LANDSCAPE & VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT – CHARACTER

Landscape Character

Two published landscape character assessments are relevant to the Phoenix site and its setting describing the key physical components, views and perceptual qualities relating to the different landscapes observed throughout the National Park:

National Character Profiles NCA 121: Low

Weald and NCA 125: South Downs

The South Downs Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) 2020

The relevant Landscape Character Areas identifying key characteristics (against which the Proposed Development has been assessed are:

LCA F2: Ouse Floodplain (LCT F Major Chalk River Floodplains) which wholly covers the Site; and

LCA G2: Ouse Valley Sides (LCT G: Major Chalk Valley Sides), adjacent.

Further to these are townscape assessments related to the Lewes Conservation Area and Terra Firma’s own formulation of Local Landscape Character Areas (LLCA’s) which provide a more detailed assessment at a local level. Each LLCA was evaluated for individual components of character. In the LVIA document conclusion these findings are then used to address any potential effects on the wider SDNP LCA and the seven special qualities of the SDNP.

The Landscape characteristics and sensitivities have informed the Local Landscape Character Areas defined in the LVIA baseline. Each LLCA was assessed against these criteria for potential impacts resulting from the introduction of the development proposals. Across the adjacent local character areas there is likely to be little direct impact, while on the site area itself there would be much more beneficial landscape impact in matters such as soils, hydrology, vegetation, access and recreation. The only significant aspect that would likely be negatively affected both on site and the immediately adjacent character areas was found to be loss of tranquillity, an inevitable result of bringing more activity to the area. This should not however be overstated as the site is currently still in some industrial use including a fire station. A summary of recommendations from the LVIA in relation to impacts on the LLCAs is set out below.

LLCA 2: River Ouse Corridor

Vegetation

To improve and strengthen the CA F2 Floodplain character consider extending the quantum of existing riparian tree planting along the riverside and riverbank (as ecological enhancement).

LLCA 3: Malling Recreation Ground

Visual characteristics

Consideration be given to the intervisibility and vista corridor between Malling Recreation Ground LGS 20 and Lewes Castle and Brack Mount Landmarks.

Consideration be given to the visual characteristics:

To avoid interrupting or obscuring Lewes Landmarks. Consider a reduction in height or stepping of built form, massing and orientation of buildings in key areas of the Parameters Plan.

Align tertiary streets to focus on the river restoring the lost visual connection with wider landscape. Seek to create new places within the masterplan for visitors to appreciate the wider landscape and its landmarks on higher ground i.e. from North Street footpath (PRoW) and new areas of public realm/ green space.

Consider aesthetic qualities arising from materials and fenestration applied to buildings overlooking the river.

Access and recreation: new bridge

Consideration be given to the outline design parameters of the new pedestrian / cycle bridge. The design and appearance will be important in views from surrounding areas, if adverse visual effects are to be avoided. Consider the implication of construction phasing strategy and its construction on the use of Malling Recreation Ground for holding public events (Designated Lewes Bonfire Site).

Where feasible, augment the existing natural screening provided by mature trees along the river, and development edge with new tree planting. This is to preserve and enhance views from high ground and the South Downs national Park 7 Special Qualities.

Consider the increase in noise and movement along the Ouse Walk/elevated belvedere on the visual amenity in views from Malling Recreation ground.

LLCA 4: Phoenix Causeway

Vegetation: TPO Trees

There are predicted visual effects arising from altering the road layout at junction of Little East Street and the Phoenix Causeway. New planting to replace trees removed covered by TPO (several of grade A with high landscape value, but not classed as ‘significant trees’ in LCCA) along the Phoenix Causeway.

New tree planting that can achieve sufficient stature would reinstate a key characteristic of the LCA F2 Floodplain seen in surrounding views. Trees planted along this section of the Phoenix Causeway depending on species may in time replace the lost tree line in views from Town Viewpoint A.

Road Alignment

Introduction of bus laybys, cycle and pedestrian movement routes will change the alignment and character along the Phoenix Causeway. Consider high quality Sussex vernacular materials and planting to enhance the existing town edge character.

LLCA 5: Lewes Conservation Area (Character Area 5.1 and 5.2: The Pells & West Street)

Vegetation: Significant Trees

The significant trees within this LLCA are protected by Conservation Area designation and form the wooded backdrop in several surrounding viewpoints. The masterplan must protect mature trees on adjacent land from construction-related impacts. Where space is limited, sheet pile should been chosen over flood embanking. While sheet pile type is potentially less than aesthetically pleasing, it prevents the removal of mature trees within this LGS. In addition, sections of flood defence could be integrated into building facades to minimise any predicted adverse visual effects.

The introduction of new the floodwall and illustrative proposals along the perimeter with Pells Pool and Pells Recreation Ground should avoid impacting on the line of ‘Significant trees’ (LCCA) along Pelham Terrace.

The ‘Significant trees’ (LCCA) enclosing St John’s Sub Castro Churchyard LCS are a key landscape feature on the edge of this LLCA. The mature trees providing the backdrop to the adjacent LLCAs and is a dominant feature in views from a distance.

The existing sensitive and historic water features within the Pells must be protected. To maintain the function of the LCA F2 floodplain these features must continue to function independently and discharge into the River Ouse by the outfall at Willey’s Bridge.

Designations: Lewes Conservation Area

A small area of Lewes Conservation Area extends into the Site from this LLCA. Within this zone key landscape and townscape features identified in LCCA must be considered within the Design Code to ensure features of interest contributing to the character and quality of the Conservation Area remain intact, relocated or protected from future construction-related impacts.

Visual characteristics

The preliminary findings from the LVIA fieldwork indicated the height of buildings may require mitigation, either by reducing the height or consideration of appropriate materials, and treatment of roof photovoltaics potentially introduced into the surrounding views.

LLCA 6: Lewes (Malling Deanery) Conservation Area

This LLCA contains Trees of visual merit, protected by Conservation Area status. Further consideration will be required to mitigate any adverse effects such as sound travelling over water and light emissions arising from the inclusion of noisy night time or daytime uses.

2.2:

5.1