Well House Lane landscape statement by Mark Huxtable

WELL HOUSE LANE PENISTONE

Landscape statement, June 2014 - Yorkshire Land Ltd

PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT ZONE

WELL HOUSE LANE PROPOSED SITE

CONTENTS LD2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 LD7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 PEN6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 PEN10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 SG4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 SG5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 SG7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04 PROPOSALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05

Proposed sketch plan, access and mitigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06 CONTEXT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07

Planning context. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Access and connectivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Landscape character. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Aerial photographs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

LANDSCAPE STRATEGY AND CONCLUSIONS. . . . . . . . . . 26

Well House Lane landscape strategy and conclusions. . . . . . . 27 Green Belt 5 purposes comparison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Green Belt 5 purposes comparison conclusions. . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Further studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE SITES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Overview of alternative sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Landscape Architects

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Urban Designers

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Ecologists

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Horticulturists

Somerset House, Low Moor Lane, Scotton, Knaresborough, N.Yorks HG5 9JB Tel: 01423 863369 Fax: 01423 313107 Email: office@smeedenforeman.co.uk Web: w w w.smeedenforeman.co.uk 3

KEY Penistone rail station NCR Trans Pennine trail (existing) Proposed new access point

WELL HOUSE LANE PROPOSED SITE

Proposed development area Proposed employment zone

Introduction Smeeden Foreman Ltd has been commissioned to produce a landscape statement for Yorkshire Land Ltd, which sets out the landscape opportunities and constraints for housing within a site adjacent to the A629 Halifax Road and Well House Lane at the northern edge of Penistone. This document aims to provide information about the condition of the existing landscape and to indicate whether housing would be appropriate for the proposed site. 4

A landscape strategy plan has also been produced which illustrates the potential extent and nature of housing and possible landscape benefits and mitigation. This is enclosed at the back of this document. Landscape architects and ecologists have carried out a site survey on the 13.05.2014 and 30.05.14 to ascertain the local conditions and record site conditions and key views into and out of the site. An appraisal of alternative proposed allocations was also undertaken to allow a comparison with the site at Well House Lane.

Proposals Current proposals for development of the site, including access, mitigation and employment zone.

Proposed sketch plan, access and mitigation     

 

           

   

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  

 

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 

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   

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 

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  

 

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

 

 

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 

 

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

 

 

Barrett+Barrett Architects Ltd 3 Arena Park Tarn Lane Scarcroft Leeds LS17 9BF Tel: 0845 652 6560 Fax: 0845 652 6561 info@barrett+barrett.com www.barrettarchitects.com 

 

     

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 



Fig A: Proposed site plan, access, mitigation and employment zone 6

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

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

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Context The following pages outline the relevant landscape planning context of the proposed site.

Map Legend Green Belt Green Belt

Planning context

Fig1a: extract from Barnsley council’s online map showing current extent of greenbelt in the Barnsley area. (available online: https://stratus.pbondemand.eu/connect/barnsley/?mapcfg=udp)

National planning policy The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in March 2012 replacing Planning Policy Statements (PPS) and Planning Policy Guidance (PPG). Sustainable development is a target in which the environment can play a key role.

BARNSLEY

‘Contributing to protecting and enhancing 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.’ Para 7 p2 [6].

PENISTONE

The overarching emphasis on sustainable development sets out principles which Local Planning Authorities must reflect in local policy. The following paragraphs from the NPPF are most relevant to landscape and the proposed housing location’. ‘Paragraph 58 - Requiring Good Design

FIG 1B

Map Legend

Green Belt The NPPF places an emphasis on good design as a key factor to providing sustainable development. Green Belt It sets out a list of design objectives.

‘Planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that developments: will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development; establish a strong sense of place, using streetscapes and buildings to create attractive and comfortable places to live, work and visit;

0 km

4 km

8 km

PROPOSED SITE

optimise the potential of the site to accommodate development, create and sustain an appropriate mix of uses (including incorporation of green and other public space as part of developments) and support local facilities and transport networks; respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local surroundings and materials, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation; create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion; and

PENISTONE

are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate landscaping’. ‘Paragraph 80 - Green Belt Green Belt serves five purposes: • to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; • to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another; • to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; • to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and • to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land’.

Fig1b: extract from Barnsley council’s online map showing current extent of greenbelt around 0.5 km 1 km Oxspring. (available online: https://stratus.pbondemand.eu/connect/barnsley/?mapcfg=udp)

0 km

Local Green Belt context

Furthermore the DPD sets out: “The proposal in the housing section to consider Green Belt sites for Low Density Housing will be in conflict with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The justification for considering this departure from National Planning Policy is to enable implementation of our Economic Strategy...”

Core strategy was adopted by the Council in September 2011, however 9 months later a Council report to Cabinet dated the 4th July 2012 stated: “Since the adoption of the Local Development Plan (LDF) core strategy, a member led Economy Working Group supported by senior officers has been discussing key priorities for the Borough and these priorities have now been agreed by Cabinet within the Economic Strategy (2012-2033).”

“In Respect of achieving the ambitions in the Economic Strategy, the need for Low Density, High Value Housing in Green Belt may be considered as a very Special Circumstance.”

“The Core Strategy was developed between 2008 and 2010 in a very different Economic Climate to now. In terms of land use framework, the Development Sites and Places Development Plan Document (DPD) will play a major role in creating the conditions for Economic growth within the Borough and will underpin delivery of the Councils Economic Strategy.”

The proposed site is referred to specifically in The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) report for Barnsley Borough Council conducted by Peter Brett on 23/05/14 (SHLAA reference 680). In reference to the proposed site at Well House Lane, the report states that [the] ‘development would/could be seen to round off the northern sprawl of Penistone’.

The Council published the Consultation Draft DPD in July 2012. The Council affirmed, in the Consultation Draft DPD, that at this stage of the process, it had not allocated any Green Belt land for Housing Purposes; however The Council invited Landowners to: “Let us know if you have a Green Belt Site that may be suitable for low Density Housing. We will consider sites put forward.” “The Green Belt sites that will be considered most favourably for low density housing are likely to have the following characteristics: • Their Development would enable the borough to achieve the ambitions of the Economic Strategy in respect of delivering a broader housing mix • Their Development would not harm the functions of the Green Belt particularly in respect of checking unrestricted sprawl and preventing settlements merging into each other • Development of the site would result in a defensible Green Belt boundary • The site has a good relationship with a settlement, has access to facilities and is sustainable, edge of settlement is likely to be preferred • The Development represents infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed sites whether redundant or in continuing use, which would not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and the purpose of including land within the Green Belt than the existing Development • Will contribute to the viability of the settlement. The Consultation Draft DPD affirmed “Landowners will have to demonstrate that the site put forward is viable for Low Density Housing. Where a proposal for High Quality, High Value well designed, individual or Low Density dwellings is proposed in Green Belt, the need for that type of property may be considered as a very special circumstance...” 9

Local development framework core strategy policies

CSP 35 Green Space

Barnsley’s Local development framework core strategy document was adopted in September 2011 and sets out policies that outline the council’s long term vision for the region. Policies that relate to landscape are as follows:

We will work with partners to improve existing green space to meet the standards in our Green Space Strategy.

9.9 Green Infrastructure

Green space refers to any land within or close to towns and village that has or could have demonstrable value for recreation or wildlife.

The Challenge

We will only allow development proposals that result in the loss of green space where:

Maintaining and strengthening our networks of natural habitats and creating a network of Green Infrastructure assets Using Green Infrastructure to promote sustainable growth, improve health and well being and adapt to and mitigate climate change and maximise biodiversity

• an assessment shows that there is too much of that particular type of green space in the area which it serves and its loss would not affect the existing and potential green space needs of the borough; or

• Protecting the Green Belt and green space

• an appropriate replacement green space of at least an equivalent community benefit, accessibility and value is provided in the area which it serves; or

• Enhancing the appearance, character and quality of countryside and protecting it from development

• the development is for small scale facilities needed to support or improve the proper function of the green space.

• Conserving biodiversity and geological features and mitigating any impacts on them • Maximising biodiversity opportunities in and around new developments through the adoption of good design

We will assess the need for green space against the standards in our Green Space Strategy.

• Protecting what is distinctive about Barnsley’s landscape

CSP 36 Biodiversity and Geodiversity Development will be expected to conserve and enhance the biodiversity and geological features of the borough by:

CSP 33 Green Infrastructure We will protect, maintain, enhance and create an integrated network of connected and multi-functional Green Infrastructure assets that: • meets the environmental, social and economic needs of communities across the borough and the wider City Regions

• protecting and improving habitats, species, sites of ecological value and sites of geological value with particular regard to designated wildlife and geological sites of international, national and local significance, ancient woodland and species and habitats of principal importance identified in Section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and in the Barnsley Biodiversity Action Plan

• enhances the quality of life for present and future residents and visitors

• maximising biodiversity and geodiversity opportunities in and around new developments

• helps to meet the challenge of climate change

• conserving and enhancing the form, local character and distinctiveness of the river corridors of the Dearne and Dove as natural floodplains and important strategic wildlife corridors

• provides attractive environments where people want to live, work, learn, play, visit and invest

• enhances biodiversity and landscape character

Development which may harm a biodiversity or geological feature will not be permitted unless effective mitigation and/or compensatory measures can be ensured.

• improves opportunities for recreation and tourism • respects local distinctiveness and historical and cultural heritage • maximises potential economic and social benefits

CSP 37 Landscape Character

• At a strategic level Barnsley’s Green Infrastructure network includes the following corridors:

Development will be expected to retain and enhance the character and distinctiveness of the individual Landscape Character Area in which it is located (as set out in the Landscape Character Assessment of Barnsley Borough 2002).

River Dearne Valley Corridor, River Dove Valley Corridor, River Don valley Corridor, Dearne Valley Green Heart Corridor, Historic Landscape Corridor. The network of Green Infrastructure will be secured by protecting open space, creating new open spaces as part of new development, and by using developer contributions to create and improve Green Infrastructure. 10

Opportunities and Constraints The following observations are made in regards to landscape and the suitability of the site for housing.

Penistone’s town centre can be easily reached within a 12 minute walk or a 4 minute cycle. Penistone also has many facilities including high street shops, schools, sports clubs, cinema, supermarket, providing a large number of services within easy cycling or walking distance of the proposed site.

Penistone rail station

500m N

Walking route Proposed new pedestrian route

A6 29

Proposed site

PROPOSED SITE

Proposed employment zone SPORTS CENTRE & PLAYING FIELDS

walk

The proposed development represents an opportunity to create a well connected and natural extension to the northern Penistone urban area. Transport links, local services and recreational areas are all easily accessed from the site due to it’s close proximity to key cycling, walking and road routes.

KEY

SCHOOL

5m ins

Access and connectivity

le yc c ins 2m mi ns w

alk

Penistone railway station is also within easy access of the site. It is a 5 minute cycle ride or a 15 minute walk from the proposed site. From Penistone station, trains connect to:

Furthermore, the fact that the site is situated along the A629 Halifax Road to the north and close to the A628 Barnsley Road (south), enables this site to directly connect to key road routes without drawing additional traffic through existing residential areas.

• Barnsley (15mins) • Huddersfield (30mins) • Wakefield (43mins) • Sheffield (45 mins) • Leeds (60mins)

SUPERMARKET

NURSERY

PENISTONE TOWN CENTRE

Fig 2: Map showing connectivity to local services and key pedestrian and cycle routes in the area

A proposed pedestrian route will also connect the proposed site with Penistone Grammar School and the playing fields beyond (which is open to the public outside of school hours). 12

le yc c ins m 5

PENISTONE RAIL STATION PROPOSED TRANSPORT HUB

Landscape character

The site The proposed site is located on gently sloping farm land, within the northern urban area of Penistone between existing areas of urban development which stretch along the B6462 Huddersfield Road and Well house Lane.

500m N KEY River Green Wedge

PROPOSED SITE

Boundaries The site is bounded by clear and well defined features: To the north the site is bounded by the A629, to the northeast by a strong, but well hidden, railway cutting and to the east and southeast by an area of existing urban development. To the southwest and west, the site is bounded by an area of dense woodland and a ‘green wedge’ along Scout Dike, and to the northwest by an area of existing business/commercial development.

Existing urban area A6 29

Proposed site

Proposed employment zone

Existing screening features The site is well screened from the majority of views; from the east by the existing urban edge, from the northeast by the railway line vegetation and to the west, by the adjacent area of green wedge and existing commercial/business area. It is further screened from views from the west by existing areas of dense, mature woodland. The site is situated on a gently sloping valley side. The landform slopes down from the A629 towards the A628.

The adjacent landscape

Fig 2: Map showing connectivity to local services and key pedestrian and cycle routes in the area

Development of the northern side of Penistone has evolved to create a fragmented, fractured and poorly defined urban area.

development erratically spills over the roads, reaching as far as the A629 to create a convoluted and untidy urban fringe.

Adjacent to the site, north of the A628 between the B6462 and Wellhouse Lane,

‘Green wedges’ exist along the river corridors of the Don Valley and Scout Dike, converging at Water Hall Lane. The wedges 13

are distinct from the open farmland that characterises the wider landscape, with areas of woodland punctuated by open grassland. They are found along the river corridors and function as a key asset in retaining the rural character and landscape

setting of Penistone. There are currently very few clear distinctions or boundaries between urban development and Green Belt in this area of Penistone.

Viewpoints

KEY

0m 1

2 Viewpoint location

500m N

The adjacent urban edge of Penistone along Well House Lane that forms a strong eastern boundary 2

4 3

6 The A629, it’s adjacent footpath and commercial area that form a strong northern boundary to the site 5

Fig 7: Map of viewpoints

Adjacent mature woodland that forms a strong screen and western boundary 1

Steeply sloping landform and associated ‘green wedge’ vegetation forming a strong southwestern boundary

The site area as seen from the north 2

The railway hidden by the cutting and associated established vegetation forms a strong but subtle boundary to the northeast

View from the school along the B6462 overlooking the sports fields to the west of the site 14

Supermarket Town centre

Penistone Grammar School

Tennis courts and playing fields Existing urban development along Huddersfield Road

Strong ‘green wedge’ woodland strip boundary

Strong ‘green wedge’ boundary with steeply sloping landform, scout dike and fishing lake

PROPOSED SITE Strong urban edge and road boundary

Strong ‘green wedge’ woodland boundary

Existing commercial area

Strong boundary with railway cutting and established vegetation

Strong major road boundary (A628 Halifax Road)

Scout Dike Reservior (Fishing & canoeing) Proposed footpath link to school & playing fields

Playing fields

PROPOSED SITE Proposed footpath link to Well House Lane

Penistone Grammar School

GREEN WEDGE Recreation area (Fishing)

GREEN WEDGE GREEN WEDGE Public recreation area PENISTONE TOWN CENTRE

a Tr

yl wa

ns pe nn in e tr ai l PENISTONE RAILWAY STATION

PROPOSED TRANSPORT HUB

ine

Analysis of alternative sites The following observations are made in regards to landscape and the suitability of existing sites for housing in the Penistone area.

nd Site for New ALC sed new site for Advanced Centre ity Housing Allocation ensity Housing Allocation There are 7 proposed housing sites within llocationthe Penistone area; ng Allocation PEN1, PEN2, PEN5, PEN6, PEN10, LD2, LD7 Density ed LandFurther to these proposed housing sites, there are four ‘Safeguarded sites’ (allocated uarded Land the Prefix ‘SG’) these are:

Overview

SG4, SG5, SG6

PROPOSED WELL HOUSE LANE SITE

The majority of these (excepting of sites LD2 and LD7) are within 1km of Penistone.

10 00 m

This report offers analysis of the following sites:

50 0m

LD2, LD7, PEN10, PEN6, SG4, SG5, SG7. PEN5

PEN1 PENISTONE TOWN CENTRE PENISTONE RAIL STATION

ng Allocation ousing Allocation

ation

and

LD2

Site analysis â&#x20AC;˘ The proposed boundary to the west is a very weak arbitrary line with no defining features (2). The northern boundary is also weak, defined by a dirt track (3). Development of this site would result in a very weak boundary with virtually no defining features which could act as a barrier to curtail future expansion or development of this urban area.

ir t ak d

t r ac 3

ar und o b k

itrar y h e ak ar b Ver y w boundar y wit westernning features no defi

â&#x20AC;˘ Access routes to LD2 would be through a quiet residential cul-de-sac and a narrow residential lane past a pre-school and primary school. The increase of traffic through this quiet residential area would have a significant impact on the tranquility and visual and recreational amenity for residents and users along these routes.

150 m

300 m

Access would be through an existing quiet residential cul-de-sac

Very weak arbitrary boundary

Weak dirt track boundary

Proposed new site for Advanced Learning Centre Low Density Housing Allocation Low Density Housing Allocation Housing Allocation Housing Allocation Mixed Density Site analysis Safeguarded Land • Development of this site would decrease Safeguarded Land

LD7

N Wea k

b oun d ar y

unda row bo

• Development of LD7 would significantly impact on the landscape setting of an adjacent historic landmark; the 19th Century St John the Evangelist church and associated cemetery (1)

edge

3 Stro n matug existin re es g bou n tabli s h e d d a r y of tree s

Wea kh

• Hoylandswaine village is relatively isolated, with few local facilities or dedicated cycle and pedestrian connections to local and regional hubs. The nearest bus stop is approximately 10 mins walk away. Therefore residents of this site would be much more likely to rely on motor vehicles to access local and regional facilities and for daily commuting, thereby reducing the potential for this development to be sustainable in terms of accessibility to local and regional hubs.

he d g erow

the strength of this Green Belt boundary from the existing mature trees to a much weaker hedgerow along western and northern boundaries (3)

150 m 300 m A local landmark, the historic 19th Century church and cemetery sit adjacent to LD7

Weak proposed hedgerow / intermittent vegetation boundary 20

Historic setting of St John the Evangelist church and cemetary 1

Strong existing woodland strip boundary

Density Housing Allocation Low Density Housing Allocation sing Allocation Housing Allocation Mixed Density eguarded Land Safeguarded Land

PEN6

Site analysis

ak We

• The proposed site would redefine an existing strong boundary edge of mature woodland to create a poor outer boundary to development defined by a weak dry stone wall boundary to the east (3) and a very weak wire fence boundary to the south (2)

dr y s to

• The proposed development would significantly impact upon the landscape setting of the historic Cubley Hall (1), which has had a rural outlook since it was built in the 1700’s. The hall is a local feature and landmark and is well used by the local community.

ne wa ll b ou r nda y

Historic setting at Cubley Hall 1

3 2

ak we ndar y y r Ve bou ce fen

150 m

300 m

A local landmark, the Historic 18th century Cubley Hall and associated mature vegetation sits adjacent to PEN6 21

Very weak wire fence boundary to the south

Weak dry stone wall boundary to the west

ed Site for New ALC posed new site for Advanced g Centre ensity Housing Allocation w Density Housing Allocation g Allocation using Allocation Site analysis ed Density • The new Green Belt boundary of this arded Land proposed site is weak. A hawthorn eguarded Land

PEN10

un da

hedge would create the southwestern boundary (2) and a single lane dirt track, the northwestern boundary (1). There are no existing significant structures, natural or man made that could perform well as a strong, defensible and enduring redefined boundary for the Green Belt

bo ck tr a ir t kd W ea

t uie q gh e t ou stre r h l s t ia e s de nt c Ac resi 3

k he ow er dg bo da un ry

• The landscape character to the west of the site is of high quality. It is characterised by quiet, tranquil, narrow roads flanked by dry stone walls with open views punctuated by stands of mature trees (4). Development beyond the existing urban edge is characterised by isolated cottages and farmsteads

ea W

• Access from the east of PEN10 would be through a quiet, tranquil residential street (3). The increase of traffic through this quiet residential area would have a significant impact on the tranquility and visual and recreational amenity for residents and users along these routes.

Development of PEN10 and the associated increase in traffic to and from from the west would significantly impact on the quality and quiet rural character of this local landscape. Increased traffic along quiet and narrow country lanes with no adjacent footpaths would also significantly impact on the tranquility and visual and recreational amenity for residents and users along these routes

d roa lity a g u q n lo high ha rough ndscape t h t a s s p t 4 Acce en rural la foo o op N

150 dirt m track boundary 300 m Weak

Weak hedgerow boundary

Access through narrow, quiet residential street

Access along narrow lane with no footpath, through open, scenic, tranquil countryside with strong landscape character

Proposed new site for Advanced Learning Centre Low Density Housing Allocation Low Density Housing Allocation Housing Allocation Housing Allocation Density Site Mixed analysis Safeguarded Land • Although the boundary to the south is a Safeguarded Land

SG4

l ra ru w, d ro oa ar y r r n d ar no u n M i bo

strong woodland edge, helping to screen views from the south, the western edge consists of a narrow line of broken, intermittent vegetation along a field boundary (1). Therefore development of this site would result in a weak western edge to the Green Belt in this area

ce en r y f k a ea nd W b ou

• Access to this site would be along a narrow lane which connects to a rural area of significant character to the south and adjacent to an area of residential to the south. This road has no pedestrian route along the southern half of the eastern boundary (2)

th d pa oa ot r fo to o nt N ace j ad

t en it t ar y rm nd n te ou ki nb e a io W getat ve

• The cumulative effect of this proposed development (SG4) and adjacent development (SG 5) would further exacerbate the traffic volume and impact upon the tranquility and visual and recreational amenity for local residents and users of this area.

nd rip ay t s land dar o od d b o u n w g a n Stro inor ro m

0m 150 m 300 m Weak western boundary of broken and intermittent vegetation

No footpath along eastern boundary road

C Advanced

cation Allocation

SG5 Site analysis Wea k wall dr y sto b ou n ne d ar y

• Although the northeast of this site is flanked by a strong boundary (railway) and the south by a minor, rural road, the remainder of the proposed boundaries to this site are unclear and defined by a combination of very weak arbitrary and weak dry stone wall boundaries (1) • The landscape character of this side of Penistone is of high quality. It is characterised by quiet, tranquil, narrow roads flanked by dry stone walls with open views punctuated by stands of mature trees (2). Development beyond the existing urban edge is characterised by isolated cottages and farmsteads

Weak intermitte n vegetation t boundar y

th d pa oa ot r fo to o nt N ace j ad

Development of SG5 and the associated increase in traffic would significantly impact on the quality and quiet rural character of this local landscape. Increased traffic along quiet and narrow country lanes with no adjacent footpaths would also significantly impact on the tranquility and visual and recreational amenity for residents and users along these routes • The cumulative effect of this proposed development (SG5) and adjacent development (SG4) would further exacerbate the traffic volume and impact upon the tranquility and visual and recreational amenity for local residents and users of this area.

150 m

M in bo or n un a r 2 1 da ro ry w, ro ru ad ra l

N ng r oad

b ou

nda r

W w a e ak ll b d r y ou s t nd on ar e y

Stro

k ea y w r r y itr a ar y e b V r nd a ou b

y dr all k ea w y W one ndar s t ou b

300 m Weak dry stone wall with very weak arbitrary boundary

No footpath along rural southwestern boundary road with strong, open landscape character and views

Proposed Site for New ALC Proposed new site for Advanced Learning Centre Low Density Housing Allocation Low Density Housing Allocation Housing Allocation Allocation SiteHousing analysis Mixed Density â&#x20AC;˘ The Green Land Belt currently has a strong and Safeguarded well defined edge to the adjacent residential Safeguarded Land

SG7

S to tron ex g w is t o i ng od de land ve lo p e d g me e nt

area to the west of the site. This is defined by a well established belt of woodland which also provides a setting for a footpath and screening for the development (2)

The proposed boundary would be along a weak existing field boundary line sparsely marked by occasional trees and shrubs. There are also some dry stone wall remnants (3)

Acc es res s rou ide te t ntia hro l cu u g h l - de qu 1 -sa iet c

Development of the SG7 site would result in an extremely weak and irregular boundary to the Greenbelt with very few defining features which might act as a barrier to curtail future expansion or development of this urban area â&#x20AC;˘ Access to SG7 would be through a quiet, tranquil residential cul-de-sac (1). The increase of traffic through this quiet residential area would have a significant impact on the tranquility and visual and recreational amenity for residents and users along this route.

Ve ry of wea re spar k an mn se d an , oc irre t s c a gu of sio lar dr na p y s l v ro to e g p o ne eta sed wa tio ed ll a n w ge nd it co w i h b n si re ro sti fen ken ng ce

0Access m would be through 150 man existing quiet 300 m residential cul-de-sac

Strong existing boundary to Green Belt comprising of established woodland strip and footpath.

Weak proposed boundary comprising of wire fence, fragments of dry stone wall with sparse, occasional vegetation.

Landscape strategy and conclusions The following pages demonstrate the landscape strategy and conclusions for the proposed site at Well House Lane and offer analysis, comparisons and conclusions for all proposed sites against the 5 Green Belt purposes. Recommendations for further studies follow at the end of the document.

Well House Lane Landscape strategy and conclusions

KEY Proposed Intermittent vegetation

PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT ZONE

The site is discreet within a gently sloping valley. The proposed site would help to unify the currently untidy and convoluted urban edge to the north of Penistone by redefining the urban edge to strong, logical and enduring boundaries.

Proposed buffer strips and woodland planting will add and connect to the matrix of woodland in the area, helping strengthening the existing adjacent woodland habitat areas. The site would also help safeguard and define a permanent boundary to the ‘green wedge’, one of two which run through the northern part of Penistone which forms a key feature of the landscape setting to the town.

Existing dense vegetation Proposed pedestrian link

Vehicular access point

Green buffer with planting of intermittent groups of trees and shrubs to help soften and integrate the development into the adjacent landscape

Mitigation and restoration

Ecology and green infrastructure

Existing Intermittent vegetation

PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL SITE

Planting proposals would also help to further integrate the development within the landscape and dense planting along the A629 boundary would filter views from the few receptors that exist to the north. While the initial sketch plan on p.6 has some provision for mitigation, proposals could be further enhanced by introducing additional planting to the southeastern, southern and western boundaries (as shown in the landscape strategy plan, (right). This would provide opportunities to soften and integrate the development within the local landscape and also provide a buffer to the existing urban edge to the west. In addition, derelict or damaged dry stone walls around the site boundary could be repaired and restored, helping to further enhance the local landscape character.

Proposed dense vegetation

Dense planting of trees and shrubs to help blend the development into the landscape and filter views to and from the north and northwest

Landscape character

NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

To playing fields

PENISTONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Above: Landscape strategy plan

Transport and local services

Leisure and recreation

The development is within easy reach of local services and transport links (3mins cycle or 10mins walk to Penistone town centre and 5 mins cycle or 15 mins walk to the train station). Furthermore it has good connections to local footpaths and the nearby Transpennine Trail. The proposed footpath connection would link the proposed site with the school and playing fields to the west.

Residents of the proposed development would benefit from a new pedestrian route that would link the site to Penistone Grammar School and the playing fields beyond. The site is within 5 minutes walk (southeast) of the large public open space adjacent to Water Hall Lane, one of the ‘green wedges’ that provide a visual and recreational amenity on the northern side of Penistone. The site also

has good connections to adjacent walking trails and Transpennine routes that would enable residents to access the surrounding countryside with ease.

Settlement pattern The proposed site sits within two existing areas of existing urban development and, as such is a more modest incursion into an area of open countryside compared to other sites that are proposed for the Penistone area.

Green Belt 5 purposes comparison SITE

1. Checks the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas?

2. Prevents 3. Assists in safeguarding the countryside from 4. Preserves the setting and special character of neighbouring encroachment? historic towns? towns merging into one another?

WELL HOUSE LANE (Proposed site)

YES - Decreases potential for sprawl, being contained within well defined, strong boundaries

YES - Does not encroach on any neighbouring settlements

YES - Due to strong physical boundaries, this site is a natural end to development in this area. This site safeguards one of the ‘green wedges’ within northern Penistone’s urban area. This site is well screened by vegetation and urban development, and the sloping nature of the existing landform. Planting proposals will further integrate to the site in to the surrounding landscape

YES - Unifies a currently untidy and convoluted urban edge to create a unified and logical edge to Penistone. The proposed development safeguards one of two ‘green wedges’, a key asset in retaining the rural character and landscape setting of the town. Also includes the restoration and repair of dry stone boundary walls. Direct entry/exit points to the A628 ensures traffic is not forced unnecessarily through quiet residential areas or narrow lanes through tranquil, scenic countryside

YES - Provides partial assistance to transform the derelict land adjacent to Penistone station into a new transport hub for the town through funds generated from the development of this site

LD2

NO - Increases potential for sprawl with weak and arbitrary boundaries

YES - Does not encroach on any neighbouring settlements

NO - Increases potential for encroachment due to poorly defined, arbitrary boundaries and lack of provision for mitigation

NO - No evidence to support this purpose. Furthermore, the increased traffic through quiet, tranquil residential areas this development brings will detract from the tranquility and visual and recreational amenity of local residents