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LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Photoview 10 – Looking south from Public Footpath to the north of Site

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.37This photograph was taken from the public footpath that runs through the open field to the north of the site. There are views into the north eastern part of the site adjacent to the Sub-station through the gaps in the vegetation along the northern boundary, but the majority of the site is screened by intervening vegetation. Receptors using public rights of way are generally assessed as having a high sensitivity to change. However, given the overgrown nature of the route at the time of the survey, it is evident that this right of way is not well used. The low number of users together with the presence of the Sub-station and the overhead powerlines would therefore tend to reduce the overall sensitivity.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.38On completion of the construction period, the backs of the panels and security fencing will be visible on the north eastern part of the site, resulting in a medium magnitude of change to the overall composition of the view in the short-term.

Significance Effects on View

7.39In the short-term, with a medium to high sensitivity and a medium magnitude of change there could be a major/moderate to moderate visual effect on the view. This could potentially be significant, although it is reasonable to conclude that the low number of users and the somewhat degraded character of the existing view would tend to reduce the significance of the effect.

7.40The mitigation measures propose tree and hedgerow planting along the northern boundary of the site. It is evident that trees of the same height as the existing specimens along this boundary could ultimately screen all views into the site. Consequently, the residual impact of the panels will be greatly reduced and overall there will be a beneficial effect on the local landscape character.

Photoview 11 – Looking south from Public Footpath east of Sally’s Grove

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.41This photograph was taken from the overgrown public footpath that runs through the open fields to the north of the site. The Sub-station and associated powerlines and pylons are visible on the skyline and there are views into the north part of the site through the gaps in the vegetation along the northern boundary. Horseclose Belt is

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

seen on the skyline to the right. Receptors using public rights of way are generally assessed as having a high sensitivity to change. However, given the overgrown nature of the route at the time of the survey, it is evident that this right of way is not well used, so the low number of users would tend to reduce the overall sensitivity.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.42On completion the backs of the solar panels will be visible on the northern part of the site, but the security fencing will be screened by the landform. This will result in a medium magnitude of change to the composition of the view in the short-term.

Significance Effects on View

7.43With a medium to high sensitivity and a medium magnitude of change there would be a moderate to major/moderate visual effect on the view in the short-term.

7.44In the longer-term the proposed hedgerow planting along the northern boundary would progressively screen views into the site, such that the effect of the proposals would diminish, changing from adverse to beneficial. Ultimately the new tree planting would be evident on the skyline, contribute positively to the local landscape characteristics of the area and resulting in a beneficial residual effect.

Photoview 12 – Looking south from Public Footpath to Parham

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.45This photograph was taken from public footpath between Fourteen Acre Wood and Parham as it crossing the gentle ridgeline to the north of the site. The view towards the site is part of a 360 degree open panorama. Beyond this point, the footpath drops down towards Parham and the landform progressively screens the site from view. However, from this relatively elevated viewpoint there are glimpse views into the majority of the site, with Horseclose Belt and the vegetation around Blomvyle Hall forming the distant skyline. The Sub-station and the pylons to the north of the site are evident in the view. Receptors using public rights of way are generally assessed as having a high sensitivity to change. This part of the public rights of way network seems to be more frequently used than the routes closer to the site.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.46On completion the solar panels on the more elevated parts of the site will be visible through the gaps in the existing vegetation along the northern boundary. This would result in a medium magnitude of change to the view.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Significance Effects on View

7.47With a high sensitivity and a medium magnitude of change there would be a major/moderate visual effect on the view in the short-term. This effect could potentially be significant.

7.48The mitigation measures propose tree and hedgerow planting along the northern boundary of the site. It is evident that trees of the same height as the existing specimens along this boundary could ultimately screen the majority of the proposals from this direction, reducing the long-term effects to negligible. Consequently, the residual impact of the panels will be greatly reduced and overall there will be a minor effect on the view.

Photoview 13 – Looking south from Public Footpath east of Parham Wood

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.49This viewpoint is on the public footpath between the residential properties at Shaftos and Parham Wood. The hillside was identified as a potential viewpoint from the site photographs and is approximately 1.9km from the closest part of the application site. From this distance the features within and around the site are becoming difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Photograph 13a is therefore presented in order to demonstrate the existing level of visibility. It is evident from the zoom view that there are distant glimpse views into the most elevated parts of the site, but that the majority of the site is screened by the intervening landform. Views from public rights of way are assessed as having a high sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.50On completion the solar panels on the more elevated parts of the site would just be visible, but these would be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Consequently, there would be a negligible change to the view.

Significance Effects on View

7.51With a high sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change there would be a minor visual effect on this view in the short-term. In the longer-term the mitigation measures propose tree and hedgerow planting along the northern boundary of the site. This may ultimately make a minor positive contribution to the view, but would be barely perceptible from this distance. The residual effect of the panels will result in a minor effect on the view, but this will not be significant.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Photoview 14 – Looking south west from edge of Mill Green

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.52This viewpoint is on the public highway on the edge of Mill Green and is approximately 2.0km from the closest part of the application site. The large blocks of woodland to the west of the site are clearly evident on the skyline, but Photograph 14a demonstrates that that there are very limited views into the site itself. As a public highway, receptors are assessed as having a medium sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.53On completion the solar panels on the more elevated parts of the site would just be visible, forming a thin line against the woodlands beyond. However, these would not form a conspicuous element in the view and they would be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Consequently, there would be a negligible change to the view.

Significance Effects on View

7.54With a medium sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change there would be a negligible visual effect on this view in the short-term. In the longer-term the proposed tree and hedgerow planting along the northern boundary of the site may ultimately make a minor positive contribution to the view, but this would be barely perceptible from this distance.

Photoview 15 - Looking south west from trackway south of Botany Farm House

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.55This photograph was taken from the trackway to the farm south of Botany Farm House and as such is not strictly a public viewpoint. However, it is included because this area of hillside was identified from the site photographs as a potential location with views towards the site. The viewpoint is approximately 1.2km from the eastern boundary of the site and Photograph 15a shows that there are views into the more elevated central and western parts of the site.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.56The panels on the more elevated parts of the site would be visible against the woodlands on the skyline. However, these would not form a particularly conspicuous element in the view and would a result in a low magnitude of change to the view. The mitigation measures will have a limited effect from this viewpoint. However, the significance of the effect is not assessed as this is not a public viewpoint.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Photoview 16 – Looking south west from Public Footpath at Moat Hall Farm

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.57Moat Hall Farm is a listed building and is one the characteristic moated buildings identified in the Landscape Character Assessments of the area. It is situated at a relatively elevated position on the northern side of the River Ore valley, approximately 1km from the eastern edge of the site. This photograph was taken from the public footpath running behind the building and illustrates the typical level of visibility available to users of the public footpath network to the east of the site. The zoom view presented by Photograph 16a showing that there are glimpse views into the more elevated central and western parts of the site. Views from public rights of way are assessed as having a high sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.58The available glimpse views of the proposals would result in a low magnitude of change to the overall composition of the view from the footpath. However any views from Moat Hall Farm tend to be restricted by the surrounding vegetation and are therefore limited to views from upper storey windows.

Significance Effects on View

7.59With a high sensitivity and a low magnitude of change there would be a moderate/minor visual effect. In the longer-term the proposed tree and hedgerow planting along the northern boundary of the site may ultimately make a minor positive contribution to the view, but this would be barely perceptible from this distance.

Photoview 17 – Looking west from Public Footpath east of Moat Hall Farm

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.60This photograph was taken from the public footpath running east from Moat Hall Farm towards Hill Farm. It is evident from the zoom view that there are glimpse views into limited parts of the site around the pond and to the east of Horseclose Belt. Views from public footpaths are assessed as having a high sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.61The glimpse views of the proposals would have a negligible to low effect within the panorama, but would not be seen on the skyline and would not form a conspicuous element in the view.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

Significance Effects on View

7.62With a high sensitivity and a negligible to low magnitude of change there would be a minor to moderate/minor visual effect, but this will not be significant. The mitigation measures would have a minimal effect from this viewpoint due to the influence of the landform.

Photoview 18 – Looking west from minor road east of Dick’s Wood

Nature and Sensitivity of Baseline View

7.63This photograph was taken from the minor road east of Dick’s Wood. Views towards the site from this direction are generally screened by intervening vegetation, but from this viewpoint limited glimpse views are available, with the woodlands to the west of the site forming the distant skyline. The viewpoint is approximately 2.3km from the site. This view would typically be experienced as a fleeting glimpse by travellers on the public highway, who are assessed as having a medium sensitivity to change.

Nature and Magnitude of Visual Effect

7.64There would be a negligible change to view from this location as a result of the proposals but the panels would be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye.

Significance Effects on View

7.65With a medium sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change there would be a negligible visual effect on this viewpoint. The mitigation measures would be barely perceptible from this viewpoint due to the influence of the landform.

Summary

7.66The Site Assessment identified that the principal views towards the site are likely to be restricted to the following locations:

•Easton Lane to the south of the site (Viewpoint 2, 3 and 4);

•The public footpaths to the north of the site (Viewpoint 9-12);

•Glimpse views from distant viewpoints to the north east; (Viewpoints 13/14);

•The landscape to the west of the woodland around Botany Farm House (Viewpoint 15);

•The area around Moat Hall Farm (Viewpoint 16; and

•The open landscape between Moat Hall Farm, Long Covert and The Grove

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

7.67It is evident therefore that the actual area from which the proposed development would be visibility is considerably smaller than that identified by the ZTV. The visual assessment demonstrates that visibility would be restricted by a combination of the landform, distance from the site and the enclosure provided by intervening vegetation and the woodlands surrounding the site. Due to the low profile of the panels, they would not be easily perceptible in the majority of distant views from publicly available viewpoints and the layering effects of intervening vegetation will successful integrate them into the landscape. Impacts would be limited to within 2km of the site, with the visual effects on completion being most apparent from Easton Lane to the south of the site and the from the public footpaths across the gentle ridgeline to the north.

7.68Although there would be some visual effects to the composition of views at the local level, only the views from the Easton Lane to the south of the site and from the public footpaths to the north would be potentially significant. However, once the new hedgerow along the southern boundary and the mitigation measures along the northern boundary are fully established, these impacts would be significantly reduced and the long-term effect would be beneficial.

7.69There are three listed buildings with potential views towards the site are the following:

•Abbey Farm (Viewpoint 4);

•Parham Old Hall (Viewpoint 9); and

•Moat Hall Farm (Viewpoint 16).

7.70Once fully established, it is anticipated that the mitigation measures will successful filter or screen views towards the proposals from Abbey Farm and Parham Old Hall. Glimpse views will remain from Moat Hall Farm, but these will not have a significant effect on the setting of the building due to the substantial distance from the site.

7.71The ability to successfully mitigate adverse effects in the longer term through planting along the site boundaries means that any adverse effects would diminish over a relatively short period of time. The mitigation measures will then reinforce the local landscape character in a manner compatible with the policies in the adopted Local Plan and the emerging policies in the LDF and the objectives of the Suffolk Landscape Character Assessment. Consequently, the proposals will be effectively integrated into their landscape setting and the overall residual effects will result in lasting benefits to the local landscape.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

8.EFFECT UPON LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS

Topography

8.1The relatively level topography across the site would remain substantially unchanged. Any minor changes would be restricted to temporary measures during the construction period and these would be returned to the existing conditions immediate at the end of the construction works. Consequently, there would be a neutral residual effect on the site topography.

Trees and hedgerows

8.2All the existing trees and hedgerows will be retained as part of the proposals and protected as necessary during the construction period. There will be no adverse effects on any such elements.

8.3As part of the proposed development it is intended to introduce new tree and hedgerow planting along the application site boundaries to supplement the existing vegetation. This planting would be integrated into enhanced habitat corridors around the edges of the site. The reinforcement of existing hedgerows and the creation of the new ones would be consistent with the landscape guidelines set out in the Suffolk Landscape Character Assessment for the Ancient Estate Claylands area.

8.4The form and scale of the proposed hedgerows would be similar to the existing hedgerows found immediately around the application site. Out of the necessity to minimise the degree of overshadowing of the solar panels, the proposed hedgerow along the southern boundary would be limited to a height of approximately 3m during the operation of the site in order to minimise any overshadowing of the panels.

8.5Trees and hedgerows are assessed as being of medium sensitivity. The implementation of new hedgerow planting together with the opportunities for additional tree planting would bring about a low to medium magnitude of change within the landscape. This would result in the proposals having a minor/moderate to moderate beneficial local effect and would effectively screen all local views towards the proposals. However, the overall effect would not be significant.

Herbaceous Vegetation

8.6The site is intensively farmed as a single arable field, so the herbaceous vegetation on site is currently limited to the narrow field margins. Consequently the proposals would have a very limited impact on any elements of wildlife or ecological value and

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

the proposals would provide an opportunity to increase the amount of herbaceous

material on site, particularly along the habitat corridors to be enhanced within and

around the site.

8.7The arrangement and design of the solar panels would allow grass or wildflower mix to be grown beneath them. These areas could be managed in such a way as to be species rich, which in turn would be of benefit to wildlife through habitat creation and foraging areas. The introduction and management of the site for species rich grassland would bring about a medium magnitude of change and this could result in the proposals having a moderate beneficial effect on the herbaceous material of the application site.

Water Features

8.8Ponds and moats are identified as characteristic features within the local landscape. The existing semi-dry pond in the centre of the site will be retained, along with the associated vegetation around it. Potential options for its enhancement will be investigated.

Public Rights of Way

8.9There are no public rights of way across or around the application site, so the proposals would not have any physical effects on the public rights of way network.

Summary

8.10It is evident that the proposed development would not harm the distinctive landscape elements associated with the site and that the following conclusions can be reached:

•The generally flat, plateau topography of the site would remain unchanged.

•Existing woodlands, trees, hedgerows and scrub would be retained and would be improved where appropriate with supplementary planting. These features could be managed to improve visual screening and to enhance local distinctiveness and character in accordance with the guidelines in the Suffolk County Landscape Character Assessment.

•New sections of hedgerows would be planted along the open sections of the site boundaries adjacent to the existing powerlines. These would screen views towards the proposals and help to integrate the powerlines into the landscape, providing benefits to the character of the Ancient Estate Claylands landscape type.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT –

CHURCH FARM SOLAR PARK, HACHESTON, SUFFOLK

•Grassland and herbaceous vegetation could be established beneath the rows of solar panels to benefit biodiversity and wildlife, and

•The existing semi-dry pond in the centre of the site will be retained and options for its enhancement will be investigated.

8.11All the new and existing landscape features within the site will benefit from an agreed programme of management which would help their long term viability within the landscape. The existing relatively small area of herbaceous vegetation on site could be increased dramatically to provide a beneficial effect for biodiversity and wildlife.