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LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

•Intensive livestock housing (pig/poultry)

•Boundaries formed by deep ditches, with or without hedges and/or hedgerow trees. Ponds are few. Large areas of woodland are scarce, especially on the plateau. Small copses are frequent in some areas

•Few major transport routes but extensive networks”

Suffolk County Landscape Character Assessment (2010)

6.3A county landscape character assessment was undertaken by Suffolk County Council (2010) providing an in-depth assessment of the locality. The site and its immediate surroundings fall within the ‘Ancient Estate Claylands landscape type.

6.4The key characteristics of the Ancient Estate Claylands landscape type identified by the Suffolk County landscape character assessment (2010) are reproduced as Appendix 7 and are summarised below:

•Dissected boulder clay plateau

•Organic pattern of field enclosures

•Straight boundaries where influence of privately owned estates is strongest

•Enclosed former greens and commons

•Parklands

•WWII airfields

•Villages with dispersed hamlets and farmsteads

•Timber framed buildings

•Distinctive estate cottages

•Ancient semi-natural woodland

6.5Within the ‘Visual experience’ section, the Ancient Estate Claylands are described as being a “reasonably well-wooded landscape” although “the plateau landform means that the views are open and can be long. However, the comprehensive network of winding lanes and tall hedges means that other areas can be much more intimate”.

6.6Within the ‘Trees and woodland cover’ section, “blocks of Ancient Semi-Natural woodland are scattered throughout the area, made up of Oak, Ash, Field Maple,

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Hornbeam and Small-leaved Lime. Hedgerow trees are ubiquitous and in many

places this landscape can feel well wooded”.

6.7Within the ‘Landscape condition’ section it is noted that “these landscapes are subject to considerable change” and there is “considerable intrusion of suburbanisation with horse paddocks, barn conversions and ranch-style fencing. As on other parts of the plateau claylands, industrial agricultural buildings make a significant impact, especially where there is inadequate screening”.

6.8The landscape guidelines for the Ancient Estate Claylands are reproduced in Appendix 7. Large-scale solar farms are not specifically referred to, but the development of wind turbines schemes are identified as an opportunity to generate long-term landscape enhancements through extensive hedgerow planting. It is noted that this can provide a “legacy beyond the lifetime of the turbines”. It is evident that a similar principle could be applied to solar installations.

6.9The land management guidelines for the ‘Ancient Estate Claylands’ area are:

•Reinforce the historic pattern of sinuous field boundaries

•Recognise localised areas of late enclosure hedges when restoring and planting hedgerows

•Maintain and restore greens and commons

•Restore, maintain and enhance the historic parklands and the elements within them

•Maintain the extent, and improve the condition, of woodland cover with effective management

•Maintain and restore the stock of moats and ponds in the landscape

Summary

6.10Within the context of the National Character Areas (NCAs) and the County landscape types, the proposed solar installation would not change existing topography, vegetation, public rights of way or drainage pattern and would not change the local distinctive nature of these features.

6.11The proposed development would represent a change from agriculture to a landscape containing renewable energy infrastructure. The typical characteristics of the National Character Area above recognise the presence of built elements

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

including derelict airfield infrastructure, commercial units and large farm buildings within the landscape character area surrounding the site. While these negative elements are predominantly absent from the immediate vicinity of the site, the proposed development would be entirely contained within the existing landscape pattern. New hedgerows would then be planted to maintain and enhance the key characteristics of the landscape.

6.12Given the proposed hedgerow planting along the southern and eastern boundaries and the sympathetic arrangement and orientation of the proposed solar panels, the development would avoid adding any conspicuous new elements into the landscape in the long-term. Consequently it is concluded that the development would not have any significant residual effects on the character of the wider area.

6.13At the local level the site consists of a single large arable field that has little intrinsic value. Overall it is assessed as having a medium sensitivity to change.

6.14All the positive landscape elements of the Ancient Estate Claylands landscape type would remain physically unaffected. On completion, the proposed development would bring about a high magnitude of change to the site itself, which would give rise to a medium magnitude of change to the local receiving landscape. As a result, there would be a short-term moderate effect on the local landscape character. However, upon establishment of the mitigation measures, the residual effect on the landscape character would progressively change from adverse to beneficial.

6.15Following decommissioning at the end of the operational life of the panels, the site could be returned to its current condition, but the landscape enhancements would remain. There would be minor long-term benefits to the local landscape character arising from the mitigation measures and the enhancements to the landscape elements and bio-diversity within the site.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

7.EFFECT ON VISUAL AMENITY

Visual Receptors and Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV)

7.1The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) plan in Appendix 8 identifies the potential locations from which the development may be visible. This has been generated using the ‘WindFarm’ computer programme and Landform Profile 50m Digital Terrain Modelling. However, this only uses terrain data and does not take into account of the screening effects of woodlands, trees, buildings or any other vertical elements in the landscape. Consequently, it presents a ‘worst case’ scenario in terms of visibility and the actual extent of the area from which the proposals are visible is likely to be much smaller.

Selection of Representative Viewpoints

7.2The desktop studies and field surveys have identified viewpoints regarded as representative of the range of views and receptors from around the site. The selected viewpoints are not intended to cover every possible view, but rather are representative of a range of receptor types e.g. residents, walkers and road users from various directions and distances from the site boundary.

7.3The greatest effect on visual amenity is likely to be experienced within 2km of the site. Any more distant views of the proposed development would tend be assimilated into the wider landscape and it is considered that there is little potential for the development to result in any significant effects on visual receptors at distances of over 2 kilometres from the site.

7.4A visual analysis from the representative viewpoints has been carried out to determine how the proposed development might influence the visual amenity of the surrounding landscape. The assessment was carried out as part of the site survey, with the photographic assessment recording the character of the view and the existing visibility of the site.

Colours and materials

7.5The proposed development would use a limited palette of both colours and materials that would be typically self-finishing. However, the visibility of the proposed development will very much vary in reality (depending on the weather conditions) but generally would not be considered to be incongruous.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Assessment of Visual Effects

7.6The site survey and photographic assessment was undertaken in variable weather conditions on 3rd August 2012, but there was good visibility of the site from distant viewpoints throughout the survey. The locations of the representative viewpoints are shown on the Photoviews Location Plan in Appendix 9 and on the individual Photoview sheets. The photographs are described below and are presented as Photoviews 1-18 in Appendix 10.

Photoview 1 – Looking north east from Easton Lane near Whinfield House

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.7This view is from Easton Lane to the south west of site, close to Whinfield House. The powerline that runs along the southern edge of the site is just visible, but lower level views into the site are completely screened by the vegetation in Howards Belt along the western edge of the site. As a public highway, receptors at this viewpoint would have a medium sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.8Due to the existing level of screening provided by the vegetation in Howards Belt, the proposals would be completely screened from this direction. Consequently, there would be no change to the view.

Photoview 2 – Looking north east across the Site from Easton Lane

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.9This photograph was taken looking north east towards the site from Easton Lane. Horseclose Belt is seen on the skyline in the centre of the site, with the powerline that define the southern edge of the site running across the view. On the right of the panorama is the vegetation along the southern side of Easton Lane which screens all views towards the site from the south. As a public highway, receptors would have a medium sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.10The proposed development would be clearly visible, with the security fencing and the panels seen beyond the powerlines. However, due to the substantial setback of the site boundary from the road, this would only result in a medium magnitude of change to the composition of the view and would not have a significant effect on the experience of driving along Easton Lane upon completion.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Significance of Effects on View

7.11With a medium sensitivity and a medium magnitude of change there would be a moderate visual effect on the view in the short-term.

7.12The proposed tree and hedgerow planting along the southern boundary of the site would relatively quickly filter lower level views towards the proposed security fence and solar panels and progressively the effect of the proposals would be diminished. In the longer-term the planting would be maintained at a height of approximately 3m, totally screening the solar panels and helping to integrate the existing overhead powerlines into the landscape. This planting will therefore contribute positively to the local landscape character of the area, so the residual effect would result in a beneficial overall impact, but the effects would not be significant.

Photoview 3 – Looking north from Easton Lane in front of Abbey Farm Barn

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.13This photograph was taken looking north towards the site from Easton Lane, close to the entrance to Abbey Farm Barn. It therefore shows the view available from the public highway, but also illustrates the type of view that might be available from the adjacent private property. However, photograph 3a shows that the facade of Abbey Farm Barn facing the site does not have any windows, so views towards the site will not be available from the property itself. Horseclose Belt is seen on the skyline on the left of the view, with the vegetation around Blomvyle Hall forming the skyline on the right. The existing powerlines that define the southern edge of the site runs across the view, but these are a considerable distance from this viewpoint. As a public highway, receptors would have a medium sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.14The proposed development would be evident beyond the powerlines, but due to the substantial distance between the site boundary and the road, this would result in a low magnitude of change to the composition of the view. However, it is acknowledged that the type of agricultural land use in the foreground could influence the initial visibility of the site.

Significance of Effects on View

7.15With a medium sensitivity and a low magnitude of change there would be a minor/moderate visual effect on the view in the short-term. This would not result in a significant effect on the experience of driving along Easton Lane upon completion.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

7.16The proposed tree and hedgerow planting along the southern boundary of the site would relatively quickly increase the degree of lower level screening towards the site and progressively the effect of the proposals would be diminished. In the longer-term the planting would be maintained at a height of approximately 3m, totally screening the solar panels and helping to integrate the existing overhead powerlines into the landscape, resulting in a beneficial residual impact.

Photoview 4 – Looking north west from Easton Lane east of Abbey Farm

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.17This photograph shows the nature of the view towards the site from Easton Lane adjacent to Abbey Farm, with the powerlines in the middle distance defining the southern edge of the site. On the left of the panorama it is evident that the vegetation to the north of Abbey Farm screens views from the building towards the site. Photograph 4a shows that the principal orientation of the building is to the south east. As a public highway, receptors would typical have a medium sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.18The proposed development would just be evident beyond the powerlines, but due to the substantial distance between the road and the site boundary, this would only result in a low to negligible magnitude of change to the composition of the view. However, it is acknowledged that the type of agricultural land use in the foreground could influence the initial visibility of the site.

Significance of Effects on View

7.19With a medium sensitivity and a low magnitude of change there would be a minor/moderate visual effect on the view in the short-term, but at no point would this result in a significant effect on the experience of driving along Easton Lane.

7.20The native tree and hedgerow planting along the southern boundary of the site would quickly screen lower level views towards the site and progressively the effect of the proposals would be diminished. In the longer-term the planting would be maintained at a height of approximately 3m, totally screening the solar panels and helping to integrate the existing overhead powerlines into the landscape. This would be compatible with the landscape guidelines for the area and would result in a beneficial residual impact, but the effects would not be significant.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Photoview 5 – Looking north west from Public Footpath at Barthorp’s Covert

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.21This photograph was taken looking north west from the public footpath running along the northern side of Barthorp’s Covert. Abbey Farm is evident on the left, with some of the buildings at Blomvyle Hall visible on the right. Views towards the site are predominantly screened by the strong area of vegetation around Blomvyle Hall, but there are glimpse views into the southern part of the site. As a public right of way, receptors would typical have a high sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.22The proposals would just be visible to the right of Abbey Farm and would result in a negligible change to the composition of the view.

Significance of Effects on View

7.23With a high sensitivity and a negligible change to the composition of the view, there would be a minor visual effect on the view in the short-term. In the longer term, the proposed tree and hedgerow planting along the southern boundary of the site would totally screen all views from this location.

Photoview 6 – Views from B1116 through Hacheston

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.24These photographs show the typical character of views from the B1116 through Hacheston and the high degree of screening provided to views towards the site by a combination of the landform, intervening vegetation and the buildings within the village. No views into the site were identified from publicly available viewpoints, but it is acknowledged that a limited number of private views may be available. Any such views are likely to be from the rear, upper storey windows of properties. As a public highway, public receptors are assessed as having a medium sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.25No public viewpoints with views towards the site were identified during the site survey. The proposals would therefore be totally screened by a combination of the landform, intervening vegetation and the buildings within the village from viewpoints along the B1116. It is concluded that on completion of the proposals, there would be no change to the composition of these views.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Photoview 7 – Looking south west from B1116 on northern edge of Hacheston

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.26This photograph was taken looking south west from the B1116 on the northern edge of Hacheston. The top of the Sub-station adjacent to the north eastern corner of the site is visible along the site access track on the right, but the site is predominantly screened by the roadside vegetation and hedgerow on the skyline in the centre of the view. However, the top of the powerlines defining the eastern boundary of the site is just visible through a gap in this hedgerow, providing an indication of the location of the site. As a public highway, receptors are assessed as having a medium sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.27The proposals would be almost totally screened from this viewpoint, and if visible would only be experienced as a fleeting glimpse from passing cars. On completion it is assessed that the maximum possible effect would be a negligible change to the composition of the view.

Significance Effects on View

7.28With a medium sensitivity and a negligible change to the view, there would be a negligible visual effect on the view in the short-term. In the longer term the tree and hedgerow planting along the eastern boundary of the site could make a minor contribution to reinforcing the wooded character of the view, but the effects would not be significant.

Photoview 8 – Looking south west from B1116 east of Parham Old Hall

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.29This photograph was taken from the B1116 to the north of Hacheston, just to the east of Parham Old Hall. The northern edge of the village is evident on the left of the panorama and the top of a pylon adjacent Sub-station is just visible above the mature trees across the centre of the view. It is evident that in summer the site it totally screened from this viewpoint by intervening vegetation. As a public highway, public receptors are assessed as having a medium sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.30In winter small areas of the proposals along the eastern boundary may just be visible, resulting in a low to negligible change to the composition of the view.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Significance Effects on View

7.31With a medium sensitivity and a low magnitude of change to the view, there could initial be a minor effect to the view. However, in the longer-term the tree planting and hedgerow management along the eastern boundary will screen all views of the proposal, reinforcing local landscape character. This would result in a minor benefit, but the effects would not be significant.

Photoview 9 – Looking south from Public Footpath west of Parham Old Hall

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.32This photograph was taken looking south towards the site from the public footpath immediately to the west of Parham Old Hall. It therefore also shows the approximate level of visibility available to local residents from private viewpoints. Photograph 9a shows the façade of the building facing the site. It is evident from this that views towards the site from Parham Old Hall are limited to two small upper storey windows.

7.33The top of the Sub-station adjacent to the north eastern corner of the site is just visible on the skyline, but views into the majority of the site are screened by existing vegetation. However, there are distant glimpse views into the more elevated north western part of the site where there are gaps in the vegetation along the northern boundary. Local residents and receptors using public rights of way are assessed as having a high sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.34On completion there will be distant glimpse views of the panels the north western part of the site, but the perimeter fencing will not be visible. This would result in a low to negligible magnitude of change to the composition of the view.

Significance Effects on View

7.35With a high sensitivity and a low magnitude of change, there would be a moderate/minor visual effect on completion. In the longer-term the proposed tree planting and hedgerow management along the northern boundary of the site will progressively screen all views of the proposals. This will help to reinforce local landscape character, resulting in residual benefits.

7.36Private views from Parham Old Hall are greatly restricted by the existing vegetation surrounding the property. Any views of the proposals within the site will be seen in the context of and beyond the Sub-station and the associated powerlines and pylons.