDICES Appendix A Summary of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Theory Landform elevation plan Appendix B Methodology for production of Zone of Theoretical Visibility Mapping (ZTV) Appendix C Methodology for viewpoint photography and presentation Zone of theoretical visibility map Appendix D Staffordshire County Council Planning for Landscape Change Needwood & South Derbyshire Claylands Settled plateau farmland slopes landscape character type detailed description NC lva01 06/06/2014 Appendices

17 APPENDIX A Summary of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Theory A.11 The principles, approaches and terminology of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment practice is set out in Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3 rd edition) 1. A.12 There are two fundamental components to LVIA: The assessment of landscape effects, i.e. the effects on the landscape as a resource or collection of resources (grouped and described as landscape receptors); and The assessment of visual effects, i.e. the effects on views and visual amenity as experienced by people (grouped and described as visual receptors). A.13 In relation to the assessment of landscape effects the following factors should be taken into account: The size or scale of change in the landscape; The geographical extent over which the landscape effect will be felt; The duration and reversibility of the effects; The ability of the landscape receptor to accommodate the changes with regard to maintaining the baseline condition or in relation to the aims of adopted landscape policy or strategies; and The value or status of the landscape receptor as indicated by landscape designations and/or an appraisal of recognised qualitative criteria. A.14 For the assessment of visual effects the following factors are relevant considerations: The occupation or activity of people at a particular location and the extent to which their attention or interest may therefore be focussed on views and visual amenity; The value attached to those views, perhaps indicated by planning designations, literary references or simply the numbers of people benefitting from the view; and The scale of change in the view, the prominence of the change, the duration and reversibility of the effect. 1 GLVIA3, 2013, by the Landscape Institute and IEMA NC lva01 06/06/2014 A

18 APPENDIX B Methodology for production of Zone of Theoretical Visibility Mapping (ZTV) B.1 This zone of theoretical visibility mapping indicates where the potential solar farm development may be visible from. B.2 It is an approximation based on broad scale data sets and overall provides an exaggerated (worst case scenario) impression and should only be used as a broad guide to the extent of areas where views may be possible. B.3 In this case the map has been produced using landform modelling from OS Panorama contour data derived from 1:50,000 scale mapping. In addition, woodland areas and buildings have been modelled above the bare ground landform. This utilises OS Vectormap District GIS data sets for woodland and buildings. This maps major woodland areas and buildings as plotted on 1:25,000 scale OS mapping. The woodland areas have been modelled as obstructions of 15m height and the buildings 7.5m height. B.4 The supplementary modelling of major woodland and buildings provides a more realistic impression of the likely visibility of the proposed development than using the landform data alone. However, it should be noted that this does not take account of any localised obstacles not included in the broad scale data sets used, such as smaller groups of trees and hedges. B.5 For the purposes of this ZTV a multiple point analysis of the development area was employed to ensure that the mapping represents visibility for any part of the development site. Each station point was set to represent the proposed height of the tops of the solar panels at 1.7m above ground level. A viewer eye level height of 1.65m was also used in the calculation. NC lva01 06/06/2014 B

19 APPENDIX C Methodology for viewpoint photography and presentation C.1 The viewpoint photos presented in this study have been produced with particular regard to the Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11: Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual impact assessment. C.2 The viewpoint photography was only carried out when atmospheric visibility was favourable. A digital SLR camera was employed (Canon EOS 400D). The lens setting was fixed to a standard SLR equivalent of 50mm (in this case 31mm). The panoramic images were produced from sequential and 50% overlapping frames taken from the same location. C.3 The individual frames were adjusted for cylindrical projection and stitched together using specialist photography software. Cylindrical projection allows a continuous panoramic image to be produced without distortion of the image. C.4 The resultant images are produced with predetermined print sizes and corresponding viewing distances in mind. This is based on the principle that when printed to a specific size, there is a correct viewing distance at which the objects in the scene will appear the same size as they would when viewed for real at the viewpoint location. For this presentation of viewpoint photos, the images should be printed to A3 size and viewed from a correct viewing distance of 30cm. For full accuracy in this it is necessary to close one eye and curve the image so that all parts of it are the same (correct) viewing distance from the eye. In practice this may be hard to do. Leaving the image flat makes the features at the far right and left of the image appear slightly smaller and more spaced than they would be in reality. NC lva01 06/06/2014 C

20 APPENDIX D Staffordshire County Council Planning for Landscape Change Needwood & South Derbyshire Claylands Settled plateau farmland slopes landscape character type detailed description NC lva01 06/06/2014 D

21 Settled plateau farmland slopes This is a close relative of the settled plateau farmlands, occupying the slopes running down from the plateau top with a consequent increase in visibility. Visual character This is a landscape of irregular, hedged fields and numerous hedgerow trees on a sloping landform, often dissected by small steep sided wooded stream valleys draining the plateau tops. Where the land-cover pattern remains intact, the hedgerows and hedgerow trees to a large extent control and limit views across the landscape, with the rolling landform and steeper slopes often allowing longer views and showing up the pattern of fields and small woodlands. Hedgerow tree cover is predominantly oak, with some ash, whilst stream side willow and alder have a strong localised influence along the valleys. Large areas of ancient woodland dominate the upper scarp slopes, lending a very individual character to those areas. The predominantly low intensity pastoral farming, together with a network of narrow, often sunken lanes and clustered farmsteads, hamlets and villages of traditional Staffordshire red brick lend the landscape a peaceful, rural feel. Where agricultural intensification is taking place, a more open landscape of medium to large scale fields is reducing the diversity as field boundaries are declining to wire fence lines, gappy hedges and grown up thorn. Locally, small woodlands, mostly broadleaved in nature but sometimes with some conifer element, have a localised influence. The rolling nature of the landform, varying from gentle to more pronounced undulations, together with lack of land cover, shows up the variations in the landscape scale, the different field patterns and water features such as ponds and small streams. The presence of a large water supply reservoir changes the local scale and character of its area. Deterioration of landscape quality is greatest at the immediate urban fringe, with less impact being evident at greater distances from the built environment. There is evidence, however, of commuter pressure and the urbanising influence of inter-war ribbon development, and discrete areas of industrialisation and mining. The landscape character is being weakened, but there are still sufficient hedgerow oaks, hedgerows and woodland to give the majority of these intensively farmed areas a strong rural character despite the development pressures. Characteristic landscape features Hedgerow oak and ash trees; broadleaved and conifer woodlands; irregular hedged field pattern; narrow lanes and hedge-banks; old villages and hamlets; small streams and field ponds; manors and parkland; undulating, sloping landform. Incongruous landscape features Extensive fencing; busy roads; electricity pylons; agricultural intensification; large modern farm buildings; modernised dwellings and commuter properties; village expansion. 133

22 Factors critical to landscape character and quality The critical factors which currently limit landscape quality are the loss of characteristic landscape features, the poor condition of those features that remain, and the relatively poor survival of characteristic semi-natural vegetation (e.g. ancient woodland and semi-natural grasslands). The area around Abbots Bromley has been identified as a landscape at risk of sudden loss of quality (see Section 7.18 et seq. of the Supporting Documentation) and measures to meet the BAP targets listed below will be critically important in preventing such a loss. This landscape character type is locally sensitive to the impacts of development and land use change. Potential value of new woodland planting Somewhat variable, from moderate to very high value, to restore some landscape structure to those areas now increasing in scale due to agricultural intensification, and to reinforce the parkland character of discrete areas. Potential value of other habitat provision and management The following Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan Targets are relevant at landscape scale: Habitat type Objective or target Priority Ancient/ semi-natural maintain and enhance high broadleaved woodland restore degraded sites medium recreate/ regenerate medium Ancient/ diverse hedgerows maintain and manage high maintain trees high Hedgerows plant species-rich hedges high Arable field margins maintain, improve and restore lower Canals, lakes and ponds maintain and enhance water bodies and high catchments increase the number of such features high Lowland calcareous safeguard remaining areas and adjoining medium grassland land restore semi-improved grasslands medium link fragmented sites through habitat lower creation Lowland wet grassland maintain and enhance existing areas medium restore degraded areas medium create new areas medium Peat bogs maintain and enhance high restore former raised bogs high Reedbeds maintain and create high 134

23 Habitat type Objective or target Priority Rivers and streams Unimproved neutral grassland Wet woodland maintain and improve the quality and quantity of water maintain the quality of all natural existing channel features maintain and safeguard existing areas restore link adjacent sites through habitat creation create/ re-create new areas maintain, enhance and restore prevent further loss increase the number of such woodlands very high very high high high medium medium lower lower lower Further details of these habitat targets can be found in the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan. Specific guidelines Tree and woodland planting The character of the sloping landform and increasing openness of some areas suggests a variety of appropriate scales of planting. In the more intact areas and along the valley bottoms no more than small scale planting of field corners or field size could be accommodated. This could then increase to medium to large scale further up the slopes and in the open landscapes, provided that views though are retained and there is interlock maintained between the planted and unplanted areas. The flow of fields around the interlocking woodlands is visually important. In most cases the design of plantations should build on or relate to existing hedgerows or woodlands. It should reflect the predominantly broadleaved character of the landscape, and any conifers that are used should not be allowed to dominate. In the more open areas and on steeper landform some design to slopes will become important, as will the internal design. This planting could usefully emphasise the varied landform, reinforce the parkland character where this is present, and reinforce the stream valleys by the use of wetland species. It is becoming increasingly important to reintroduce or strengthen the land-cover pattern by hedgerow replanting and tree conservation tagging schemes etc. In areas with existing ancient woodland, special care is needed over species choice of new woodlands. Design in villages The village of Rolleston on Dove, which falls largely within this landscape character type, has produced its own Village Design Statement. 135

24 FIGURES Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Location plan Landform elevation plan Landscape character mapping Zone of theoretical visibility map Viewpoint photo locations & zone of visual influence map Mitigation options plan NC lva01 06/06/2014 Figures

25 Background mapping Ordnance Survey Crown copyright 2014 all rights reserved. License number km 0.5km 1km 1.5km 2km 2.5km Scale 1 : A3 KEY: The site LOCATION PLAN Rolleston Park Farm Tutbury, Staffordshire NC lva01 06/06/2014 FIGURE 1.

26 Background mapping Ordnance Survey Crown copyright 2014 all rights reserved. License number Contour data from OS Open Data Crown copyright and database right km 0.5km 1km 1.5km 2km 2.5km Scale 1 : A3 KEY: m m m m m m m m m 90-95m 85-90m 80-85m 75-80m 70-75m 65-70m 60-65m 55-60m 50-55m 45-50m LANDFORM ELEVATION PLAN Rolleston Park Farm Tutbury, Staffordshire NC lva01 06/06/2014 FIGURE 2.

27 Background mapping Ordnance Survey Crown copyright 2014 all rights reserved. License number km 0.5km 1km 1.5km 2km 2.5km Scale 1 : A3 KEY: Staffordshire landscape character Riparian alluvial lowlands Surveyor-enclosed plateau farmlands Settled plateau farmland slopes Gritstone uplands Derbyshire landscape character Lowland Village Farmlands Riverside Meadows STAFFORDSHIRE & DERBYSHIRE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER Rolleston Park Farm Tutbury, Staffordshire NC lva01 06/06/2014 FIGURE 3.

28 Background mapping Ordnance Survey Crown copyright 2014 all rights reserved. License number Contour data from OS Open Data Crown copyright and database right km 0.5km 1km 1.5km 2km 2.5km Scale 1 : A3 KEY: Zone where more than 3/4 of solar farm may be visible Zone where 1/2 to 3/4 of solar farm may be visible Zone where 1/4 to 1/2 of solar farm may be visible Zone where up to 1/4 of solar farm may be visible Notes: Landform modelling - OS Panorama contour data derived from 1:50,000 scale mapping. Supplementary obstacles - OS Vectormap District GIS data sets for woodland and buildings. Woodland areas modelled as obstructions of 15m height and buildings 7.5m height. Multiple point analysis - the development area was plotted as a grid of station points for an assessment of the proportion of the development which may be visible from any given location. Object height - each station point was set to represent the ridge height of a two storey house at 1.7m above ground level. Viewer eye level height: 1.65m above ground level ZONE OF THEORETICAL VISIBILITY Rolleston Park Farm Tutbury, Staffordshire NC lva01 06/06/2014 FIGURE 4.

29 Background mapping Ordnance Survey Crown copyright 2014 all rights reserved. License number km 0.5km 1km 1.5km 2km 2.5km Scale 1 : A3 KEY: Viewpoint photo location VIEWPOINT PHOTO LOCATIONS & ZONE OF VISUAL INFLUENCE MAP Rolleston Park Farm Tutbury, Staffordshire NC lva01 06/06/2014 FIGURE 5.

30 0m 100m 200m 300m 400m 500m Scale 1 : A3 MITIGATION OPTIONS PLAN Rolleston Park Farm Tutbury, Staffordshire NC lva01 06/06/2014 FIGURE 6.

31 VIEWPOINT PHOTOS photo sheet Viewpoint photo 1 1 Viewpoint photo 2 1 Viewpoint photo 3 2 Viewpoint photo 4 2 Viewpoint photo 5 3 Viewpoint photo 6 3 Viewpoint photo 7a 4 Viewpoint photo 7b 4 Viewpoint photo 8 5 Viewpoint photo 9 5 Viewpoint photo 10 6 Viewpoint photo 11 6 Viewpoint photo 12 7 Viewpoint photo 13 7 Viewpoint photo 14 8 Viewpoint photo 15 8 Viewpoint photo 16 9 NC lva01 06/06/2014 Viewpoint Photos

32 Viewpoint photo 1 : From Green Lane Farm footpath immediately to north of west solar farm site Viewpoint photo 2 : From A511 Burton Road in front of Burton Road Farm NC lva01 10/06/2014 Rolleston Park Farm Solar, Tutbury, Burton upon Trent PHOTO SHEET 1.

33 Viewpoint photo 3 : From footpath along farm track to east of Rolleston Park Farm, outside Waterhouse Viewpoint photo 4 : From footpath along Rolleston Park Farm track going east towards Alder Moor NC lva01 10/06/2014 Rolleston Park Farm Solar, Tutbury, Burton upon Trent PHOTO SHEET 2.

34 Viewpoint photo 5 : From footpath on east edge of Rolleston Park farmstead Viewpoint photo 6 : From footpath along west approach farm track to Rolleston Park NC lva01 10/06/2014 Rolleston Park Farm Solar, Tutbury, Burton upon Trent PHOTO SHEET 3.

35 Viewpoint photo 7a : From footpath to Green Lane Farm alongside edge of west solar farm site area (left hand portion of view) Viewpoint photo 7b : From footpath to Green Lane Farm alongside edge of west solar farm site area (right hand portion of view) NC lva01 10/06/2014 Rolleston Park Farm Solar, Tutbury, Burton upon Trent PHOTO SHEET 4.

36 Viewpoint photo 8 : Viewpoint photo 9 : From footpath south-west of Rolleston Park NC lva01 10/06/2014 Rolleston Park Farm Solar, Tutbury, Burton upon Trent PHOTO SHEET 5.

37 Viewpoint photo 10 : From Bushton Lane alongside Bushton Cottage Viewpoint photo 11 : From Bushton Lane just to north of Anslow NC lva01 10/06/2014 Rolleston Park Farm Solar, Tutbury, Burton upon Trent PHOTO SHEET 6.

38 Viewpoint photo 12 : From footpath on northern edge of Anslow Viewpoint photo 13 : From bridleway north-east of Anslow NC lva01 10/06/2014 Rolleston Park Farm Solar, Tutbury, Burton upon Trent PHOTO SHEET 7.

39 Viewpoint photo 14 : From footpath between Anslow and Lount Farm Viewpoint photo 15 : From approach lane to Lount Farm NC lva01 10/06/2014 Rolleston Park Farm Solar, Tutbury, Burton upon Trent PHOTO SHEET 8.

40 Viewpoint photo 16 : From footpath east of Lount Farm NC lva01 10/06/2014 Rolleston Park Farm Solar, Tutbury, Burton upon Trent PHOTO SHEET 9.