Laurel hill landscape and visual impact assessment

LAND AT LAUREL HILL

CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

PREPARED BY PEGASUS GROUP | BRS.4751 | APRIL 2014

25th April 2014 | BRS.4751_A

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ON BEHALF OF DICK LOVETT COMPANIES LTD

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL

Pegasus Group Pegasus House | Querns Business Centre| Whitworth Road | Cirencester | Gloucestershire | GL7 1RT T 01285 641717 | F 01285 642348 | W www.pegasuspg.co.uk Birmingham | Bracknell | Bristol | Cambridge | Cirencester | East Midlands | Leeds | Manchester

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

CONTENTS: Page No:

1. INTRODUCTION

2

2. METHODOLOGY

3

3. BASELINE CONDITIONS

4

4. PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

6

5. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSALS

11

6. EFFECT ON LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS

12

7. EFFECT ON LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

14

8. EFFECT ON GENERAL VISUAL AMENITY

19

9. CONCLUSIONS

22

APPENDIX 1 – SITE LOCATION PLAN APPENDIX 2 – METHODOLOGY APPENDIX 3 – LANDSCAPE FEATURES PLAN APPENDIX 4 – INDICATIVE SITE LAYOUT PROPOSALS APPENDIX 5 - VIEWPOINTS AND VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN APPENDIX 6 – SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRES LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT: AREA 15: PATCHWAY AND FILTON APPENDIX 7 – LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1

This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been prepared on behalf of Dick Lovett Companies Ltd by Pegasus Group and relates to a proposed residential development on land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol (Appendix 1 – Site location plan).

1.2

After carrying out desktop studies, field and photographic surveys were undertaken in January 2014. This report has been prepared by Members of the Landscape Institute and has been undertaken in accordance with best practice guidelines, and considers the potential effects of the proposed development upon;

1.3

•

Landscape Character;

•

Visual amenity; and

•

Landscape elements such as vegetation, topography and water bodies.

The primary 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; and

•

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.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

2.

METHODOLOGY

2.1

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

Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3rd edition) Landscape Institute/ Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013)

•

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

•

The Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment - (2011) Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment

•

Photography

and

Photomontage

in

Landscape

and

Visual

Impact

Assessment – Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11 2.2

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

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

3.

BASELINE CONDITIONS Description of the Site

3.1

The site is located on the edge of an established development of industrial units within the northern outskirts of Bristol.

• Post code: GL54 4LX • Grid ref: ST 57204 80187 Site

3.2

The site is approximately 2.6 hectares with a current land use of disturbed land with grassed areas. The site is divided north/south by a public right of way enclosed on either side by post and wire fencing. There is a hedgerow on the east side of the public right of way which has been subject to recent management.

3.3

The landform of the site generally falls north to south from a high point of 52m above ordnance datum (AOD) to approximately 46m AOD along the Henbury Trym brook on the southern boundary of the site.

3.4

Due to recent site clearance, existing trees and shrubs are generally confined to the boundaries of the site, but there is a coppiced hedgerow aligned north-south running through the centre of the site. The Henbury Trym brook forms the southern boundary, but there are no other water bodies on the site (Appendix 3 – Landscape Features).

North

3.5

The northern boundary of the site consists of established mature native trees and shrubs that form a continuous linear boundary between the site and the adjacent industrial units and recently built housing. The heights and density of the existing vegetation varies from 5-12m and is leggy and partially fragmented.

East

3.6

Catbrain Hill lane is located to the east of the site, comprising a line of two storey dwellings with associated gardens to the east of the lane. Immediately east of Catbrain Hill lane is the housing development at Catbrain Hill which is currently under construction.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

South 3.7

A densely tree-lined watercourse (Henbury Trym) with associated riparian vegetation forms the southern boundary of the site.

West

3.8

The western boundary comprises a grassed paddock with heras panels delineating very recent construction access which runs north/south through the adjacent grassed area.

Description of the Surrounding Area

3.9

The areas immediately north and east of the site are predominantly residential, with existing housing aligning Catbrain Hill Lane and new housing development under construction at Catbrain Hill.

3.10

The Cribbs Causeway Centre commercial area lies immediately west of the site, and comprises predominantly car showrooms with associated car parking and commercial infrastructure. These commercial buildings are large in size and massing and are prominent features within the surrounding context.

3.11

The M5 motorway to the north and northwest provides a physical buffer to urban development.

3.12

Filton Airfield lies to the south east of the site, forming part of a plateau; surrounded by undulating topography where the adjacent landscape is of a more rural feel. The residential area of Brentry (south of the site) is separated from the site by a mosaic of open fields and undulating topography with associated mature hedgerow field boundaries and riparian vegetation.

Landscape Designations

3.13

Within the study area desktop studies show that there are no landscape designations within 5km of the site (Appendix 7).

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

4.

PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

4.1

The National Planning Policy Framework was published on the 27th March 2012 and was introduced by the Government with the purpose of overhauling and simplifying the planning process. The NPPF sets out up-to-date Government planning policies for England and how these are to be applied.

4.2

The NPPF outlines the manner in which local planning authorities set out in their Local Plan to create a positive strategy for delivering sustainable development reflecting the vision and aspiration of local communities.

4.3

At

the

heart

of

the

National

Planning

Policy

Framework

(NPPF)

is

a

‘…presumption in favour of sustainable development…which should be seen as a golden thread running through both plan making and decision taking’ as set out within paragraph 14.

4.4

There are 12 core principles listed within paragraph 17 that set out the means by which sustainable development will be achieved through the planning system with further details set out within paragraphs 18 to 219. The NPPF requires the system to perform a number of roles:  an economic role – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure;  a social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing an increased supply of housing to meet the needs of the present and future generations; and by creating a good quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs and supports its health and well-being; and  an environmental role – contributing to protect and enhance our natural, built and historic environment, and, as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution and mitigate and adapt to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy.

4.5

As set out with paragraph 49, ‘…housing applications should be considered in the context of the “presumption in favour of sustainable development’.

4.6

In addition to the NPPF other national legislation includes:

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) - requires under paragraph 39 (2) ‘…the person or body must exercise the function with the objective on contributing to the achievement of sustainable development’.  The Localism Act (2011) – introduces greater powers for plan making at a local level (section 116) but this must be achieved within a general presumption in favour of sustainable development (as defined in section 14 of the NPPF).

Local Context 4.7

The Local Development Plan for South Gloucestershire comprises the policies of the Adopted Local Plan: Core Strategy (December 2013) and the saved Local Plan (2006) policies that were not replaced by the Core Strategy.

South Gloucestershire Local Plan: Core Strategy 2006-2027

4.8

The South Gloucestershire Local Plan: Core Strategy 2006-2027 was adopted in December 2013.

The Core Strategy sets out the strategic approach to guide

development within South Gloucestershire to 2027.

It replaces many policies

within the adopted Local Plan and forms the main development plan within South Gloucestershire.

4.9

The Core Strategy forms an overarching guide to promoting sustainable development within South Gloucestershire.

Paragraph 4.2 identifies three

overarching strategic objectives to facilitating sustainable development:  Delivering sustainable communities  Improving health & well-being  Mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

4.10

Many of the policies within the Core Strategy adhere to sustainable development principles from a social, economic and environmental perspective.

Key Core

Strategy Policies include:  Policy CS1 – High Quality Design – Expects proposals to demonstrate that existing features of landscape, nature conservation, heritage or amenity value and public rights of way, are safeguarded and enhanced through incorporation into development  Policy CS2 – Green Infrastructure – Expects proposals to conserve and enhance landscape character, historical, natural, built and cultural heritage features, and

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

 Policy CS4A – Presumption in favour of sustainable development – Identifies the Council’s commitment to supporting sustainable development. Where proposals take a proactive approach to sustainable development will be supported.  Policy CS9 – Managing the Environment and Heritage – Expects development proposals to support and preserve heritage assets and environmental features. It specifically expects development to avoid or minimise impacts on biodiversity, reduce risk of flooding, utilise materials and resources in a sustainable way and conserve landscape character.  Policy CS15 – Distribution of Housing – Identifies the New Neighbourhood at Cribbs/Patchway as an area to deliver 5,700 homes by 2027. This is subject to delivery of strategic infrastructure to support development.  Policy CS24 – Green Infrastructure, Sport and Recreation Standards – Requires new development to contribute to the green infrastructure network of South Gloucestershire  Policy CS26 – Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood – Sets out key requirements for development in the Cribbs/Patchway neighbourhood area. It identifies the need for an area wide SPD to further guide development.

South Gloucestershire Local Plan 2006 4.11

The South Gloucestershire Local Plan was adopted in 2006. The New Local Plan is currently replacing it for South Gloucestershire.

The Local Plan: Core

Strategy 2013 replaced some policies within the Local Plan 2006, however many will remain in force until they become replaced by the policies within the emerging Policies, Sites and Places DPD. 4.12

Although many policies within the Local Plan have been replaced, including Policy D1 relating to building design, the remaining policies still seek to promote sustainable development. Core principles set out in the Local Plan include: 1) to conserve natural resources and natural and cultural heritage; 2) to shape new development patterns in ways which minimise the need to travel by private car; 3) to optimise the use of already developed areas while making them more attractive places in which to live and work; and 4) to pursue social and economic equity.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

Cribbs/Patchway

New

Neighbourhood

Development

Framework

Supplementary Planning (Pre Adoption January 2014) 4.13

South Gloucestershire are currently consulting on a Supplementary Planning Document to support and guide development within the Cribbs/Patchway Neighbourhood Area. The consultation ends on 28th February 2014. The SPD is needed to co-ordinate the delivery of development objectives as set out within Policy CS26 in the Core Strategy.

4.14

Key

principles

strategic/public

relating open

to

space

residential within

development

Cribbs/Patchway

and

associated

Neighbourhood

Area

include:  Principle 7.1:Protect and enhance key existing natural landscape features and habitats to reflect and enhance the area’s local distinctiveness:  Principle 7.6: Enhance the ecological value of the area through positive management of existing areas of ecological value, and provision of new or extension of existing ecological corridors  Principle 8.1: The development will be expected to deliver 5,700 dwellings that meet the full range of local housing needs.

4.15

Section 7: Green and Blue Infrastructure sets out objectives for the Henbury Trym Area, including; •

General improvements to the public realm through appropriate provision of a combination of street trees, wildflower planting to verges, coordinated signage, lighting, and surfacing.

•

Primary ecological corridor providing a generous buffer to development.

Area to be sensitively designed to ensure ecological corridor is protected and

enhanced,

including

enhancement

of

the

existing

streamside

vegetation and the retention/restoration of existing ponds within this area and/or the creation of new wildlife ponds within the landscaping as ‘stepping stones’ for fauna to use as aquatic habitat or dispersal.

4.16

The review of current policy has determined that the context for sustainable development be based on:  NPPF – ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development;

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

 The Local Plan: Core Strategy 2013; and  Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood SPD 2014.

4.17

Following 12 months from its publication, the NPPF states that ‘due weight should be given to relevant policies in existing plans according to their degree of consistency with this framework (the closer the policies in the plan to the policies in the Framework, the greater the weight that may be given)’.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

5.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSALS

5.1

The application seeks outline planning permission for a development comprising:-

5.2

•

Residential development of up to 110 dwellings

•

Vehicular and pedestrian access

•

Internal access roads

•

Car parking

•

Associated public open space and strategic landscaping

With the proposal in place all of the existing boundary vegetation would be retained and enhanced where possible through additional native tree and shrub planting.

5.3

The

development

proposes

a

series

of

private

gardens

in

addition

to

approximately 0.3 hectares of public open space, and strategic open space aligning the ecological corridor or the Henbury Trym brook on the southern boundary.

5.4

In

order

to

adhere

to

the

development

objectives

set

out

within

the

Cribbs/Patchway New Neighbourhood Development Framework Supplementary Planning (Pre Adoption January 2014) Document, a 10m wide structural landscape buffer zone containing native trees, shrubs and grassland will be created along the Henbury Trym creating an ecological corridor on the southern boundary of the site. This will help enhance the existing riparian vegetation and mitigate views from the public right of way adjacent the site to the south.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

6.

EFFECT ON LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS Topography

6.1

The landform of the site generally falls north to south from a high point of 52m above ordnance datum (AOD) to approximately 46m AOD, and although there would be some localised regrading in general terms the topography of the site would remain substantially unchanged by the proposed development. Any minor changes would be restricted to temporary measures during the construction period and these would be returned to the existing conditions immediately after construction works have been completed. Consequently, there would be a neutral effect on topography.

Trees and Hedgerows

6.2

The existing hedgerow aligned north to south through the site has recently been coppiced. The existing boundary vegetation to the north and eastern boundaries is generally unmanaged and of poor quality. As a consequence these are considered to have low sensitivity.

6.3

The riparian vegetation associated with the Henbury Trym along the southern boundary will remain unaffected by the proposals, with the development set back to provide a buffer zone for strategic open space and associated planting. This will help ensure that canopies and root zones remain unaffected by construction activities. The woody boundary vegetation will be retained as part of the proposals and protected as necessary during the construction period. The vegetation aligning the Henbury Trym brook are considered to have a medium sensitivity.

6.4

With the development proposal in place new native tree and shrub planting would be provided in public open spaces and strategic areas associated with the Henbury Trym corridor and buffer zone. There would also be infill planting to strengthen existing boundaries, with tree and shrub planting throughout the housing scheme to help soften the urban fabric and provide and attractive landscape framework. In addition there would be ornamental tree and shrub planting associated with private gardens.

6.5

With a medium sensitivity and medium magnitude of change there would be a moderate beneficial effect on the trees and hedgerows within the site.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

Public Rights of Way 6.6

The existing footpath which runs north/south through the site will be diverted to run parallel with the sites western boundary. The public right of way would be enhanced as part of the proposals to create a green link through the site and link into thr existing footbridge over the Henbury Trym.

Summary

6.7

The existing poor grassland and disturbed land would be replaced with a number of diverse habitats ranging from native structure and tree planting set amongst grassland within the Henbury Trym ecological buffer zone, mown lawns to meadow grass with wildflowers. All of the existing boundary woody vegetation would be retained, with new trees, native and ornamental shrub planting being planted as an integral part of the development. Opportunities for public access would also be increased as a consequence of the proposed site development.

6.8

As a consequence, with the development proposals in place there would be an overall moderate beneficial effect on the landscape elements of the site

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

7.

EFFECT ON LANDSCAPE CHARACTER National Landscape Character

7.1

In 1999 the Countryside Agency carried out a landscape character assessment of England. The site is located within the Bristol, Avon Valleys and Ridges landscape character area (No 118). However, due to its extensive, broad nature this assessment is considered to be of limited value in terms of the site and its surroundings.

Local Landscape Character

7.2

The South Gloucestershire Landscape Character Assessment document was published in 2005. In this document the site is included within Landscape Character Area 15 Patchway and Filton. The key characteristics of this area are as follows; Settlement and Infrastructure – Largely built up area, bounded by motorways to the northwest and northeast, with railway lines and roads dividing the area. Zoning of development within the area comprises commercial, industrial and residential areas of various ages, styles, building materials and densities. Large-scale business, commercial and retail development is often highly visible within and beyond the area, with a number of prominent buildings. These areas are surrounded by infrastructure of ornamental planting, earthworks, and car parks within a relatively recent landscape setting.

Land cover and open space – Open space is diverse, including areas of Filton Airfield, railway line, and the course of the Henbruy Trym brook. Dominated by settlement, containing substantial open spaces enclosed by housing, large-scale retail areas, and land fringed by grassland containing intermittent trees/tree belts with hedgerows along

boundaries. Landscape

framework

is typically

poor in

condition, remnant farmland comprising medium scaled pasture and rough grazing fields, with boundaries consisting of mature overgrown hedgerows, varying in management, some containing dead elms. The extensive area of fields to the west of Filton Airfield afford open views of the surrounding and enclosing urban development, forming an important buffer between Cribbs Causeway and Brentry.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

Visual character – Generally low undulating landform, with higher ground at Filton Airfield. Large commercial and retail buildings at Catbrain and Cribbs Causeway are visually prominent along the skyline, with the elevated M5 motorway and housing areas at Brentry creating physical barriers to the area. Open views across remaining agricultural land adjacent the Henbury Trym brook to the west of Filton Airfield corridor provide a buffer between enclosing areas of development.

(Authors emphasis in bold) Author’s Assessment of the Local Landscape Character 7.3

The author’s assessment considers the character of the proposed site and its immediate surroundings and reviews the sensitivity and capacity of the local landscape to accommodate development of the type and scale proposed.

Landscape Scale

7.4

The landscape exhibits a moderate landscape scale due to the undulating topography, small blocks of woodland, with mature hedgerows and riparian vegetation distinctive boundaries enclosing generally medium size of pastoral fields.

7.5

The proposed residential development is considered to be a small-scale development, comparable to the existing recent development at Catbrain Hill.

Landform and Enclosure

7.6

The landform can broadly be described as undulating with higher landform of Filton Airfield and the open land around Fishpool Hill.

7.7

The rural openness of the Filton Airfield Corridor contrasts greatly with the adjacent commercial, retail and leisure developments at Cribbs Causeway, and housing fringe that create a visual barrier on higher landform at Brentry.

7.8

The proposed development is on a gently sloping site, congruous to the existing residential and newly developed housing at Catbrain Hill. The sense of enclosure would remain substantially unchanged with the proposals in place.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

Settlement Pattern and human influence 7.9

The settlement pattern contrasts between the large built form associated with the commercial, retail and leisure areas at Cribbs Causeway, the large urban settlements at Brentry, and the nucleated settlements at Fishpool Hill.

7.10

Outside of the urban settlements, human influence is evident throughout the area, in the form of managed pastoral landscape, clipped hedgerows, sustainable drainage system, man made mounds with seating areas, and other various dispersed urbanising elements. These comprise of small settlements at Fishpool Hill, railway lines that dissect the area, a network of minor roads and farmsteads, and the infrastructure associated with Filton Arifleild.

7.11

The site is currently influenced by human activities, and with the proposals in place will continue to be influenced by man. Due to the change from grassed paddock to residential development, the nature of mans influence may be perceived to have increased. However it is reasonable to consider the actual extent of human influence associated with the development be congruous to that of the surrounding area, with the character of the landscape not materially changing.

Skylines

7.12

From the majority of the local landscape, the skylines are formed by a combination of commercial, retail, leisure and housing developments. These are prominent features that are occasionally softened and broken up by existing mature intervening vegetation.

7.13

In distant views the proposed development would form a feature in the context of existing residential, commercial, retail and leisure development and therefore not affect the landscape character of the skyline.

Inter-visibility

7.14

Due to the scale and massing of the existing residential, commercial, retail and leisure development surrounding the site, it is anticipated that the proposed development will not be widely visible from the surrounding landscape. There would be views of the proposal from the urban settlement at Brentry and the open land at Fishpool Hill, however it is considered that it would be difficult to identify the site amongst the existing residential, commercial, retail and leisure

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

developments at Cribbs Causeway and Catbrain Hill. There is also intervening vegetation associated with the Henbury Trym brook and field boundaries that would heavily filter the views towards the proposal.

Tranquillity 7.15

The local landscape around the site to the south of Henbury Trym, and associated with the Filton Airfield corridor has a reasonably high level of tranquillity. This is created by a feeling of rural openness, medium sized fields with hedgerows, riparian vegetation and undulating topography.

7.16

Further towards the site the level of tranquillity changes due to increased levels of human activity and associated development. The existing level of tranquillity would not materially change with the proposal in place. However, it is proposed that the Filton Airfield will be developed in the future to accommodate 2,500 dwellings in accordance with the Core Strategy.

Summary

7.17

The site is strongly characterized by its sloping topography, riparian vegetation aligning the Henbury Trym brook to the south, and the open views towards Filton Airfield. The proposed development would represent a change from grassed paddock and disturbed land to a landscape containing residential development and associated landscaping. However the proposed development would not change the existing key characteristics and features of the local landscape.

7.18

The proposed development would be entirely contained within the existing landscape pattern and is considered to be congruous with adjacent development, and is not anticipated to form a notable characteristic in the landscape.

7.19

The existing vegetation associated with the Henbury Trym brook will be retained, with opportunities to enhance the key characteristics of the site and reinforce the landscape framework through additional native planting.

7.20

Whilst the site and the area to the south are rural in nature, immediately north and east within the wider area there are existing areas of residential, commercial, retail and leisure development and infrastructure influences. These include the large commercial, retail and leisure developments at Cribbs Causeway and residential areas of Catbrain Hill. The proposed residential development would not therefore introduce a new element into a landscape that already contains urban

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

infrastructure. However, the area to the south of the site is rural in nature at present, and is to be developed in the future in line with the Core Strategy allocations.

7.21

Consequently it is concluded that the proposed development would not have any notable effects on the character of the wider area.

Assessment of Effects on Character and Capacity of Landscape to Accept Change

7.22

Following a review of landscape character assessments and the author’s own review of the landscape character up to 5km from the site, it has been assessed that, at local level the site has a low sensitivity to change.

7.23

All the landscape elements of the area, undulating topography, existing hedgerow, and riparian vegetation aligning the Henbury Trym brook would remain unaffected.

7.24

On completion, the development would bring about a high magnitude of change for the site itself. However, for the wider landscape the development would give rise to a low magnitude of change. As a result, it is considered that there would be a minor adverse effect on the local landscape character in the short term.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

8.

EFFECT ON GENERAL VISUAL AMENITY Baseline Visual Receptors

8.1

Due to the prominence of the existing commercial area to the north and north east, and due to the presence of intervening vegetation aligning the Henbury Trym brook, the greatest effects on visual amenity are limited to a small number of nearby properties along Catbrain Hill Lane, and views from public rights of way within immediate proximity to the site mostly to the south and east.

Public Highways

8.2

Views from public highways which surround the site are largely prevented by a combination of intervening roadside vegetation, field boundary vegetation, landform

and

the

surrounding

residential,

commercial,

retail

and

leisure

developments. Viewpoint 1, taken from the A4018, allows heavily filtered views towards the general direction of the proposal, and is a transient oblique view.

8.3

Viewpoint 9 is taken from the public highway at Lysander Road, illustrating how the combination of large commercial buildings, topography and intervening vegetation preclude views towards the proposal.

Public Rights of Way

8.4

Heavily filtered views are afforded from the pubic footpaths adjacent Fishpool Hill, and at land surrounding Filton Airfield. Some of these views will be fleeting and transient at oblique angles, heavily filtered by intervening vegetation aligning the footpaths and between theses viewpoints and the site. Viewpoint 10 is one of the views that best demonstrates gaps in vegetation allowing filtered views towards the proposal.

8.5

Viewpoints 2 and 3 are two viewpoints which best illustrate how a combination of landform, intervening vegetation and the context of existing built form heavily filter views towards the proposal.

8.6

Viewpoints 5 and 6 illustrate how very little of the proposal would be glimpsed over the existing newly built development at Catbrain Hill in combination with the vegetation associated with the Henbury Trym.

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Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

Selection of Representative Viewpoints 8.7

The desktop studies and field survey helped to identify viewpoints that were regarded as representative of the range of views and receptors around the site.

The selected viewpoints are not intended to cover every single possible view but are intended to be representative of a range of receptor types e.g. walkers on public footpaths and road users, from different directions and distances from the site.

Assessment of Visual Effects

8.8

The site survey and photographic assessment was undertaken in January 2014.

The locations of the representative viewpoints are shown on each viewpoint sheet (Appendix 5) Summary

8.9

Summary of viewpoints:

Viewpoint

Description of Receptor

Visual

Magnitude

Scale

Sensitivity

of Change

Visual

of

Effect

1

Pedestrian viewpoint from a public

footpath

adjacent

Low

Negligible

Negligible

High

Negligible

Minor

High

Negligible

Minor

High

Negligible

Minor

High

Negligible

Minor

a

highway

2

Pedestrian viewpoint from a public footpath

3

Pedestrian viewpoint from a public footpath

4

Pedestrian viewpoint from a public footpath

5

Pedestrian viewpoint from a public vantage point adjacent a public footpath

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A 20

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

6

Pedestrian viewpoint from a

High

Negligible

Minor

High

High

Substantial

public footpath

7

Pedestrian viewpoint from a public footpath

in Year 1 Moderate in year 10

8

Pedestrian viewpoint from a

High

public footpath

Low in

Minor

summer Negligible in winter

9

Pedestrian viewpoint from a public

footpath

adjacent

High

None

None

High

Low

Moderate

High

Negligible

Minor

a

highway

10

Pedestrian viewpoint from a public footpath

11

Pedestrian viewpoint from a public

footpath

on

public

highway

8.10

It is evident that the visual envelope associated with the site would be limited by the a combination of landform, existing residential, commercial, retail and leisure development and intervening vegetation associated with the Henbruy Trym brook and field boundaries and that the visual effect would generally be limited.

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A 21

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

9.

CONCLUSIONS

9.1

This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been prepared on behalf of Dick Lovett Companies Ltd by Pegasus Group and relates to a proposed residential development at Land to the rear of Dick Lovett, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol.

9.2

The existing poor grassland and disturbed land would be replaced with a number of diverse habitats ranging from native structure and tree planting set amongst grassland within the Henbury Trym brook ecological buffer zone, mown lawns to meadow grass with wildflowers. All of the existing boundary woody vegetation would be retained, with new trees, native and ornamental shrub planting being planted as an integral part of the development. Opportunities for public access would also be increased as a consequence of the proposed site development.

9.3

As a consequence, with the development proposals in place there would be an overall moderate beneficial effect on the landscape elements of the site

9.4

The site is strongly characterized by its sloping topography, riparian vegetation aligning the Henbury Trym brook to the south, and the open views towards Filton Airfield. The proposed development would represent a change from grassed paddock and disturbed land to a landscape containing residential development and associated landscaping. However the proposed development would not change the existing key characteristics and features of the local landscape.

9.5

The proposed development would be entirely contained within the existing landscape pattern and is considered to be congruous with adjacent development, and is not anticipated to form a notable characteristic in the landscape.

9.6

The existing vegetation associated with the Henbury Trym will be retained, with opportunities to enhance the key characteristics of the site and reinforce the landscape framework through additional native planting.

9.7

Whilst the site and the area to the south are rural in nature, immediately north and east within the wider area there are existing areas of residential, commercial, retail and leisure development and infrastructure influences. These include the large commercial, retail and leisure developments at Cribbs Causeway and residential areas of Catbrain Hill. The proposed residential development would not therefore introduce a new element into a landscape that already contains urban infrastructure.

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A 22

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

9.8

Consequently it is concluded that the proposed development would not have any notable effects on the character of the wider area.

9.9

It is evident that the visual envelope associated with the site would be limited by the a combination of landform, existing residential, commercial, retail and leisure development and intervening vegetation associated with the Henbruy Trym brook and field boundaries.

9.10 This report demonstrates that the proposed development could be successfully accommodated and assimilated into the surrounding landscape without causing harm to the landscape and visual amenity of the site and surrounding area.

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A 23

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

APPENDIX 1 Site Location Plan

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

APPENDIX 2 Methodology

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

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

Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (3rd edition) Landscape Institute/ Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (2013)

•

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

•

The Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment - (2011) Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment

•

Photography and Photomontage in Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment – Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11

The main focus of this assessment was taken as a radius of 2 kilometres from the site as it is considered that beyond this distance, even with good visibility, the proposed development would not be perceptible in the composite landscape.

Landscape Elements and Character Assessment Methodology A baseline landscape assessment was carried out to determine the current elements and character of the landscape within and surrounding the site. This involved an initial desktop study of: •

Ordnance survey maps at 1:50,000, 1:25,000 scales

•

Aerial photographs of the site and surrounding area

•

Datasets for statutory and non statutory landscape designations from the MAGIC website (Multi Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside)

•

Relevant planning policy

•

National and local scale landscape character assessments

Visual Assessment Methodology The assessment of visual effects was undertaken on the basis of viewpoint analysis as recommended in best practice guidelines. The viewpoints which are in different directions from the site and are at varying distances and locations were selected to represent

a

range

of

views

and

visual

receptor

types.

These

viewpoints

are

representational and not exhaustive. They are taken from publically accessible land and not from any third party, private, land.

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

The viewpoints were used as the basis for determining the effects of visual receptors within the entire study area. The viewpoints were photographed at 1.7 metres above ground level.

Assessment Criteria The significance of effects is ascertained by cross-referencing the sensitivity of the baseline landscape or visual receptor and the magnitude of change as a result of the development.

Sensitivity of Landscape Elements The sensitivity of an individual landscape element reflects factors such as its quality, value, contribution to landscape character and the degree to which the particular element can be replaced. A particular element or feature may be more sensitive in one location than in another. It is therefore not possible to simply place different elements into sensitivity bands. Professional judgement has been used to determine the magnitude of direct physical impacts on individual existing landscape elements as follows: Table 1 Criteria for magnitude of change for landscape elements

Negligible

No notable loss or alteration to part of an existing landscape element

Low

Some loss or alteration to part of an existing landscape element

Medium

Notable loss or alteration to part of an existing landscape element

High

Total loss or extreme alteration of an existing landscape element

Sensitivity of Landscape Character The sensitivity of landscape character is an expression of a landscapes capacity to accommodate change. It varies depending on factors such as the scale and form of the landscape, landscape pattern, sense of enclosure, sense of tranquillity and remoteness, the settlement pattern and transport network etc. The sensitivity of landscape character

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

is described as high, medium or low. Professional judgement has been used to determine the magnitude change on landscape character as follows: Table 2 Criteria for magnitude of change for landscape character

Negligible

No notable introduction of new elements into the landscape or change to the scale, landform, land cover or pattern of landscape

Low

Introduction of some new elements into the landscape or some minor change to the scale, landform, land cover or pattern of landscape

Medium

Introduction of notable new elements into the landscape or some notable change to the scale, landform, land cover or pattern of landscape

High

Introduction of major new elements into the landscape

or

extreme

change

to

the

scale,

landform, land cover or pattern of landscape

Sensitivity of Visual Receptors Representative viewpoints have been used in the assessment to represent different visual receptor groups at various distances and directions from the site.

GLVIA3 states that receptors should be assessed in terms of both their susceptibility to change in views and visual amenity and also the value attached to particular views.

Susceptibility of visual receptors to change is mainly a function of the occupation or activity of the receptor and the extent to which their attention is focussed on the views at particular locations. In general it is recognised that recreational users of public rights of way, visitors to heritage sites or people at recognised vantage points have a higher sensitivity to change than people travelling along roads, engaged in sports or at their place of work.

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

Table 3 Criteria for magnitude of change for visual receptors

Negligible

No notable change in the view

Low

Some change in the view that is not prominent / few visual receptors affected

Medium

Notable change in the view that is clearly visible and forms an important but not defining element in the view

High

Major change in the view that has a defining influence on the overall view / many visual receptors affected

Scale of Effect The landscape and visual effects are determined by cross-referencing the sensitivity of the landscape element, landscape character or view with the magnitude of change. The scale of effect is described as substantial, major, moderate, minor, slight or neutral.

Table 4 Scale of Effect thresholds for landscape character, landscape elements and visual receptors Magnitude of Change

Landscape and Visual Sensitivity

High

Medium

Low

Negligible

High

Substantial

Major

Moderate

Minor

Medium

Major

Moderate

Minor

Negligible

Low

Moderate

Minor

Negligible

Insignificant

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

APPENDIX 3 Landscape Features Plan

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

4

7.1 e6

ridg

5 4.2

e6

3 5.5

eav

e6

ridg

3 0.9

e6

eav

55.17 grass

42.92

Elm ¯ 0.28 ht 9.0

54.76

ridge

53.12 gate

hedge ht 7.0

52

53

.08

cables erhead 2No. ov

46

erh ea d

.29

ca

46.24

ble

s

46 .37

45.18

tain er

45.02

44.77

44.87

4 .4

45 .00

44.36

44.04 43.91

44.11

44 .29

44.24

.87

44.82

44

45.80

44.31

ic

conc 44.29 Stn F 357556.643 E 180431.300 N 44.330m

44.07

storage container

ep

43.98 43.90

44.19

43.97

46.38

ss gra

44.39

44.75

43.60

43.82

44.01

43.55

4

.33 .93 43

43.68

43.57

43.62

.53

43.20

43

.66

.00 43 .35

6 .4

42.84 42

6 .9

7 .7

42

mh cl 42.84

stump ¯ 0.28

42.79

42.77

42.71

erhead 3No. ov

42 .4 3

41

0

.44

.3

42

5

.7

43

markers

42.30

42.24 41.94

42.81

flow

40

.15

42.59

42 42.44 41.93

5

.2

ep

41

5

4

.5 41

42.14

41.91

grass

Ash canopy ht 10.0

42.02 41.73 42.16

41.80

41.86

41.75

41.70

pipe ¯225 il 41.14 41.58

42.92

step

41.63

41

41.36

pile of stones

42.41

.62

41.70 41.93

.0 8

41.99

42.28

41.58

41.22

41.73

2 43

.0 42.14

42.00 42.31

42.33 mh cl 42.56

.1

42

42.50

42.20

Hawthorn 3x¯ 0.12 ht 4.0

Elm ¯ 0.22 ht 13.0

Willow ¯ 0.20 ht 10.0

mh cl 42.54 42.57

42.56

42

42.48

42.34

42.37

42.59

7

42.53

42.40

Willow ¯ 0.40 ht 12.0 42.69

42.72

Elm multibole ¯ 0.80 ht 10.0

42.00

42.51

.9

ep

42.49

Willow ¯ 0.50 ht 9.0

42.60

41

42.73

42.68

42.33

42.68

.74

42.75

Hawthorn ¯ 0.35 ht 8.0

42.65

42.63

42

42.89

42.92

43.03

42.98

43.08

43.00

5

cables

43.00

mh cl 43.19

hedge ht 1.7

42.74

43.22

43.38

43.24

.9

.13

42.83

43.11

43.06

43.26

42

43

42.91 42.90

bushes ht 1.8

43.40

les

42.91

43.20 43.54

ab

43.49

43.18

42

wood post & wire mesh ht 1.10

43.17

43.11

dc

grass 43.17 43.09 mh cl 42.24

43.40 43.90

ov erh ea

43.23

42

43.58

43.26

43.04

o.

43.34

43.71

43.38

43.50

grass

3N

43.27

hedge ht 1.7

43

43.42 43.68

43.72 grass

43.62

markers

43.53

43.72

43.59

43.39

44.06

44.77

.85

43.98

43.98

43.69

43.65

.59

43

43

44.98

43

46.08

43.68

.42 44 0 4.3

43.80

.9 6

wooden bridge

41.60

canopy ht 6.0

41.91 brick wall

co

41.11

boundary marker

w

0 45.

stone wall ht 1.00

43.76

grass

flo

47.26

gate 44.13

43.93

.24 44 57 .

44

44.80

mh cl 44.25

Stn F2(on ep) 357503.677 E 180424.557 N 45.665m

44.21

stone wall ht 1.00

vent pipe ¯100

44.47

44.34

44.81

44.53 44.50

44.48

stump ¯ 0.40

wood post & wire mesh ht 1.10

Stn F1 357549.230 E 180443.650 N 44.948m

44.64

44.98

45.68

47.82 48.53

gate 44.95

44.78

lp 50.60

45.27

45.0

.91 28 44 45.

45

46.89

Stn B 357317.372 E 180428.364 N 49.874m

con

.84 45 .52 45 77 .

45

45.50 45.10

49.64

44.99

concrete

45.39 45.28

45.91

grass

canopy ht 6.0

45.53

hedge ht 1.7

51.24

stone wall ht 0.70

45.73

49.01

50.09

gate

close boarded fence ht 2.10

45.59 45.94

45.59

45.93

46.10

ov

50.52 46.69

46.22

stump ¯ 0.46

45.93

mh cl 46.29 45.93

48.04

46.37

46.72

mh cl 46.34

46.29

49.93

4

o.

.42 .40

46

46.56

47.2

46.79

46.42

49.08

wood post and rail fence ht 1.70

46.86 46.67

46

markers

47.83

il

tarmac

ss gra

47.59 46.92

3N

Stn G1(nail in post) 357556.023 E 180463.918 N 48.199m

46.65 46.98

47.22

47.01

50.71

50.17

47.90

47.28

stone wall ht 0.80 Cherry ¯ 0.30 ht 7.0

47.73 47.49

.98 45 .70

.0

47.55

47.60

soil mound

47.71

46

51.25

50

47.88

.21

50.66

46.90

48.49

48.09

46

Stn A 357354.978 E 180457.099 N 51.436m

49.95

48.63

48.54

.65

grass 51.73

50.67

51.06

49.16 48.06

46

48.21

50.96

ra & st 0 po .4 d ht 1 o wo nce fe

51.01

marker

stone wall ht 0.80

48.91

47.02

49.06

51.25

50.94

51.95

.06

51.22 speed ramp

49.47

ep

50.83

49.08 48.88

48.96

51.54

51.40

lp

47

49.91

51.12

48.92

hedge ht 1.7

.09

51.52

47

grass

tarmac

mh cl 51.19 51.14

48.89

49.14

49.86

43

50.99 50.25

51.45

brambles ht 1.3

51.63

51.53

grass

.81 47 .27

48.50

grass 51.93

stump ¯ 0.90

48

50.00

49.57

48.

51.03

49.88

02

52.07

hedge ht 1.7

3

51.74

50.0

building

concrete block wall ht 1.10 49.51 grass 50.

51.66

.41

49.56

.4

brick wall ht 0.57 metal rails ht 1.55

f

50.57

48

r lat

51.17

51.77

sp

50.48 49.97

48.89

48

1

.8 57

50.33

49.12

.53

markers

50.08

50.22

50.14 49.72

49

50.52

50.75

51.52

49.68

gate

50.78 50.56

49.00

49.20

1 .8

50.89

¯ 0.26 ht 8.0

51.50 51.56 51.57

50.54

concrete block wall ht 1.15 50.69

50.74

50.20

ep

.63

.12

49

50.96

51.42

51.13

50.81 50.46

49.77

stay wires

bt f oo

51.90

50.27

49

49

51.09

sp

51.79

.84

lp industrial building

hedge ht 1.7

51.35 grass

52.37

49.34

wood post & wire mesh ht 1.10

52.02

51.56

51.08

52.15

51.03 50.22

49.62 Stn A1 357356.239 E 180472.849 N 51.706m

52.45

51.61

51.61

52.28 52.27

50.57

.72

51.88

51.08

s

e bush

51.92

gate 52.29

50.82

50

51.91

.54

Sycamore ¯ 0.20 ht 6.0

51.38

wood post & rail fence ht 1.00

51.12

50

52

51.93

db an es 8.0 tre 5.0t h

50.57

50.80

50.78

.46 50 4 .9 50

0 .3

51.92

u

pr ap

ba

51.09

7

52

52.10

nk

es sh

and

canopy ht 8.0 52.25 52.42

mh cl 51.58

51.0

5

ox

brick wall ht 0.85

bt

52.01

51.66

.0

rg

51.79

52 51.98 mh cl 52.03

es ll tre sma -8.0 ht 3.0

52.35

51.73 mh cl 51.77

sp

52.66

52.16

52.48

52.46

51.13

5

sv

dilapidated concrete post wire fence ht 1.5

52.66

grass

52.00

bushes ht 1.2

canopy ht 13.0

51.86

51.90

kissing gate

8 8.7

53.34

.83

53.28

52.24 52.16

0 3 .0

rg

1 2.1

1. f6

oo

e6

boundary marker

52.44

42.72

Ash ¯ 0.20 ht 9.0

e5

.9 52

52.48 concrete block wall ht 0.45 railing ht 1.00

52.45

es sh bu nd s a 8.0 e tre 6.0 ht 52.20

9

tr fla

grass mh(no cover) cl 53.39

45.27 Willow ¯ 0.50 ht 9.0

44.47

eav

53.67

43.00 Willow ¯ 0.40 ht 12.0 42.69

53.09

53.18

52.76

& ost c p .40 con e ht 1 wir c ma tar

42.84 45.0 Hawthorn ¯ 0.35 ht 8.0 44.87

54.12

58

industrial building

Stn A2 357341.190 E 180497.429 N 52.226m

53.08

.

53

brick wall ht 1.80

52.78

Elm ¯ 0.24 ht 8.0

.61

3

60.6

wood post & rail fence ht 1.20

53.17

54.45 54

53.96

05

53

.07

eave

42.72

ridg

Stn L2 357429.122 E 180514.733 N 53.931m

Stn L3 357412.509 E 180504.594 N 53.401m

mh cl 54.56

9

62.1

Elm multibole ¯ 0.80 ht 10.0

40.71

nc

40.71

40.67

water level on 14/11/13 40.31

41.18

42.16 41.70 42.00

41.25

mh cl 41.75

41.70

flow 41.45

41.94

41.00 41.43 41.86 41.60

41.81

40.80

41.22 41.57

41.27 41.07

41.53 41.31 41.21

canopy ht 6.0-11.0

grass 41.28

41.05 40.91

41.05

40.80

41.02

flo

w

40.94

40.89

@

0

50m

0 © Copyright Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2013 emapsite Licence number 0100031673. Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence number 100042093 I Promap Licence number 100020449 .

Pegasus Environmental is part of Pegasus Planning Group Ltd. Drawing prepared for planning. Any queries to be reported to Pegasus for clarification

100m

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

APPENDIX 4 Indicative Site Layout Proposals

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

APPENDIX 5 Viewpoints and Viewpoints Location Plan

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

Cribbs Causeway Centre commercial area

Extent of site

Cribbs Causeway retail/leisure area

Premier Inn hotel

Viewpoint 1 View from footpath adjacent to the A4018 looking north-east, 800m from site.

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change

This middle distance viewpoint is taken from the footpath adjacent the southbound carriageway of the A4018, where the road bridge crosses the railway line. It has been assessed as a pedestrian viewpoint due to the fact that southbound vehicule users would be driving and looking in the opposite direction to the site, and northbound vehicle users would have views obscured by the central reservation railings and wall of the road bridge, as well as intervening vegetation.

There is existing vegetation between the viewpoint and the site, and with the proposal in place there would be a heavily filtered view of rooftops, seen in the context of existing commercial and residential buildings that break the skyline.

As a consequence there would be a negligible magnitude of change.

To the left of centre is the Premier Inn hotel and ‘Cribbs Causeway Centre’ commercial estate. To the right of centre is ‘Cribbs Causeway’ centre for retail/ leisure. In the centre of the viewpoint is Catbrain Hill Lane residential area and the newly developed Catbrain Hill housing development.

Scale of Visual Effect With a low sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change there would be a negligible visual effect on the view according to the assessment tables.

Intervening vegetation adjacent the A4018 and in between the site and the viewpoint would generally preclude views of the development, except where the road crosses the railway line and there is a gap in vegetation.

Receptors on the footpath are considered to have a low sensitivity due to the proximity of the dual carriageway and the low number of users.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D IIDate & time of photograph- 23/01/2014 @ 12:53 OS grid reference - ST 57063 79736

Viewpoint height (AOD) - 44m Distance from site - 800m

LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Existing housing at Catbrain Hill lane Cribbs Causeway Centre commercial area M5 motorway

Extent of site

New development site at Catbrain Hill

Cribbs Causeway retail/leisure area

Premier Inn hotel

Viewpoint 2 View from footpath at Fishpool Hill looking north west, 630m from site .

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor

Scale of Visual Effect

This middle distance viewpoint is taken from the field gate on a newly signposted footpath on Fishpool Hill. The site is centred within the viewpoint. ‘Cribbs Causeway Centre’ commercial area and the M5 motorway are left of centre. To the right of centre is ‘Cribbs Causeway’ centre for retail/leisure and the newly developed Catbrain Hill housing development.

With a high sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change there would be a minor visual effect on the view according to the assessment tables.

Intervening vegetation adjacent Fishpool Hill Lane and in between the site and the viewpoint generally preclude views of the development, except where there are entrance gates to fields and there is a gap in vegetation.

Views towards the site from the field gates are generally filtered by intervening vegetation. This viewpoint is however slightly elevated compared to the adajcent land, allowing views down towards the site. Therefore, users of the footpath from this viewpoint are considered to have high sensitivity.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 13:09 OS grid reference - ST 57978 79946 LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL

Viewpoint height (AOD) - 62m Distance from site - 630m LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

With the proposal in place there would be a heavily filtered view of the rooftops, seen in the context of the existing commercial and residential buildings that break the skyline. A combination of intervening topography and vegetation would also filter views and contribute to there being a negligible magnitude of change.

New development site at Catbrain Hill Cribbs CausewayCentre commercial area M5 motorway

Extent of site

Existing housing at Catbrain Hill lane

Cribbs Causeway retail/leisure area

Premier Inn hotel

Viewpoint 3 View from footpath adjacent Fishpool Hill lane looking north-west, 670m from site.

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor

Scale of Visual Effect

This middle distance viewpoint is taken from the pedestrian gate on a footpath adjacent Fishpool Hill lane. To the left of centre, the M5 motorway and Cribbs Causeway Centre commercial area can be seen above intervening mature vegetation. To the right of centre, Cribbs Causeway retail/leisure areas and the newly developed Catbrain Hill housing development. The site is to the centre of the viewpoint with the Premier Inn hotel directly behind.

With a high sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change there would be a minor visual effect on the view according to the assessment tabes.

Receptors using this footpath are considered to have a high sensitivity.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change With the proposal in place there would be partially filtered views of rooftops across part of the site, as well as more direct views of the proposals where intervening vegetation isn’t as tall to fully filter the views. The proposal would be seen in the context of the existing commercial and residential buildings which break the skyline. As a consequence there would be a negligible magnitude of change.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 13:25 OS grid reference - ST 57870 79810

Viewpoint height (AOD) - 62m Distance from site - 670m

LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Public footpath

Site not visible due to intervening vegetation

Viewpoint 4 View from footpath at the bottom of Catbrain Hill Lane adjacent the public footpath, looking west, 72m from site.

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor This short distance view is taken from the public footpath at the bottom of Catbrain Hill Lane. The existing houses to the right of centre and the mature tree belt aligning the Henbury Trym brook contribute to the site not being visible from this viewpoint.

Receptors using this footpath from this viewpoint are considered to have a high sensitivity.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change With the proposal in place, in the summer months there would be heavily filtered views by the mature tree belt aligning the Henbury Trym. In the winter months, in the absence of leaves on the trees, there would be negligible views of the rooftops of the proposals. As a consequence there would be a negligible magnitude of change.

Scale of Visual Effect With a high sensitivity and negligible magnitude of change there would be a minor visual effect on the view according to the assessment tables.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 14:07 OS grid reference - ST 57651 80413 LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL

Viewpoint height (AOD) -45m Distance from site - 72m LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Existing houses at Catbrain Hil Lane

Public footpath

Site not visible due to intervening vegetation

New development site at Catbrain Hill

Mercedes-Benz showroom

Viewpoint 5 View from footpath aligning the northern fencline boundary of Filton Airfield, looking west, 315m from site.

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor This short distance view is taken from the public footpath which runs east to west along the fence line that runs along the northern boundary to Filton Airfield.

The view is fairly enclosed and medium in scale, with the new development at Catbrain Hill and the Mecedes-Benz showroom being prominent features. To the left of centre, the fence line associated with the northern boundary of Filton Airfield with dense brambles.

The site is not visible due to intervening vegetation and existing built form.

Receptors using this footpath are considered to have a high sensitivity.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change With the proposal in place, there would be negligible views of the site and the proposals, which would be seen in the context of the existing built form and intervening vegetation. As a consequence there would be a negligible magnitude of change.

Scale of Visual Effect

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 13:58 OS grid reference - ST 57898 80432

Viewpoint height (AOD) - 55m Distance from site - 315m

With a high sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change there would be a minor adverse effect on the view according to the assessment tables.

LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

New development site at Catbrain Hill Public footpath

Premier Inn hotel

Mercedes-Benz showroom

Extent of site

Viewpoint 5 View from a vantage point with a circular seating area adjacent a public footpath to the east of Catbrain Hill, looking west, 422m away from the site

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor

Scale of Visual Effect

This short distance view is from the top of a vantage point with a circular seating area to the east of Catbrain Hill. There is a public footpath immediately adjacent to the vantage point, with heavily worn desire lines leading to the top of the mound and seating area. The extent of the site is central to the view, in which the newly developed Catbrain Hill housing development is prominent. To the right of centre, the Mecedes-Benze car showroom encloses the view. To the left of centre, the landscape has a more rural feel.

With a high sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change there would be a minor visual effect on the view according to the assessment tables.

This viewpoint is from a vantage point typically higher than the surrounding area, which is notably influenced by the prominence of the existing and newly built residential areas. It is considered that users of this vantage point are of high sensitivity.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change With the proposal in place there would be views of the rooftops of the proposals, seen in context of the existing commercial and residential buildings. Existing mature vegetation aligning the Henbury Trym would also filter views. It is therefore considered that there would be a negligible magnitude of change.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 14:00 OS grid reference - ST 57981 80539 LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL

Viewpoint height (AOD) - 66m Distance from site -422m LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Extent of site Cribbs causeway centre commercial area Public footpath

Viewpoint 7 This view is taken from a public footpath running north-south through the site, looking north.

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor

Scale of Visual Effect

This view is taken from a public footpath which dissects the site, running northsouth. The topography of the site is a notable influence, with the southern part of the site being lowest, rising to the north. The commercial and residential built form that surrounds the site break the skyline, with existing boundary vegetation breaking the skyline.

It is considered that whilst the magnitude for change is considered high, there would be an attractive landscape framework created along the public right of way that will help filters views and mitigate the magnitude of change. With a high sensitivity and a high magnitude of change there would initially be a substantial visual effect on the view according to the assessment tables.

The site has notably been recently cleared of vegetation, with the existing hedgerow being intensively managed to 1.5m. The new post and wire fence is a prominent element within the site. Receptors of the public footpath are considered to have high sensitivity.

However, there would be mitigation planting and enhancement of the existing hedgerow to create a green link through the site that would help filter views, soften the urban fabric, and create an attractive landscape framework. After approximately 10 years the visual effect would be reduced to moderate.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change There would be development either side of the public footpath. This viewpoint is looking north towards the higher part of the site, with predicated views of the proposal in place contributing to a high magnitude of change.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 14:13 OS grid reference - ST 57490 80377

Viewpoint height (AOD) - 44m Distance from site - 0m

LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Views of the site obscured by intervening vegetation

Public footpath

Viewpoint 8 View from public footpath to the north of the site between existing commercial and residential areas, looking south, 15m from the site.

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor This short distance view is taken from a public footpath which runs north-south between the existing commercial and residential areas, to the north of the site looking south. The public footpath is narrow and appears to not be frequently used. The dense existing vegetation either side of the footpath overhangs the footpath in several places and heavily filters views of the site. Users of the footpath are considered to have a high sensitivity.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change With the proposals in place there would be heavily filtered views of the site from the section of footpath closest the site. Further along the public footpath away from the site, the views become negligible and then none existent. This intervening vegetation would contribute to there being a low magnitude of change in winter and negligible magnitude of change in summer.

Scale of Visual Effect With a high sensitivity and a low magnitude of change there would be a moderate visual effect in winter reducing to minor in summer.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 14:20 OS grid reference - ST 57431 80528 LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL

Viewpoint height (AOD) - 57m Distance from site - 15m LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Mercdes-Benz and Bristol Smart showrooms

Site not visible due to topography and intervening vegetation

Viewpoint 9 View taken from a public footpath adjacent the Mercedes-Benz and Bristol Smart car showrooms, looking south, 282m from site.

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor This short distance viewpoint is taken from a public footpath adjacent Lysander Road, northbound carriageway looking south. The car showroom and existing mature vegetation are notable influences. The sensitivity of users on the public footpath are assessed as being high.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change With the proposal in place there would be a no magnitude of change due to the fact that the site is not visible from this viewpoint.

Scale of Visual Effect With a high sensitivity and a no magnitude of change there would be a no visual effect on the view.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 14:28 OS grid reference - ST 57620 80761

Viewpoint height (AOD) - 60m Distance from site - 282m

LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Existing housing at Catbrain Hill lane M5 motorway

Cribbs causeway centre commercial area

Extent of site

Public footpath

Viewpoint 10 View from a public footpath south-west of Filton Airfield looking north, 392m from site.

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor This short distance view is taken from a public footpath to the south-west of Filton Airfield, looking north. Views from the public footpath are generally precluded by the existing mature hedgerow aligning it, except where there are gaps in vegetation like this viewpoint. The views of the site are direct, and in the context of the existing residential development right of centre, and existing commercial buildings left of centre.

Users of the public footpath are considered to have high sensitivity.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change With the proposal in place there would be partially filtered views by the vegetation aligning the Henbury Trym brook. The proposals would be seen in the context of existing residential and commercial development breaking the skyline. As a consequence there would be a low magnitude of change

Scale of Visual Effect With a high sensitivity and a low magnitude of change there would be a moderate visual effect on the view according to the assessment tables.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 14:51 OS grid reference - ST 57620 80011 LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL

Viewpoint height (AOD) - 53m Distance from site - 392m LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

New development site at Catbrain Hill

Cribbs Causeway Centre commercial area Cribbs Causeway retail/ leisure area Premier Inn hotel

New development site at Catbrain Hill

Filton Airfield

Fishpool Hill

Berwick Drive

Site

Viewpoint 11 View taken from a national footpath on Berwick Drive, looking north-east, 1074m from site.

Description of Baseline View and Sensitivity of Visual Receptor This medium/ong distance view was taken from a national footpath on Berwick Drive, looking north-east. Filton Airfield is central to the viewpoint, in which commercial, leisure and retail development are a prominent features. The site is not visible, although the general location of the site can be located, with existing built form and intervening vegetation precluding views.

The users of the public footpath are considered to have high sensitivity.

Predicted View at Year 1 & Magnitude of Change With the proposal in place there would be heavily filtered views of the proposals.

Topography and distance to site are notable influences on the viewpoint. The approximate location of the site would seen in the context of intervening vegetation and the existing Cribbs causeway centre commercial development.

As a consequence there would be a negligible magnitude of change.

Scale of Visual Effect With a high sensitivity and a negligible magnitude of change there would be a minor visual effect on the view according to the assessment tables.

Camera make & model - Canon EOS 500D Date & time of photograph - 23/01/2014 @ 12:22 OS grid reference - ST 56419 80313

Viewpoint height (AOD) -50m Distance from site -1074m

LAND AT LAUREL HILL, CRIBBS CAUSEWAY, BRISTOL LANDSCAPE + VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

APPENDIX 6 South Gloucestershire’s Landscape Character Assessment Area 15 Patchway and Filton

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Residential Development, Land at Laurel Hill, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol

APPENDIX 7 Landscape Designations

25th April 2014 | DP/BRS.4751_A

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