Appendix 9.1 Landscape / Townscape / Visual / Heritage Setting Value and Significance Criteria

Transcription

1 Appendix 9.1 Landscape / Townscape / Visual / Heritage Setting Value and Significance Criteria Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.1 Landscape Effects Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

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3 Table 1: Landscape Quality Evaluation Criteria Quality Evaluation Criteria Classification Highest Quality Very strong landscape structure, characteristic patterns, balanced combination of landform and landcover; Appropriate management for land use and landcover; Extensive features worthy of conservation; Unique sense of place; No detracting features. Very Attractive Strong landscape structure, characteristic patterns and balanced combination of landform and landcover; Appropriate management for land use and landcover but potentially scope to improve; Frequent features worthy of conservation; Strong sense of place; Occasional detracting feature. Good Recognisable landscape structure, characteristic patterns and combinations of landform and landcover are still evident; Some scope to improve management for land use and landcover; Some features worthy of conservation; Sense of place; Some detracting features. Ordinary Distinguishable landscape structure, characteristic patterns of landform and landcover often masked by land use; Scope to improve management for land use and landcover; Occasional feature worthy of conservation; Frequent detracting features. Poor Weak or degraded landscape structure, characteristic patterns of landform and landcover are masked by land use; Lack of management and intervention has resulted in degradation; Lack of features worthy of conservation; Extensive detracting features. Source: 5 point scale in DMRB Vol 11, Section 3, Part 5 (1994) and modification of criteria contained in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2002) Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.1 Landscape Effects Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

4 Table 2: Townscape Quality Evaluation Criteria Quality Classification Evaluation Criteria Highest Quality Outstanding townscape character with clearly distinctive characteristics; Very strong urban structure, characteristic patterns and balanced combination of built form and open space; Appropriate management for land use; Distinctive or extensive features worthy of conservation; Widespread use of quality materials; Unique sense of place; No detracting features. Very Attractive Townscape with distinctive features and elements; Strong urban structure, characteristic patterns and balanced combination of built form and open space; Appropriate management for land use with limited scope to improve; Frequent features worthy of conservation; Evident use of quality materials; Strong sense of place; Infrequent detracting features. Good Some distinctive features and elements; Recognisable urban structure, characteristic patterns and combinations of built form and open space; Some scope to improve management for land use; Some features worthy of conservation; Sense of place; Occasional detracting feature. Ordinary Typical, commonplace and unremarkable townscape with limited variety or distinctiveness; Distinguishable urban structure, characteristic patterns of built form and open space; Scope to improve management for land use; Occasional feature worthy of conservation; Some detracting features. Poor Monotonous and uniform townscape often in decline; Weak or degraded urban structure, characteristic patterns and combination of built form and open space; Lack of management has resulted in degradation; Lack of features worthy of conservation; Frequent or dominant detracting features; Disturbed or derelict land requires treatment. Source: Based on 5 point scale for landscape in DMRB Vol 11, Section 3, Part 5 (1994), and modification of criteria contained in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2002) Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.1 Landscape Effects Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

5 Table 3: Landscape Value Criteria Value Typical Criteria Typical Scale Typical Examples/Features* Very attractive and rare; Highest International World Heritage Site, National Park, landscape quality; or National AONB or key elements/features No or limited potential for within them. substitution. Very High High Medium Low Very attractive or attractive scenic quality and in part rare; Very Attractive or Good landscape quality; Limited potential for substitution. Typical and commonplace or in part unusual; Ordinary landscape quality; Potential for substitution. Monotonous, degraded or damaged; Poor landscape quality; Can be substituted. National, Regional, District or Local National, Regional, District or Local District or Local National Park, AONB, AGLV (or similar designation) or key elements within them. Generally undesignated but value expressed through literature and cultural associations or through demonstrable use. Certain individual landscape elements or features may be worthy of conservation and landscape either identified or would benefit from restoration or enhancement. Source: Modification of criteria contained in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2002) *: Typical examples and features are not exclusive to each value category i.e. not all parts of an AONB can necessarily be considered either attractive or very attractive depending upon local character and condition. Table 4: Townscape Value Criteria Value Typical Criteria Typical Scale Typical Examples/Features Very High International or National High Medium Low Very attractive and rare; Highest townscape quality; No or limited potential for substitution. Very attractive or attractive and in part rare; Very Attractive or Good townscape quality; Limited potential for substitution. Typical and commonplace or in part unusual; Ordinary townscape quality; Potential for substitution. Monotonous, degraded or damaged; Poor townscape quality; Can be substituted. National, Regional, District or Local Regional, District or Local District or Local World Heritage Site, Archaeological Important Areas, Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs), sites of national importance recorded on the Sites & Monuments Record (SMR) or National Monuments Record (NMR) and Listed Buildings. Archaeological Important Areas, SAMs, Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, TPOs and sites of national, regional or local county importance recorded on SMR or NMR. Generally undesignated but value expressed through literature and cultural associations or through demonstrable use. May contain Listed Buildings, TPOs and sites of county or local importance recorded on SMR. Certain individual landscape elements or features may be worthy of conservation and townscape would benefit from restoration or enhancement. Source: Modification of criteria contained in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Second Edition) 2002 and WebTAG (2007). Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.1 Landscape Effects Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

6 Table 5: Sensitivity to Change Evaluation Criteria Sensitivity to Evaluation Criteria Change High A landscape or townscape very sensitive to the proposed transportation change, due to very adverse impacts on: distinctive physical and cultural components or key characteristics; its strength of character or condition; its high intervisibility/visual exposure, and tranquillity; with very limited opportunities for mitigation. A landscape or townscape sensitive to the proposed transportation change, due to the potential for some adverse impacts on: distinctive physical and cultural components or key characteristics; its strength of character or condition; its moderate intervisibility/visual exposure, and its fragmented tranquillity; Low but there may be more opportunities to overcome these through appropriate siting, design and other mitigation measures. A landscape or townscape less sensitive to the proposed transportation change, due to the potential for only slight or no damaging impacts on: distinctive physical and cultural components or key characteristics; its strength of character or condition; its low intervisibility/visual exposure, and its lack of tranquillity; and there are likely to be considerable opportunities for mitigation and/or enhancement measures. Source: Derived from criteria taken from Essex County Council, Landscape Character Areas Final Report (2002). Table 6: Landscape Impact Significance Criteria Significance Large beneficial (positive) effect Definition The proposed scheme would have the potential to: integrate very successfully with the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape; enable the restoration of highly valued characteristic features partially lost or damaged through intensive farming, lack of management or inappropriate development; enable a very strong sense of place, scale and quality to be restored or enhanced to a high quality or highly sensitive landscape through beneficial landscaping and sensitive design. Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.1 Landscape Effects Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

7 Significance beneficial (positive) effect Slight beneficial (positive) effect Neutral effect Slight adverse (negative) effect adverse (negative) effect Large adverse (negative) effect Definition The proposed scheme would have the potential to: fit very well with the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape; enable the restoration of characteristic features partially lost or damaged through intensive farming, lack of management or inappropriate development; enable a sense of place, scale and quality to be restored or enhanced to a landscape of recognised quality or value through beneficial landscaping and sensitive design. The proposed scheme would have the potential to: fit in with the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape; maintain or enhance existing landscape quality and character; enable some sense of place and scale to be restored through well-designed planting and mitigation measures. The proposed scheme would: complement the scale, landform and pattern of the landscape; maintain existing landscape quality and character; result in a combination of adverse and beneficial effects on landscape character and quality which would balance each other. The proposed scheme would: not quite fit the landform and pattern of the landscape; not be completely mitigated due to the nature of the proposal itself or the character of the receiving landscape; adversely affect existing landscape quality and character in an area which is not a designated landscape or sensitive to change. The proposed scheme would: be out of scale with the landscape or at odds with the local pattern and landform; not be fully mitigated (i.e. mitigation would not prevent the scheme from scarring the landscape in the longer term); leave an adverse impact on a landscape of recognised quality or on sensitive and important characteristic features and elements. The proposed scheme would result in effects that: are at a considerable variance with the landform, scale and pattern of the landscape; cannot be adequately mitigated; are likely to degrade the integrity of a range of characteristic landscape features, elements and/or their setting; would be substantially damaging to a high quality or highly sensitive landscape. Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.1 Landscape Effects Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

8 Significance Very large adverse (negative) effect Definition The proposed scheme would result in effects that: are at a complete variance with the landform, scale and pattern of the landscape; cannot be mitigated; would permanently degrade, diminish or destroy the integrity of valued characteristic features, elements and/or their setting; would cause a very high quality landscape to be permanently changed and its quality very considerably diminished. Source: Modification of criteria contained in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Second Edition) 2002 and WebTAG (2007). Table 7: Townscape Impact Significance Criteria Significance Definition Large beneficial (positive) effect beneficial (positive) effect Slight beneficial (positive) effect Neutral effect The proposals provide an opportunity to enhance the townscape as:- they enhance the layout, mix, scale, appearance, human interaction and cultural aspects of the townscape; they enable the restoration of highly valued characteristic features or elements, partially lost or diminished as the result of changes resulting from inappropriate development; they would enable a very strong sense of place, scale and quality to be restored or enhanced to a high quality or highly vulnerable townscape through high quality design. The proposals provide an opportunity to enhance the townscape as:- they fit very well with the layout, mix, scale, appearance, human interaction and cultural aspects of the townscape; they enable the restoration of characteristic features or elements, partially lost or diminished as the result of changes resulting from inappropriate development; they would enable a sense of place, scale and quality to be restored or enhanced to a townscape of recognised quality or value through beneficial and sensitive design. The proposals: fit well with the layout, mix, scale, appearance, human interaction and cultural aspects of the townscape; incorporate measures for mitigation to ensure they would blend in well with surrounding townscape; would enable some sense of place, scale and quality to be restored through beneficial and sensitive design; maintain or enhance existing townscape character. The proposals are well designed to: complement the layout, mix, scale, appearance, human interaction and cultural aspects of the townscape; incorporate measures for mitigation to ensure that the scheme would blend in with surrounding townscape features and elements; avoid having an adverse effect on the current level of tranquillity (where this exists) of the townscape through which the route passes; maintain existing townscape character in an area which is not of recognised townscape quality, or sensitive to change; Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.1 Landscape Effects Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

9 Significance Slight adverse (negative) effect adverse (negative) effect Large adverse (negative) effect Definition result in a combination of adverse and beneficial effects on townscape character and quality which would balance each other. The proposals: do not quite fit the layout, mix, scale, appearance, human interaction and cultural aspects of the townscape; cannot be completely mitigated due to the nature of the proposal itself or the character of the townscape through which it passes; would adversely affect existing townscape quality and character in an area of recognised quality. The proposals: are out of scale or at odds with the layout, mix, scale, appearance, human interaction and cultural aspects of the townscape; cannot be fully mitigated (i.e. mitigation would not prevent the scheme from scarring the townscape in the longer term); would have an adverse impact on a townscape of recognised quality or on vulnerable and important characteristic features or elements. The proposals are very damaging to the townscape in that they: are at considerable variance with the layout, mix, scale, appearance, human interaction and cultural aspects of the townscape; cannot be adequately mitigated; are likely to degrade, diminish or even destroy the integrity of a range of characteristic features and elements and their setting; would be substantially damaging to a high quality or highly vulnerable townscape, causing it to change and be considerably diminished in quality. Source: Modification of criteria contained in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Second Edition) 2002 and WebTAG (2007). Table 8: Visual Impact Significance Criteria Sensitivity Magnitude Effect Visual Receptor Groups with a Higher Sensitivity to Visual Change i.e. viewers within residential properties and footpath and open space user groups plus views from listed buildings, SAM s and conservation areas. Where the development would be the dominant feature to which other elements become subordinate, markedly affecting and changing the overall character of the scene. Where the scheme would cause a significant deterioration (or improvement) in the existing view and would form a major and immediately apparent part of the scene that affects and changes its overall character. Where the scheme would cause a noticeable deterioration (or improvement) in the existing view and may form a visible and recognisable new element within the scene readily noticed by the observer. Where the scheme would cause a barely perceptible deterioration (or improvement) in the existing view and may be missed by the casual observer awareness of the proposals would not have a marked effect on the scene. Where the development would be scarcely appreciated and would have little effect on the scene. Where no part of the proposed development would be discernable in the view. Severe Adverse/ Substantial Adverse/ Adverse/ Slight Adverse/ No Change Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.1 Landscape Effects Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

10 Sensitivity Magnitude Effect Visual Receptor Groups with a Lower Sensitivity to Visual Change i.e. formal sports user groups and viewers within commercial and industrial premises. Where the scheme would cause a significant deterioration (or improvement) in the existing view and would form a dominant or major and immediately apparent part of the scene that markedly affects and changes its overall character. Where the scheme would cause a noticeable deterioration (or improvement) in the existing view and may form a recognisable or minor new element within the scene that would not markedly affect and change its overall character. Where the development would be scarcely appreciated and would have little effect on the scene. Where no part of the proposed development would be discernible in the view. Adverse/ Slight Adverse/ No Change Source: Modification of criteria contained in DMRB Vol 11, Section3, Part 5 (1994) and the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Second Edition) 2002 Table 9: Magnitude of Impact on Setting of Heritage Features Magnitude Major Negative or Positive Negative or Positive Minor Negative or Positive Negative or Positive No Change Factors in the Assessment of Magnitude of Impacts Comprehensive changes to setting. Changes to setting of an historic building or structure, such that it is significantly changed. Change to setting of an historic building or structure, such that it is noticeably changed. Slight changes to setting that hardly affect it, or mixture of adverse and beneficial changes that on balance result in a negligible impact. No change to setting. Source: Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 3, Part 2. Highways Agency, incorporating August 2007 updates Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.1 Landscape Effects Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

11 Appendix 9.2: Existing Data Sources Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.2 Existing Data Sources Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

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13 Appendix Review of Existing Data Sources 1 The landscape/townscape and visual assessment has involved a combination of a desk study and field surveys using the guidance described in Volume 1, Chapter 9 and Volume 2, Appendix 9.1 of this Environmental Statement. The Stage 3 desk study commenced with a review of data collected for the Stage 2 Assessment Report 1 and WebTAG Appraisal Report 2. Documents reviewed at Stage 2 included: the landscape and visual impacts section to an Environmental Statement prepared in 2001 for proposed development to enable the airport within the existing airport boundary to serve up to 25 million people by ; the landscape and visual impacts section to an Environmental Statement for making best use of the existing airport area in order to enable the airport to serve up to 35 million people by ; Draft East of England Plan, East of England Regional Assembly Nov 2005 for landscape related spatial strategy; Essex and Southend-on-Sea Replacement Structure Plan for landscape designations and planning policies; Hertfordshire Structure Plan Review Adopted 1998 for landscape designations and planning policies; Uttlesford Local Plan, Adopted 1999 for landscape designations and planning policies; East Hertfordshire Local Plan, Adopted 1999 and Second Review Redeposit of November 2004 for landscape designations and planning policies; Hertfordshire Landscape Character Assessment for landscape character areas and description; aerial photographs and miscellaneous data; Essex Landscape Character Assessment for landscape character areas and description; Stansted G2 Environmental Impact Supporting Information. Public Rights of Survey 2, and Community Effects Baseline Report 2, Draft 1, May/05. RPS; Historic Landscape Characterisation in the East of England. Essex CC/English Heritage 2005; Ordnance Survey digital mapping and digital height data; Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAgiC) Government website for information on statutory designations (Common land, Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM s), National Parks, Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) etc), non statutory designations (Registered Parks and Gardens, Green Belt, National Forest, Registered Battlefields, etc) and woodland. 1 Stansted G2 Stansted Generation 2: Surface Access. Stage 2 Environmental Assessment of Airport Access Roads Landscape Effects. Highways Agency, RPS Nov Stansted G2 Stansted Generation 2: Airport Access Roads. Stage 2 Appraisal Report. Highways Agency Jan Proposed Development at Stansted Airport Environmental Statement Volume 11. BAA, Environs August Stansted MBU Environmental Statement, Volume 9: Landscape and Visual Impact. BAA, Environs Feb 2006 Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.2 Data Sources Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

14 2 The Stage 2 data was used to identify the following features or attributes: areas designated for landscape and ecological importance; listed buildings, SAMs and conservation areas; hedgerows, ancient woodland and other woodland areas; public rights of way; community facilities including recreational areas such as commons; water courses and water bodies. 3 The Stage 2 data was updated and expanded to clearly identify all landscape baseline and future baseline information with regards to landscape features, landscape constraints, landscape character and quality and visual receptors. Sources used to verify, update and expand on the Stage 2 data are summarised below: The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the East of England draft revision East of England Plan, (October 2007) Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape Character Assessments Chris Blandford Associates, August MAgiC Government website for information as at Stage 2. Local authority and regional assembly websites to check for any updated local/regional plans. Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.2 Data Sources Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

15 Appendix 9.3: Baseline: Landscape Character Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.3 Baseline Landscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

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17 Appendix 9.3 Baseline Landscape Character Table 1 below summarises the landscape character framework of the study area from the regional through to the county and district scale based upon existing character assessments undertaken by the Countryside Agency, Essex and Hertfordshire County Councils and a single assessment carried out for most administrative areas of Essex including Uttlesford District Council. The county and district landscape character areas referred to in the table are indicated on Figure 9.3. Table 1: Landscape Character Framework Character Scale Key Characteristics/Forces for Change Assessment Countryside Agency Countryside Character Volume 6: East & London (1999): South Suffolk and North Essex Clayland Character Area (No. 86) Essex County Council Landscape Character Areas Final Report (2002): Central Essex Farmlands (B1) Landscape Character Area Essex County Council Landscape Character Areas Final Report (2002): Stort Valley (C2) Landscape Area Regional County County Covers the entire study area. Within north-western Essex and north-eastern corner of Hertfordshire within which: Chalky boulder clay with topographical variation; Arable countryside sufficiently endowed with copses and woods to have wooded horizons and give a large, distantly enclosed character; enclosure missing at close quarters due to losses of hedgerows and hedgerow trees; hedgerow trees predominantly oak; area has largely avoided 20 th century migration from London due to Green Belt policy. Covers most of the study area east of the M11 within which: landform gently undulating plateau 30-90m in height; irregular, predominantly medium sized, arable fields enclosed by thick but intermittent hedgerows or grassy banks; scattered small woods and copses, and hedgerow trees coalesce in long views to sometimes create illusion of a wooded horizon; Intermittent hedgerow trees of oak, ash and hornbeam; dispersed settlement pattern characterised by small isolated hamlets and farmsteads; condition of hedgerows and woodland mostly moderate; narrow strip greens and moated farmhouses are distinctive features; Hatfield Forest is a large important area of ancient coppice and wood pasture with pollarded trees; Stansted Airport with extensive flat runways and large buildings; tranquil character disrupted by Stansted Airport and M11. Covers the western part of the study area within which: shallow valley with tributaries having moderately sloped or gentle valley sides and narrow valley floor; pasture on valley floor with unenclosed meadows or small linear fields; arable on valley sides with medium to large sized fields; linear wet woodlands - poplar/willow plantations and riverside trees on valley floor with very dense tree cover in some tributary valleys; many small valleyside woods and copses; Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.3 Baseline Landscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

18 Character Assessment Hertfordshire County Council East Herts District Landscape Character Assessment (2004). Character Area 151 Stort Meads Uttlesford District Council Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape Character Assessments August 2006 A3 Stort River Valley Uttlesford District Council Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape Character Assessments August 2006 B10 Broxted Farmland Plateau Scale County District District Key Characteristics/Forces for Change Windmill/castle are landscape features at Stansted Mountfitchet; Numerous small estates e.g. Stansted Hall; Condition of hedgerows and woodland is moderate to good. Narrow finger of floodplain around River Stort on western edge of study area that extends into centre of Bishops Stortford, which: is flat bottomed with adjacent valley slopes; is used for pasture, rough grassland and recreation; has intermittent blocks of vegetation including groups of willows, alders and over-mature hedgerows. Covers the rural western part of the study area and has a varied character with those areas located in the study area having: gently sloping, sometimes steep river valley slopes dominated by arable farmland; the large village of Stansted Mountfitchet (with historic core of vernacular buildings surrounded by modern development), smaller villages and dispersed farmsteads; valley slopes near Stansted Mountfitchet and Elsenham, which still contain arable farmland but countryside character of busy lanes and roads, and more dense settlement; medium to large scale landscape with fairly regular field pattern; semi-enclosed character in valley due to copses and tree belts that frame most views; a significant proportion of ancient woodland and hedgerows; potential for: future visual/tranquillity impact of expanded airport and increased traffic on M11, urban expansions on edge of Stansted Mountfitchet and increasing traffic on minor roads. Covers the rural areas to the north-west of the airport and east of the study area within which: gently undulating farmland on glacial till plateau; large open landscape with tree cover appearing as blocks on the horizon or as scattered trees along field boundaries, with intermittent hedgerows; dispersed generally small settlements and scattered farmsteads; predominantly arable with grassland and pasture near to settlements; Stansted Airport and tower visible in long views; Past loss of hedgerows and decline in hedgerow management; commercial premises growing around airport and pressure from visually intrusive expansion due to airport; Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.3 Baseline Landscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

19 Character Assessment Uttlesford District Council Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape Character Assessments August 2006 B12 Hatfield Forest Farmland Plateau Uttlesford District Council Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford Landscape Character Assessments August 2006 B14 Roding Farmland Plateau Scale District District Key Characteristics/Forces for Change pressure from expansion of village settlements, from increased traffic on rural lanes and for use of quick screening conifer plantings which are out of character. The northern part of this character area is located to the south of the study area, within which: Hatfield Forest, an intimate, enclosed area of ancient woodland and wood pasture forms the distinctive character; elsewhere, gently undulating arable farmland on glacial till with semi-regular to regular field pattern; dispersed settlement pattern of farmsteads with vernacular architecture plus modern housing alongside wooded greens and lanes; the proximity of Stansted Airport affects tranquillity; in open land adjacent woodland frames views; ancient coppiced hornbeams in wood pasture on eastern side of forest; past loss of hedgerows and decline in hedgerow management with potential for further hedgerow loss due to intensification of agriculture; pressure from increased traffic on rural lanes. The extreme northern tip of this character area is located in the south of the study area and this small area is not typical of the rest of the character area solely comprising: valley of Pincey Brook. Local Landscape Character For the purposes of the landscape assessment the landscape within the study area has been classified into five landscape character types based upon a combination of the dominant landuse and landform within the area. These coincide with the local landscape character areas except for two of the landscape types, which have been further divided into smaller character areas reflecting the differing vegetation cover, settlement and field patterns and other landscape characteristics within the landscape type. The landscape classification is illustrated in Figure 9.3 and summarised in Table 2 below. Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.3 Baseline Landscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

20 Table 2: Landscape Character Classification Landscape Character Types 1 Valley Slopes and Wooded Valley 2 Rolling and Undulating Farmland with Woodland, Copses and Hedgerows. 3 Open Area with Major Infrastructure Landscape Character Areas 1 Historic Parkland and Intimate Wooded Tributary Valley (Upper Stort Valley) 2A Rolling Farmland Influenced by Adjacent Major Infrastructure (North of Stansted Airport) 2B Rolling Farmland Influenced by Adjacent Major Infrastructure (South of Stansted Airport) 2C Undulating, Predominantly Arable Farmland (south of B1256) 2D Undulating Farmland on Urban Fringe (between Bishops Stortford and Stansted Mountfitchet) 3 Runway, Hard Standing and Roads with Mown Grass and Large Buildings (Stansted Airport) 4 Ancient Hunting Forest 5 Small Valley With Pasture and Former Parkland 4A 4B Traditionally Maintained Woodland Interspersed with Grassland and Scrub (Hatfield Forest) Undulating Farmland on Forest Fringe (west of Hatfield Forest) 5 Forest Fringe Pasture and Parkland (East of Hatfield Forest) Table 3 summarises the key characteristics and forces for change for each character area in turn, with supporting photographs indicated in Volume 3. The location of each photograph is shown on Figure 9.3. Table 3: Landscape Character Areas Character Area Key Characteristics/Forces For Change 1 Historic Narrow valley with streams and steep to gently sloping valley sides. Parkland and Mixed land use of pasture, arable, parkland and woodland. Intimate Wooded Small to medium sized fields. Tributary Valley Mixture of pre 18 th, some 18 th /19 th century and 20th century field (Upper Stort enclosure, the latter including a stud farm. Valley) Scattered woods, tree belts, copses, hedgerows and specimen trees, together with varied topography create sense of enclosure. Strong influence of heritage features including Stansted Hall, Stansted Park and adjacent Stansted Castle. M11 plus railway lines pass through area and although largely well screened, adversely affect tranquillity. Encroachment of late 20 th century development including M11, railway spur line and visual intrusion from urban fringes of Stansted Mountfitchet and Elsenham. Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.3 Baseline Landscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

21 Character Area 2A Rolling Farmland Influenced by Adjacent Major Infrastructure (North of Stansted Airport) 2B Rolling Farmland Influenced by Adjacent Major Infrastructure (South of Stansted Airport) 2C Undulating, Predominantly Arable Farmland (south of B1256) 2D Undulating Farmland on Urban Fringe (between Bishops Stortford and Stansted Mountfitchet) Key Characteristics/Forces For Change Low rolling landform with medium sized, mainly arable fields bordered by overgrown hedges with intermittent, mature hedgerow trees. Scattered small woods and copses together with hedgerows create sense of enclosure in long distance views. Predominantly pre 18th century field enclosure plus some areas of post 1950 boundary loss. M11 motorway on western edge largely screened in cutting or by tree belts. Some visual intrusion from airport structures above tree belt screen planting. Aircraft flights and motorway traffic reduce tranquillity. Low rolling landform with medium sized, mainly arable fields bordered by overgrown hedges with intermittent, mature hedgerow trees. Scattered small woods and copses together with hedgerows create sense of enclosure in long distance views. Predominantly pre 18th century field enclosure plus some 18th/19th century and post 1950 boundary loss. The recently introduced A120 and associated traffic is visually prominent from many locations. New screen planting will eventually reduce this intrusion. Visual intrusion from large scale airport structures. Aircraft flights and A120 traffic reduce tranquillity. Gently undulating topography allowing medium to long distance views. Predominantly arable land use with some areas of pasture and woodland. Medium to large irregular field patterns bounded with often gappy, predominantly clipped hedges and sporadic hedgerow trees. Pre 18th field enclosure with some post 1950 field boundary loss. Water courses are usually ditches forming part of the field boundary system. Small scattered hamlets. Mainly tranquil, some aircraft noise. Gently undulating topography with western side forming north-east facing slopes of River Stort valley. Some pre 18th century field enclosure but most of area rationalised in 20th century with post 1950 boundary loss and enclosure. Mainly arable with some pasture to west. M11 and associated traffic on embankment is visually intrusive within much of area and has adverse effect on tranquillity. Night-time visual intrusion from lighting to airport and Junctions 8/8a of M11. Derelict land on edge of Stansted Mountfitchet and golf course on eastern edge of Bishops Stortford. Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.3 Baseline Landscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

22 Character Area 3 Runway, Hard Standing and Roads with Mown Grass and Large Buildings (Stansted Airport) 4A Traditionally Maintained Woodland Interspersed with Grassland and Scrub (Hatfield Forest) 4B Undulating Farmland on Forest Fringe (west of Hatfield Forest) 5 Forest Fringe Pasture and Parkland (east of Hatfield Forest) Key Characteristics/Forces For Change Built development is clustered along eastern and western boundaries. Buildings have strong horizontal lines with occasional focal points formed by control tower and masts. Strong sense of openness with large paved areas and mown grass. Some variety provided by western area, which is more enclosed, with peripheral screen planting, some mature woodland and retained field hedgerows. Although primarily occupied by surface car parks and service buildings western area still retains some of its original rural character with remnant field hedgerows, tree bordered Bury Lodge Lane, ancient woodland and 3 listed buildings. Boundary of mainly immature, native tree belts, which in south is combined with mounding, separates much of airport from surrounding countryside. A major transport hub with rapid growth in passenger numbers and associated flights and heavily trafficked roads, therefore lacks tranquillity. Gently undulating ground with areas of traditionally managed coppice woods with standards, pollards, scrub, timber trees and grassland. Most of area is land owned by National Trust and managed so as to retain medieval character. Regarded as best preserved area of medieval hunting forest in England and therefore has some unique landscape characteristics. Sense of remoteness and tranquillity reduced by aircraft flights plus some distant traffic noise on A120 and B1256. Gently undulating topography divided into small to medium sized fields. Predominantly arable with some pasture and gardens. Some pre 18th century field enclosure plus large area of post 1950 boundary loss. Small scattered hamlets and individual houses with large gardens. Forest and wooded parkland forms wooded backdrop and provides enclosure to east and south. Aircraft flights reduce tranquillity. Small valley with gentle slopes down to brook. Divided into small fields used as permanent pasture. Land to west of brook was formerly part of Hatfield Forest, enclosed as meadow pasture in 19th century and still has occasional parkland tree. Mainly tranquil, some aircraft noise. Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.3 Baseline Landscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

23 Appendix 9.4: Baseline: Townscape Character Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.4 Baseline Townscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

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25 Appendix Townscape Character 1 Two Townscape Character Types have been identified within the study area, the first being the larger urban areas and the second being the numerous smaller hamlets, which are scattered throughout the rural area. The largest of the urban areas is the town of Bishops Stortford, the suburban edge of which lies on the south-western side of the study area. Three other urban areas are also located in the study area, these being Stansted Mountfitchet a large village located on the north-western edge of the study area, and Takeley and Elsenham, which are medium sized villages, the former to the south-east and the latter on the northern edge of the study area. 2 The Urban Townscape Character Type in the study area has been classified into five broad based townscape character areas based upon the physical and social characteristics of the urban environment. The Hamlets Townscape Character Type has also been sub divided into smaller character areas reflecting the differing property styles, ages and layout of each hamlet. Table 1 below summarises the townscape classification and gives the key characteristics and forces for change for each character area in turn. The townscape character areas are indicated on Figure 9.3. Table 1: Townscape Character Areas Character Key Characteristics/Forces for Change Type/ Area North-East Bishops Stortford S t a n s t e d M o u n tf it c h e t Stansted Mountfitchet Southern Suburbs Central Stansted Mountfitchet Urban fringe with mainly post war residential areas, schools, playing fields industrial units and football ground. Medium to low density with limited variety. Situated on top and slopes of low ridge between River Stort and a tributary stream (Little Hallingbury Brook). Residual rural woodland, tree belts and hedgerow trees plus garden vegetation give leafy character. Mainly post war housing with some late 19th century terraces. Medium density with very little variety Located on gentle, low lying, north-west facing valley slopes Adjoining Foresthall Road development under phased construction will extend this area further south. Old village centre with large variety of ages and styles and wealth of listed buildings. Prominently located on steeply inclined valley side. Windmill and medieval castle (SAM s) form prominent focal points. Medium density with varied uses but predominantly residential. Public buildings including schools, museum, library, post office and churches near to road junctions in village centre Period detached and terraced housing with more recent development to north. Far reaching south-easterly views from streets and formal green towards M11 and airport. Takeley Small area of predominantly 20th century housing with a few commercial buildings (one prominent), plus school and local shops. Some older properties lining Stane Street (B1256) in centre. Evidence of some degradation of streetscape along Stane Street (detrunked A120). Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.4 Baseline Townscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

26 Character Key Characteristics/Forces for Change Type/ Area Located on top of raised area of ground. Medium density with limited variety Garden vegetation and retained field hedgerows give leafy character to periphery of settlement. Former trunk road through settlement now bypassed, new A120 is visible from properties on northern side of village. Elsenham Edge of settlement with mainly post war housing Medium density with little variety Located on gentle slopes to small valley H a m l e t s Birchanger Linear settlement following single village street off which 3 small housing estates are located. Predominantly 20th century housing plus school, village hall, public house and recreation ground. Occasional older building with 9 listed buildings scattered through length of settlement. Overall suburban character Burton End Small linear settlement following single village street. Mainly traditional cottages with some individual post war detached houses and barn conversions. High proportion of listed buildings/structures Some large gardens provide leafy character. Tye Green Smiths Green Takeley Street Start Hill Nucleated settlement attractively arranged around village green Mainly cottages and farmhouses a very high proportion of which are listed buildings. Visual intrusion of nearby airport runway and associated aircraft Compact settlement with village green Low density contrasting with higher density housing in adjacent settlement of Takeley High proportion of cottages are listed buildings. Borders Stane Street (Roman Road) to south, the former A120 with road lighting utilising high columns, which detracts from quality of streetscape. Linear settlement arranged along Stane Street (Roman Road), former A120 now detrunked as B1256. High proportion of listed buildings mixed with more recent development. Evidence of degradation of streetscape and building frontages due to proximity to former A120 trunk road. Former A class road layout with street lighting on high columns detracts from quality of streetscape. Settlement centred along Stane Street (Roman Road), former A120. Mainly 20th century buildings with some older buildings in leafy area to south of disused railway. Mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses. Located immediately beneath airport flightpath with tranquillity severely disrupted by low flying aircraft and some vegetation cut back to comply with height restrictions. Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.4 Baseline Townscape Character Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

27 Appendix 9.5: Visual Impact Schedules Airport Access from M11 and A120 Appendix 9.5 Visual Impact Schedules Environmental Statement Volume 2 March 2008

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29 Stansted Generation 2 Airport Access Roads Low Sensitivity Receptors Visual Impact Schedule Chapter 9 Landscape Effects Appendices Reference Number Receptor Name Settlement Distance from centreline of proposals 300 Football Stadium, Bishop's Stortford Bishop's Stortford 470 Type of Receptor Formal Sports Use 301 Depot buildings at J8 roundabout Bishop's Stortford 76 Place of Work Slight Adverse Slight Adverse Slight Adverse 302 Ambulance Station Birchanger 207 Place of Work Slight Adverse Slight Adverse 303 Pump Station Birchanger 82 Place of Work Slight Adverse Impact Level (Levels shown in brackets indicate impacts experienced without G2 screening proposals where different to effects with combined G2/highways mitigation proposals) Notes Year 1 Winter Year 15 Winter Year 15 Summer Although football stadium is clearly visible from motorway, due to nature and orientation of structure there are no No Change No Change No Change views from within the stadium out to the M11. Therefore no change in view would be experienced as aresult of the proposals. Highway depot area including two industrial style buildings located adjacent to J8 with close existing south-easterly views to J8, easterly views to motorway and north-easterly views towards Junction 8A slip roads and structures, all with associated traffic and lighting. With proposals south-easterly and easterly views would be unchanged those to north-east would change due to new link road with overhead sign gantries and glimpsed views of new roundabout and exposed earthworks beyond. By Year 15, as new planting on embankment slopes and screening bund matured, impact would be softened. Existing views of motorway and Junctions 8/8A plus associated traffic and lighting, across fields to south-east, east and north filtered through intervening vegetation. With proposals views to south-east and east would be unchanged but to north-east high sided vehicles, lighting and sign gantries on new slip road and link road would be visible in filtered views above environmental barrier and bund at slightly closer proximity than existing and lighting at new junction would be visible in distant views. Proposed bund and environmental barrier would provide better screen of M11 and slip road traffic than at present and by Year 15 screening effect would increase as proposed planting matured. Pump station has close existing views east to structures, traffic and lighting at Junction 8A and north-east along M11 corridor. With proposals new sign gantry would be visible in close views to south-east and to north-east slip/link road would be in closer proximity with views of high-sided vehicles, sign gantries and lighting above environmental barrier and bund. By year 15 north-easterly views would be partially screened as screen planting to north of building matured. 304 Industrial Units/Workshops, Duck End Birchanger 206 Place of Work Adverse Adverse Slight Adverse Small single storey office building with existing clear views, across field east to Junction 8A structures, motorway and associated traffic and lighting. Two large industrial sheds have no windows and therefore no views except from circulatory area outside. With proposals new embankment would be closer with lighting, sign gantries and high sided vehicles visible to east above environmental barrier and above retained vegetation bordering Great Hallingbury Brook. Replacement footbridge would also be visible in closer proximity than existing bridge. By Year 15 traffic, footbridge and sign gantries would be largely screened as planting matured, especially in summer and Junction 8A would remain the dominant feature in south-easterly views. 305 BAA Social Club (to be demolished as part of G2 proposals) Airport 561 Community Facility n/a n/a n/a Social club with glimpsed existing views west to motorway filtered through vegetation in both winter and summer and seen across illuminated airport car park. This building would be demolished as part of the G2 proposals. 306 Birchanger Bowls Club Birchanger 860 Formal Sports Use Bowls club with existing easterly views over close boarded fence, across fields to motorway traffic and lighting heavily filtered by intervening vegetation on eastern side of adjacent sports ground. With proposals lighting and highsided vehicles would be visible on new link and slip roads, whilst traffic on main carriageway would be screened from view by junction embankment and bunding. By Year 15 proposed woodland planting would largely screen high sided vehicles on elevated roads at junction and only lighting would remain visible. 307 Birchanger Social Club Birchanger Scout Hut, Birchanger Birchanger Sports Ground, Birchanger Birchanger 694 Formal Sports Use Community Facility Formal Sports Use Slight Slight Slight Slight 310 Parsonage Farm Trading Estate Parsonage Farm 223 Place of Work Adverse Slight Adverse Social club with existing, easterly views of motorwaytraffic and lighting filtered by intervening vegetation in both summer and winter. With proposals motorway traffic would be screened by embankment and bund but high-sided vehicles and lighting on new elevated slip and link roads would initially be visible above bund. On balance initially beneficial effects would balance adverse effects leading to negligible effects. By year 15 proposed woodland planting would largely screen all traffic leading to a beneficial effect. Single storey scout hut with existing easterly and south-easterly glimpses across fields to motorway traffic and lighting filtered by intervening vegetation and framed by properties. Similar glimpsed and filtered views would be experience of the proposals, which would result in motorway traffic being screened and high sided vehicles initially visible on new elevated roads of junction. Change to view would be barely perceptible. Sports field with existing easterly views across fields to motorway traffic and lighting filtered by intervening vegetation in both summer and winter. With proposals motorway traffic would be screened by embankments but this would be offset by high-sided vehicles and lighting visible on new, elevated slip and link roads initially visible above bund. By Year 15 proposed woodland planting would largely screen high sided vehicles leading to an overall beneficial visual impact. 15 no. industrial/commercial premises on trading estate mostly with clear existing views south-east, east and northeast, across arable field to motorway traffic on road embankment and to south-east and east to road and airport lighting beyond, from windows or outside circulatory areas. Lighting further east at airport car parks is also a dominant night time feature. With proposals intervening field would be occupied by new junction and earthworks, however all motorway traffic and most airport and M11 lighting would be screened by new embankments. High-sided vehicles and lighting on new elevated slip and link roads would initially be visible above bund and would be much closer to receptors and thus, together with new earthworks dominate easterly views. By Year 15, as proposed woodland screen planting matured on the earthworks slopes, high sided vehicles and lighting would be largely screened leading on balance to a impact in summer. February 08 4 Lanscape Effects Appendix 9.5