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LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

CONTENTS:

APPENDIX 11 Indicative Site Layout and Planting Proposals with Mitigation Measures

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

1.INTRODUCTION

1.1This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been prepared on behalf of HIVE Energy Ltd by Pegasus Environmental; part of the Pegasus Planning Group. It relates to a proposed solar park on land to the west of Hacheston in Suffolk. The proposed boundaries of the site are shown on the Site Location Plan in Appendix 1. The assessment has been prepared by a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) and considers the potential effects of the proposed development upon:

•Landscape character

•Visual amenity

•Landscape elements such as vegetation, topography and water bodies

1.2The main objectives of the LVIA are as follows:

•To identify, evaluate and describe the current landscape character of the site and its surroundings and also any notable individual landscape elements within the site

•To determine the sensitivity of the landscape to the type of development proposed

•To identify potential visual receptors (i.e. people who would be able to see the development) and evaluate their sensitivity to the type of changes proposed

•To identify and describe any impacts of the development in so far as they affect the landscape and/or views of it and to evaluate the magnitude of change due to these impacts

Mitigation and Residual Effects

1.3Best practice requires the significance of potential effects to be determined and the identification of potential mitigation measures to reduce the significance of these effects. The proposed landscape planting and the layout of the solar panels and the security fencing therefore responds to the findings of this LVIA. The residual effect (with the mitigation measures in place and taking into account the planting works to be completed as part of the existing installation) is then reassessed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the mitigation proposals.

1.4It is considered that the construction works relating to the proposed solar installation would be short in duration and therefore no significant additional effects on views would be expected during construction.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

2.METHODOLOGY

2.1This LVIA has been undertaken in accordance with best practice, as outlined in the following published guidance:

•Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2nd edition) - Landscape Institute/ Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2002)

•Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland - (2002) Countryside Agency / Scottish Natural Heritage

•The Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment - (2004) Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment

•Photography and photomontage in landscape and visual assessment (2011) - Landscape Institute Advise Note 01/11

2.2In accordance with the published guidance, landscape (elements and character) and visual impacts are assessed separately. The methodology is set out in Appendix 2.

3.BASELINE CONDITIONS

Description of the site

3.2The site of the proposed development is situated to the north of Easton Lane and approximately 300m to the west of the village of Hacheston, as shown on the Site Location Plan in Appendix 1. The site itself consists of a single large agricultural field. The local planning authority is Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC).

3.3The site is situated on the generally level plateau area between the River Deben valley to the south west and the River Ore valley to the east. The highest part of the site is the north western corner at an elevation of approximately 40m AOD. The site then slopes very gently eastwards to the eastern boundary at about 30m AOD. The majority of the site therefore has an open character and a slight easterly aspect, with views across the River Ore valley to the areas of rising ground to the east. These are at a similar elevation to the site. In contrast, the north eastern corner of the site is slightly more secluded and falls towards a ditch along the northern boundary at just below 25m AOD. Beyond the eastern edge of the site, the landform falls noticeably towards Hacheston at an elevation of approximately 15m AOD.

3.4The site boundaries and the principal landscape features within and around the site are shown on the Site Assessment Plan in Appendix 3. The aerial photograph used as the basis for the Site Assessment Plan was taken in August 2007, but very little has changed since it was taken. It shows the location of Hacheston to the east of the site and the large scale areas of agricultural land use across and around the site.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Other buildings around to the site include Whinfield House to the south west, Abbey

Farm to the south, Parham Old Hall to the north east and various buildings around

Blomvyle Hall to the south east.

3.5The western edge of the site is strongly defined by areas of mature woodland, some of which are identified as ancient woodland. Within the site there is a copse of woodland known as Horseclose Belt. This consists mainly of oak and ash trees and it is understood that the area is under management for the removal of coniferous species. To the east of Horseclose Belt there is a feature identified as a small pond. The vegetation surrounding the pond includes a mature oak tree that may have potential as a bat roost.

3.6There is an electricity Sub-station adjacent to the north eastern corner of the site. A line a major pylons extend from this point across the north eastern corner of the site’ continuing north westwards across the open countryside to the north of the site. A further 33KV powerline extends south and then south west from the Sub-station. These powerlines define the eastern and southern boundaries of the site.

3.7There is vehicular access to the site from the B1116 via the trackway to the Substation into the north eastern corner of the site. There is further potential access available into the south western part of the site from Easton Lane.

3.8The site survey was undertaken in changeable weather conditions on 3rd August 2012. At the time of the survey the western parts of the site around Horseclose Belt had a crop of rapeseed, while to the areas around and to the east of the pond were sewn with wheat. As part of the site survey a photographic record of the typical landscape features of the site was undertaken

3.9The Site Photographs in Appendix 4 illustrate the existing conditions and key landscape features of the site. The locations of the viewpoints are shown on the Site Assessment Plan. Where appropriate, these photographs were also used to help identify representative views towards the site. There are no public rights of way crossing the site, so none of the photographs were taken from public viewpoints. The photographs are described below:

Site Photograph A: Looking north east across site from western boundary

3.10This photograph was taken from point where the overhead powerlines along the southern edge of the site across the western boundary. It shows the predominantly

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

flat character of this part of the site and the existing open nature of the southern

boundary. The powerlines are a noticeable negative feature in the landscape.

Site Photograph B: Looking south from the edge of Horseclose Belt

3.11This photograph was taken looking south towards Easton Lane. The buildings at Abbey Farm are just evident to the left, but otherwise it is evident that the vegetation surrounding the site screens all distant views towards the site from this direction.

Site Photographs C and D: Looking north and south east from edge of Maid’s Wood

3.12These photographs were taken from the western boundary of the site adjacent to Maid’s Woods. They show the mature character of the woodland along the western edge of the site and the strong level of enclosure that this provides. Horseclose Belt screens all views into this part of the site from the east.

Site Photograph E: Looking north from northern edge of Horseclose Belt

3.13This photograph shows the flat nature of the north western part of the site and the strong enclosure provided by the mature woodlands around the site boundaries to the north and west. On the right of the panorama a number of large pylons are visible in the open landscape beyond the site. It is evident that there are likely to be views towards the site from this area.

Site Photograph F: Looking north along northern boundary of site

3.14This photograph shows the individual trees defining the northern edge of the site and the existing open character of this part of the site boundary.

Site Photographs G, H and J: Showing conditions along northern boundary

3.15These photographs illustrate the differing conditions along various parts of the northern boundary. In places there are belts of large willow trees that provide good enclosure to the site, while in other parts there are dead trees resulting in significant gaps in the vegetation. The north eastern part of the boundary is defined by a ditch.

Site Photograph I: Showing vegetation around pond in centre of site

3.16This photograph shows the character of the vegetation around the small pond in the centre of the site. At the time of the site survey the pond was dry, but the ecological survey identified that the mature oak tree has good potential as a bat roost.

Site Photograph K: Looking south east from Sub-station

3.17This photograph was taken from the north eastern corner of the site adjacent to the Sub-station and shows the more sloping character of this part of the site. As a result,

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

much of the rest of the site is obscured by the landform. The gappy nature of the vegetation along the northern boundary of the site is evident.

Site Photograph L: Looking south along eastern boundary of the site

3.18This photograph was taken looking south beneath the overhead powerlines defining the eastern boundary of the site. Apart from the powerlines, this boundary of the site is not currently defined by any existing landscape features.

Site Photographs M and N: Panorama from the pond in the centre of site

3.19The pond is situated in one of the most prominent and exposed part of the site. This viewpoint was therefore used to help identified potential locations with views towards the site. It is evident that there may be potential views towards the site from the following locations:

•The public footpath crossing the gentle ridgeline to the north of the site;

•The landscape to the west of the woodland around Botany Farm House;

•Areas around Moat Hall Farm; and

•The open landscape between Moat Hall Farm and Long Covert.

Site Photograph O: Looking south east towards Hacheston from eastern boundary

3.20This photograph was taken from the eastern boundary of the site looking south east towards Hacheston. It shows the gently convex shape of the landform and the influence that this has on the potential visibility of the site from the village. Only the rooftops of the properties are visible, so it is concluded that lower level views towards the site from private viewpoints are likely to be very limited, with any available views likely to be restricted to upper storey windows.

Site Photograph P: View towards Abbey Farm from centre of site

3.21This photograph was taken looking south towards Abbey Farm. It shows the good level of enclosure provided by existing vegetation around the building and the lack of any windows with views towards the site.

Site Photograph Q: View towards buildings at Blomvyle Hall from centre of site

3.22This photograph was taken looking east towards the buildings at Blomvyle Hall from the pond in the centre of the site. It shows that this part of the site boundary does not benefit from existing vegetation, but that the only buildings with views into this open part of the site are agricultural in nature.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Description of the surrounding area

3.23The proposed development lies within an area identified as the ‘Ancient Estate Claylands’ by the Suffolk Landscape Character Assessment. This is described as a

“reasonably well-wooded landscape”, but where the plateau landform provides opportunities for long views across the open landscape. The typical landscape characteristics and the landscape guidelines for the area are considered in more detail in section 6.

3.24The settlements in the area surrounding the site are shown on the Site Location Plan in Appendix 1. In the vicinity of the site these are typically located along the lower valley floors and consist of Parham, Hacheston and Marlesford along the River Ore valley to the north east, east and south east of the site and Easton in the River Deben valley to the west. The larger settlements of Framlingham and Wickham Market are situated approximately 4km to the north and 3km to the south of the site. On the more elevated areas settlement tends to consist of isolated farmsteads, some of which are characteristic moated buildings. Examples include Bentries Farm to the north east of Easton and Moat Hall Farm above Hacheston to the east. These buildings are often identified as listed buildings or scheduled monuments.

3.25The only public highway within the immediate vicinity of the site is Easton Lane. This is situated to the south of the site and runs between Hacheston and Easton. The largest road in the area is the B1116 that runs along the River Ore valley floor through Hacheston to the east of the site. Apart from these two roads, there is a notable absence of public highways in the area around the site.

3.26The public rights of way in close proximity to the application site are shown on the Site Assessment Plan. To the south of the site a public footpath runs south east from Easton Lane adjacent to Abbey Farm, along the northern edge of Barthorp’s Covert and then south east towards the B1116 south of Hacheston. To the north of the site, a right of way runs west from the B1116 passed Parham Old Hall across the open agricultural landscape. It then runs north west to join with a further route running between Parham and Easton. There are no rights of way across the site.

Landscape Designations

3.27The landscape designations within 4km of the site are shown on the Environmental Designation Plan in Appendix 5. The plan shows that the site is not covered by any statutory landscape or environmental designations that are recognised at a national,

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

regional and local level. However, the entire area surrounding the site is subject to

the local Special Landscape Area designation identified in the SCDC Local Plan.

3.28There are no Sites of Special Scientific Interest within 4km of the site, but there are a number of areas of ancient woodland. This includes Maids / Brockley Woods and Ash Grove immediately adjacent to the western boundary of the site. Great Wood to the south of the site is also identified as part of a registered parkland. There are a total of three Registered Parks and Gardens within 4km of the site.

3.29There are two Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM) within 2km of the site. These are at Moat Hall Farm to the east of the site and Bentries Farm to the north east of Easton. There are also conservation areas in Marlesford, Wickham Market and Easton, which include a number of listed buildings. However, due to the influence of the landform, the distance of these areas from the site and the extent of the intervening vegetation, only Moat Hall Farm is likely to have views towards the site.

3.30The Environmental Designations Plan shows that there are a significant number of listed buildings in the area around the site. However, based on the conclusions reached by the site assessment, potential views towards the site would only be possible from the following buildings:

•Abbey Farm to the south of the site;

•Parham Old Hall to the north east of the site; and

•Moat Hall Farm to the east of the site.

3.31The planning policies that relate to these designations and are relevant to the site are considered in more detail in section 5.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

4.DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSALS

4.1It is proposed to construct a solar farm within the site boundary shown on the Site Location Plan in Appendix 1. The solar farm will consist of rows of solar panels mounted on a supporting frame and orientated to face south in order to maximise the benefit from the sun. The panels are composed of photovoltaic cells and are designed to maximise the absorbency of the sun’s rays and minimise solar glare, which would represent a loss of potential solar energy.

4.2Each solar panel is 1 metre wide and 1.67 metres high and angled at approximately 25 degrees to the horizontal. The lowest edge of the panel would therefore be approximately 0.75 metres above the ground and the top edge of the panel approximately 2.2 metres above the ground. Each of the panels would be supported by one metal leg per four panels with the legs supported on pile footings. Consequently the panels are ephemeral in nature and could be removed with little long term effect.

4.3To ensure that the panels can generate electricity even during the winter months, the rows of panels would generally be set approximately 8 metres apart from panel edge to panel edge. This would also allow for maintenance of the solar panels. To maximise the benefit from the sun, the rows would be set back from the existing proposed planting along the site boundaries in order to minimise over shadowing of the solar panels. This provides an opportunity for bio-diversity enhancements along the site boundaries, beneath the existing trees and along the small drainage ditch that runs across the site.

4.4It is anticipated that construction and maintenance traffic would use the existing trackway leading to the Sub-station from the B1116 north of Hacheston. During the short construction period a temporary site compound would be formed in this area to the west of the Sub-station where it would benefit from natural screening by the landform and the existing vegetation along the site boundary. Details would be agreed with the Local Authority. Following installation, Solar PV schemes can operate for many years with little maintenance or intervention, so it is expected that vehicle movements would only be associated with the construction phase of the development. It is then assumed that the installation would have a minimum lifespan of 25 year.

4.5To secure the site it is proposed to erect a security fence around the panels, approximately 2.4 metre high. The exact nature of the fence would be agreed with