Howbrook Project - LVIA

Registration no. 110225665

Landscape Visual Impact Assessment

Howbrook Project LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

Contents Page

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment–

1.

- Introduction................................................................................................................................................Page 1 2.

- Site Context...............................................................................................................................................Page 3 3.

- Proposed Development...........................................................................................................................Page 5 4.

- National, Regional and Local Polices....................................................................................................Page 6 5.

- Methodology..............................................................................................................................................Page 9 6.

- Baseline Landscape Conditions............................................................................................................Page 11 7.

- Baseline Visual Conditions.....................................................................................................................Page 17 8.

- Assessment of Landscape Impacts.......................................................................................................Page 22 9.

- Assessment of Visual Impacts................................................................................................................Page 24 10.

- Mitigation Measures.................................................................................................................................Page 28 11.

- Restoration Proposal...............................................................................................................................Page 31 12.

- Final Statement.........................................................................................................................................Page 32 13.

- References.................................................................................................................................................Page 33

2 Introduction

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

Overview: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 1.0- ‘An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a formal process that, in this context, aims to protect uncultivated land and semi-natural areas from being damaged by agricultural work, and to guard against possible negative environmental effects from the restructuring of rural land holdings.’

1.1- The aim of Environmental Impact Assessment is to protect the environment by ensuring that a local planning authority when deciding whether to grant planning permission for a project, which is likely to have significant effects on the environment, does so in the full knowledge of the likely significant effects, and takes this into account in the decision making process.

1.2- EIA was developed formally in the 1970s and has been incorporated in the procedures of governments and major development organisations world-wide. As a result it is important that people who may have any role in the design or planning of projects, or may be associated with deciding about their suitability, should be aware of EIA and how it operates in their local area.

Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) 1.3- Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is a separate but closely linked process that operates within the overall framework of EIA. It specifically aims to ensure that all possible effects of change and development both on the landscape itself and on views and visual amenity, are taken into account in decision-making.

1.4- The Landscape Institute and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (and its predecessor the Institute of Environmental Assessment) have worked together since 1995 to publish guidelines on good practice in Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment.

1.5- Structure of an LVIA -Introduction -The content is designed to help inform a broad audience about what LVIA is, why it is important, how it fits into EIA more generally and how it relates to other topics and approaches. It sets the scene by providing some of the theory and background to the subject but is not concerned with the practicalities of actually carrying out LVIA. -Methodology is the core of the practical guidelines. It sets out some fundamental principles but focuses on methods, procedures and technical issues, set out in the following Chapters for the Landscape and Visual Assessment.

-Baseline Landscape Conditions -Baseline conditions will review national landscape characters, taking a look at Landscape Character Assessments (LCA) in relevance to the key landscape features and characteristics.

-Baseline Visual Conditions -Baseline Visual conditions will review Zones of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV), frequency of receptors, and finally viewpoints.

-Assessment of Landscape Impacts -describes how the general process applies to assessing landscape impacts -Taking a look at the potential and predicted impacts -Assessment of Visual Impacts -describes how the general process applies to assessing visual impacts -Taking a look at the potential and predicted impacts, as well as ZTV and viewpoints.

-Mitigation Measures -Restoration Proposal

] -reviews ways of approaching the issue of cumulative impact in relation to landscape and visual matters

-Final Statement of Predicted Impacts -discusses approaches to presenting material about landscape and visual impact assessment in an Environmental Statement.

2

Overview 1.6- This report will consist of a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment regarding the open cast coal mine by Cobex ltd. The location is situated in Howbrook, South Yorkshire and sizes to be a 47 hectare mining operation. Over 25 hectares suggests an EIA requirement according to Town and Country Planning Regulations (1999). This document will aim to ensure that the positive/negative effects of development are taken into account in decision making, as part of the EIA procedure.

1.7- Cobex wish to extract approximately 160,000 tonnes of good quality coal and up to 15,000 tonnes of associated clays, by open cast methods at Howbrook.

1.8- A previous application by Cobex failed mainly because of concerns about impacts regarding mitigation and restoration. The South Yorkshire Community Forest has been established and this time Cobex Ltd will prepare strong outline proposals to restore the land in a way which will contribute to the objectives of the Community Forest and mitigate the adverse impacts of the coal working. Therefore, as an independent landscape consultant of Cobex Ltd, the outline proposals will fulfill the objectives of the South Yorkshire Community Forest.

Figure 1.0

iii

3 Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

Site Context

2.0- Howbrook is located a village in the county of South Yorkshire, England. It is 149 miles (239km) north west of London and in the north part of Sheffield.

2.1- Physically the site is undulating and is divided by three streams, namely Storrs Dike which forms the northern boundary, a tributary of Storrs Dike and thirdly the Howbrook itself. The land is currently used mainly for arable cropping or as permanent pasture. The site lies within the defined Green Belt and in Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council's Area of Landscape Value.

2.2- The red marker in the diagrams beside and below indicate Howbrook village within a wide scale context.

Figure 2.1 and 2.2

Map of England showing the location of South Yorkshire

Figure 2.3

3

Site Context Continued 2.3- The site is approximately 300 metres to the north east of the village of Howbrook. It is bordered by the A61 to the east, Hollinberry Lane to the south, Bromley Carr Road and Storrs Lane to the West and West Wood to the north. Coal will be extracted from 18 hectares with the remainder left for the storage of topsoil and overburden, for coal processing areas and for access.

2.4- The proposed site is also bordered by the West Wood Woodland on the north face, which is protected by the South Yorkshire Community Forest. The field boundaries are mainly comprised of hedgerows, due to tree removal and flail cutting. There are also a number of mature trees within the site.

2.5- Figure 2.4 below is a diagram displaying the site boundary for the Howbrook Project in reference to a local context.

Figure 2.4

v

4 Proposed Development

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

General 3.0- The site comprises of three distinct areas of excavation separated by the two streams. Area A, the largest, lies to the north of the unnamed stream. Area B lies between the streams and Area C lies to the south of How Brook. It is proposed to work Area C first followed by Area B and then Area A. The site will be worked in sequence starting with Area C. The coal will be lifted and taken to a processing area where it will be screened and sized prior to being dispatched off site.

Description of the Development Project 3.1- Open Cast Mining: -Open cast mining occurs where coal lies near to the surface allowing it to be extracted by removing the top layers of soil without blasting. The coal is cut out in a series of strips which are then in-filled systematically. The cuts are not of equal depth with the maximum depth being 30m.

Once the coal has been removed the top soil, sub soil and overburden can be replaced to their original positions. This is possible due to bulking out of the soil (as it is not compressed anymore) thus allowing it to fill the void.

3.2- The Developer: -Cobex Ltd is a private opencast coal operator who has been trading successfully for 12 years. They are a local company, based in Wakefield, who employ 30-40 people and have worked on several successful opencast sites in the Leeds and Wakefield area. Their clientele include National Power and Eggborough Power Station as well as industrial and domestic fuel markets.

3.3- The site: -The proposed development, shown below in Figure 3.1, is occurring approximately 300m to the North East of the village of Howbrook to the North of Sheffield and the South of Barnsley. The A61 follows the east boundary of the site and four minor roads surround the north, west and south boundaries.

Figure 3.1

5 National, Regional and Local Planning Policies

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

National Policies: National Planning Policy Framework 4.0- A government document which sets out the planning policies for England and how they should be applied, therefore the councils and locals can produce plans that comprise of sustainable development for their communities.

4.1- Section 11 paragraphs 109 to 141 ‘Conserving and enhancing the natural/historic environment’ simply provides key issues and strategic approaches for LPA’s to consider. For example, the document states that: Local planning authorities should set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development on or affecting protected wildlife or geodiversity sites or landscape areas will be judged.

4.1.1- Criteria based policies refer to as Landscape Character Assessments (LCA’s). These assessments are a good way of informing LPA’s and Government, which analyses certain areas within a regional scale according to their landscape character in order to protect and enhance these areas, taking into account various factors regarding the environment.

4.2- Section 9, paragraph 90 mentions: Certain other forms of development are also not inappropriate in Green Belt provided they preserve the openness of the Green Belt and do not conflict with the purposes of including land in Green Belt.

These are: "mineral extraction; "engineering operations ...

4.3- Section 9, paragraph 91 mentions: When located in the Green Belt, elements of many renewable energy projects will comprise inappropriate development. In such cases developers will need to demonstrate very special circumstances if projects are to proceed. Such very special circumstances may include the wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources.

4.3.1- The green belt is a policy for controlling urban growth. The idea stems from maintaining an area where agriculture, outdoor leisure and forestry can be prevailed for the foreseeable future where urbanisation will be resisted.

4.3.2- The essential aim of green belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open, and consequently the most important attribute of green belts is their openness.

4.4- Section 9, paragraph 92 states: Community forests offer valuable opportunities for improving the environment around towns, by upgrading the landscape and providing for recreation and wildlife. An improved Community Forest plan may be a material consideration in preparing development plans and in deciding planning applications. Any development proposals within Community Forests in the Green Belt should be subject to the normal policies controlling development in Green Belts.

4.4.1- Community forestry is defined by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations as ‘any situation that intimately involves local people in forestry activity’. With regard to this project, there will be conflict between South Yorkshire Community Forest group and Cobex as it will strongly affect the visual sensitivity of Westwood woodland.

5

Planning Policies Continued 4.5- Section 13, paragraph 143: In preparing Local Plans, local planning authorities should: "identify and include policies for extraction of mineral resource of local and national importance in their area, but should not identify new sites or extensions to existing sites for peat extraction "take account of the contribution that substitute or secondary and recycled materials and minerals waste would make to the supply of materials, before considering extraction of primary materials, whilst aiming to source minerals supplies indigenously "set out policies to encourage the prior extraction of minerals, where practicable and environmentally feasible, if it is necessary for non-mineral development to take place "set out environmental criteria, in line with the policies in this Framework, against which planning applications will be assessed so as to ensure that permitted operations do not have unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment or human health, including from noise, dust, visual intrusion, traffic, tip- and quarry-slope stability, differential settlement of quarry backfill, mining subsidence, increased flood applications, risk, impactslocal on the flow and quantityshould: of surface and groundwater and ‘When determining planning planning authorities migration of contamination from the site; and take into account the effects of multiple "give great weight to thesites benefits of athe mineral extraction, including to cumulative the economy impacts from individual and/or number of sites in a locality; "ensure, in granting planning permission for mineral development, that there are no unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural worked and historic environment, health or aviationtaking safety,account and take "put in place policies to ensure land is reclaimed athuman the earliest opportunity, of into account the cumulative effect of multiple impacts from individual sites and/or from a number of aviation safety, and that high quality restoration and aftercare of mineral sites takes place, including sites in a locality; for agriculture (safeguarding the long term potential of best and most versatile agricultural land and conserving soil resources), geodiversity, biodiversity, native woodland, the historic environment and recreation.

4.6- Section 13, paragraph 147: Minerals planning authorities should also: "encourage underground gas and carbon storage and associated infrastructure if local geological circumstances indicate its feasibility; "indicate any areas where coal extraction and the disposal of colliery spoil may be acceptable; "encourage capture and use of methane from coal mines in active and abandoned coalfield areas; and "provide for coal producers to extract separately, and if necessary stockpile, fireclay so that it remains available for use.

4.7- Section 13, paragraph 149: Permission should not be given for the extraction of coal unless the proposal is environmentally acceptable, or can be made so by planning conditions or obligations; or if not, it provides national, local or community benefits which clearly outweigh the likely impacts to justify the grant of planning permission.

4.8- These policies put forward a lot of information prior, during and post development, insisting that adverse affects are minimal thus achieving efficient use of restoration and mitigation. These policies focus mainly on environmental factors, which is highly important for the Howbrook site, since it is situated within Green Belt land and i protected by a Community Forest.

4.9- The NPPF is a very important document, which should be followed as it is produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) correspondingly making it an important consideration basis for environmental policies and planning.

viii

5

Planning Policies Continued

Regional Policies: 4.10- Minerals Planning Guidance 3 (MPG3) provides a policy framework for mineral planning authorities (MPAs) and the coal industry in England to ensure that the extraction of coal and disposal of colliery spoil only takes place at the best balance of community, social, environmental and economic interests, consistent with the principles of sustainable development.

Agricultural Land 35. The Government's policy, as set out in PPG7, is that within the principles of sustainable development, the best and most versatile agricultural land (defined as land in Grades 1, 2 and 3a) is a national resource for the future, and considerable weight should be attached to the protection of such land because of its special importance. However, unlike most other forms of development, land from which minerals have been extracted offers the potential for restoration of land to its former use, or to an acceptable new use. Therefore, when considering the allocation of land for minerals development, and deciding any application for planning permission affecting agricultural land, the agricultural implications must be considered together with the environmental and economic aspects.

Such considerations include whether the land should be restored to an agricultural afteruse and the standard of reclamation likely to be achieved. Restoration and aftercare conditions are intended to achieve land fit for the intended use. Where restoration to agriculture is proposed, the objective will normally be to restore the land to its previous agricultural quality, or better if reasonably practicable, in accordance with Schedule 5 to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Amenity or forestry afteruse may be an appropriate alternative to agricultural use, but where the best and most versatile agricultural land is involved the restoration and aftercare steps should enable the retention of its longer term potential as a high quality agricultural resource.

Green Belt 36. Proposals for coal extraction and spoil disposal may also arise within Green Belts. The Government's policy is set out in Planning Policy Guidance 2: Green Belts (PPG2). Applications to extract coal or deposit spoil in the Green Belt should be tested against the highest environmental standards. If permission is granted, stringent conditions should be attached to ensure the site is well operated and restored to the highest standards.

4.11- This policy states that if any development occurs on agricultural land and or on green belts, a restoration proposal should be taken into account for restoration of land to its former use or to an acceptable new use. It also ensures that adverse effects are minimal, allowing for quick restoration to the highest standards.

Local Policies: CSP 38 Minerals All minerals proposals should: • be of limited duration • have no unacceptable adverse environmental or amenity impacts • be subject to high quality and appropriate reclamation and after use within a reasonable timescale; and • result in a net increase in biodiversity and/or geodiversity interests.

4.12- This policy forms a strategic approach towards mineral resources and their extraction in Barnsley. It identifies how minerals will be safeguarded and supports the maximisation of secondary aggregates.

ix

6 Methodology

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

5.0 - The assessment has been carried out through various means of studies, ranging from desk based study and field based study: in order to verify the baseline conditions through a landscape and visual assessment, associate policies to the proposed site of Howbrook, and to finally assess the overall landscape and visual impact regarding particular areas around the site.

5.1- Desk Study 5.1.1- The documents used in order to complete the LVIA consists of: 5.1.2- Numerous policy documents: • • • •

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Barnsley Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy Barnsley Unitary Development Plan (UDP) Minerals Planning Guidance 3: Coal mining and colliery spoil disposal

5.1.3- National and Regional Character Areas: • Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Yorkshire Coalfield- NCA 38 • Yorkshire, Southern Pennine Fringe- NCA 37 • E1: West Barnsley Settled Wooded Farmland

5.1.4- Other documents/technological advances: • Google Maps • Cobex Ltd Proposal Reports • ArcGIS

5.2- Field Study -to indicate the baseline conditions, landscape character and the viewpoints • 1 site visit - which consisted of identifying Zones of Visual Influence (ZVI) - photos taken from specific locations around the site and used for ‘viewpoint’ to assess landscape and visual impacts.

- find the main receptors within and around the site

6

Methodology Continued 5.3- Study Area: Approximately 2km radius for the sites visibility -the red outline indicates the site boundary, seen in Figure 5.1

Figure 5.1

5.4- Scoping ‘Scoping is the procedure by which the key topics to be examined and the areas of likely significant effects are identified. Under the regulations proposers of schemes may ask the competent authority for a scoping opinion, to help to identify the potential effects of a scheme. The objective of scoping is to ensure that all relevant issues are addressed in the EIA...’

LVIA should include the development of landscape and visual impacts such as: • Residential Areas and villages surrounding the site • Roads commonly used that could affect the visual impact from driving • In general, the surrounding landscape character could be affected from a distance by implementing an open cast coal mining project • High viewpoints that could affect the visual outcome from the viewer • Public Footpaths- possibly affect long views around the site • Recreational activities, such as Parks and Golf Courses- could affect the overall landscape

xi

7 Baseline Landscape Conditions

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

Landscape Character Baseline 6.0- Definition of Landscape: ‘Landscape is about the relationship between people and place. It provides the setting for our day-to-day lives. The term does not mean just special or designated landscapes and it does not only apply to the countryside. Landscape can mean a small patch of urban wasteland as much as a mountain range, and an urban park as much as an expanse of lowland plain. It results from the way that different components of our environment - both natural (the influences of geology, soils, climate, flora and fauna) and cultural (the historical and current impact of land use, settlement, enclosure and other human interventions) - interact together and are perceived by us. People’s perceptions turn land into the concept of landscape’ (Swanwick, C. and Land Use Consultants (2002))

6.1- Definition of Landscape Character from the Natural England website: ‘a distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements, be it natural (soil, landform) and/or human (for example settlement and development) in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse’

6.2- Definition of Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) from the Natural England website: ‘(LCA) is a technique used to develop a consistent and comprehensive understanding of what gives England’s landscape its character.

It uses statistical analysis and application of structured landscape assessment techniques. LCAs provide more detailed descriptions and analysis at a local level within the national framework of National Character Areas.’

6.3- Natural England is a good example of an actor that uses LCA’s as an approach to inform LPA’s and Government, which analyses certain areas within a regional scale according to their landscape character in order to protect and enhance these areas, taking into account various factors regarding the environment; managing National Nature Reserves, designating National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), reducing the decline of biodiversity and licensing of protected species

7

Baseline Landscape Conditions Continued 6.4- National Character:

! # # # #

! # # # #

!

!

! # # # #

! #

! National Character Areas (NCAs) divide England into 159 distinct natural # areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, # geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural # lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a # good decision making framework for the natural environment.

! 6.5- Regional Character:

Figure 6.1 and 6.2

The region of Yorkshire and Humber consists of several areas with distinct land uses such as Sheffield and Leeds as industrial cities, juxtaposed with areas with green open landscapes bounded by green belt land: AONB’s and the peak district.

xiii

7

Baseline Landscape Conditions Continued Regional Character 6.6- Character Area 37: Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe- Howbrook is set with the areas 37 and 38 of the Natural England National Landscape Character Database as seen in Figure 6.3 and 6.4 Key characteristics: ■ A transitional landscape dissected by steep-sided valleys, dropping from the high gritstone hills in the west to lower land in the east, and thus creating an important backdrop to the many industrial towns and villages within and beyond the NCA. ■ Sandstones and gritstone beds of Millstone Grit (Namurian) age underlying smooth hills and plateaux in the west.

These are overlain in the east by beds of sandstone, siltstone and mudstone of Coal Measures age.

■ Rivers creating a deeply dissected landscape, with high plateaux cut by steepsided valleys, and fanning out in ‘fingers’ across valleys of the NCA. ■ Boundary features that change from distinctive patterns of drystone walls on the upland hills, to hedgerows becoming the predominant field boundary in the east.

■ Close conjunction between rural landscapes and the rich industrial heritage of the urban areas, including settlements associated with the textile industry, with large mills and tall chimneys, and large factories and forges associated with the iron, steel and manufacturing industries.

■ Urban development constrained within valley floors and up side slopes, with location and layout strongly influenced by the landform.

Figure 6.3

! # # # #

-Howbrook ! # #

# #

# #

# #

■ Several reservoirs contained within narrow valleys contributing a distinct character as well as providing popular places to visit.

! # #

# #

# #

# #

# #

# #

Figure 6.4 Conversion of rural buildings and development of structures, such as these turbines on Royd Moor, increase the urban feel of the landscape.

xiv

7

Baseline Conditions Continued Regional Character 6.7- Character Area 38: Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield- Howbrook is set with the areas 37 and 38 of the Natural England National Landscape Character Database as seen in Figure 6.3 and 6.4 Key Characteristics: ■ A low-lying landscape of rolling ridges with rounded sandstone escarpments and large rivers running through broad valleys, underlain by Pennine Coal Measures.

■ Local variations in landscape character reflecting variations in underlying geology.

■ Several major rivers flow through the rural and urban areas of the NCA, generally from west to east in broad valleys.

■ A mixed pattern of built-up areas, industrial land, pockets of dereliction and farmed open country.

■ Small, fragmented remnants of pre-industrial landscapes and more recent creation of semi-natural vegetation, including woodlands, river valley habitats and subsidence flashes, with field boundaries of clipped hedges or fences.

■ Many areas affected by urban fringe pressures creating fragmented landscapes, some with a dilapidated character, separated by substantial stretches of intact agricultural land in both arable and pastoral use.

■ A strong cultural identity arising from a history of coal mining, steel making and other heavy industry which resulted from the close relationship between underlying geology and resource availability, notably water power, iron ore and coal.

Figure 6.5

#

-Howbrook ! ! ! ! ! ! # # # # # #

! ! # #

! ! # #

! ! # #

! ! # #

! ! # #

! ! # #

! # #

Figure 6.6 The image above displays a mixed pattern of developed areas and farmed, open countryside, as a # representation of the character area.

xv

7

Baseline Conditions Continued

6.8- Barnsley Borough Landscape Character

Figure 6.7

Howbrook Site

Key Characteristics: • • • • • • • •

Gently rolling landform with hills and broad valleys Small, medium sized and large woodlands, mainly deciduous and some coniferous.

Substantial areas of intact agricultural land, both in arable and pastoral use Irregularly shaped small, medium sized and large fields bounded by hedgerows, stone walls fences Stone farmsteads, often with large modern outbuildings Villages and hamlets set in open countryside Large stone country houses set within designed parkland landscapes Urban encroachment visible to the east, outside the character

xvi

7

Baseline Conditions Continued

6.9- Character of the site: The site fluctuates in topography, and is split by 3 streams. The main land use is arable cropping or permanent pasture. It lies within Green Belt Land, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Area of Landscape Value and is also part of the South Yorkshire Community Forest group. See Figure 6.6 below.

KEY -Westwood Woodland -Streams -Improved Grassland -Arable Field -Unimproved Grassland -Residential -Main Road -Roads

Figure 6.8

6.10- The site covers 47 hectares, 18 hectares will be used for mining, and the rest used for soil storage, access or coal processing.

Cobex wish to extract 160,000 tonnes of coal from the Howbrook site. The total workings will take 1 year and 8 months to complete, thus making it a large development overall.

xvii

8 Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

Baseline Visual Conditions Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV)

7.0- The ZTV mapping is the desk study component of the visibility analysis. It is defined as: ‘The ZTV identifies land that, theoretically, is visually connected with the proposal and this is refined by site survey to confirm the extent of visibility’

KEY for relative visibility High (Visibility)

Low Site Area

Figure 7.1 7.1- The varying colours indicate the visibility, recorded through a method using ‘high to low’ scale, as seen in the key above. The indication represents an idea of how much you can see of the site from a certain area. See Figure 7.1.

7.2- On the other hand, ZTV does not take into account any other aspects other than landform and topography, which have an affect on the sites visibility. An example being, buildings, woodland and other elements. Therefore, ZVI should be considered as it identifies several factors regarding the visibility of the site.

8

Baseline Visual Conditions Continued Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) 7.3- A Zone of Visual Influence is ‘the area from which a development or other structure is theoretically visible.’ It is usually represented as a map using color to indicate visibility. ZVI are used to identify the parts of a landscape that will be affected by a development, allowing for obstacles such as woodland vegetation and built structures, rather than just landform and topography.

Figure 7.2 7.4- The ZVI (figure 7.2) above portrays a survey analysis of the visual influence, taking account several factors a ZTV does not require, such as woodland vegetation and built forms. Therefore showing a clearer understanding of the visual influence than a ZTV.

xix

8

Baseline Visual Conditions Continued View points 7.5- For visual amenity the aim is to establish the area in which the proposed development may be visible, the viewpoints from which it can be seen, the people who experience views at those points, and the nature of the views 7.6- The baseline for assessing visual effects should establish: the area in which the development may be visible; the viewpoints from which different groups of people may experience views of the development; and the nature and approximate or relative number of the different groups of people who will be affected by the changes in views or visual amenity.

KEY: 1- Viewpoint from Carr House Farm 2- Viewpoint from Westwood Country Park 3- Viewpoint from Hollingberry Lane 4- Viewpoint from Bromley Carr Road

Figure 7.3

xx

8

Baseline Visual Conditions Continued 7.7- Viewpoint 1: This South-East facing viewpoint identifies a high point of the site, which includes a view of open green land, protected with hedgerows in the background that make up ancient field patterns, displaying its historic importance. Furthermore, this viewpoint will be extremely sensitive to development since mounds will screen off the view directly in front of the standing point and destroy these field patterns as hedgerows.

Figure 7.4 Panorama photograph from Carr House Farm

7.8- Viewpoint 2: This soth-west facing viewpoint consists of a wide scale view of the site, due to its high elevation. However, half of the site is screened off due to vegetation, in this case, Westwood Woodland and the view includes a mix of residential plus aesthetically appealing open green agricultural land, displaying ancient field patterns of the characteristic agricultural landscape.

Panorama photograph from Westwood Country Park

Figure 7.5

xxi

8

Baseline Visual Conditions Continued 7.9- Viewpoint 3: This north-east facing viewpoint includes a wide scale visual of the site, with rural landscape in the close proximity with a fairly high viewpoint due to the topography and elevation from the standing area. The pylon in the far distance is a strong visual influence in this view creating a sense of civilization within an open green landscape/setting, thus creating a mixed balance between agricultural land and residential development.

Panorama photograph from Hollingberry Lane

Figure 7.6

7.10- Viewpoint 4: This East facing viewpoint also consists of a wide angle visual of the site with rural landscape in the close proximity. This view will be deemed extremely sensitive to development as views will be screened directly from the road into the open area, in front, thus creating a adverse impact on the landscape and visual quality once development commences.

Panorama photograph from Bromley Carr Road

Figure 7.7

xxii

9 Landscape Impacts

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

Potential impacts

8.0- During the time of development, the proposal will encounter several potential impacts upon the landscape and visual setting, damaging the character of the site most importantly, and many other factors such as:

• Landscape Character- due to its potential impact of a coal mining development, will strongly affect the landscape character and lose the green belt style/open green land status it once had before the development started.

• Topography and extraction of coal- changes in topography could potentially lead to flood risk, since the streams cant handle any more water, and affect the water table, thus destroying some habitats as some areas could be very wet or very dry.

• Vegetation- the extraction of coal could strongly affect the vegetation as hedgerows and mature trees could potentially be removed in some circumstances therefore destroying the local character and habitats in an around the site.

• Ecology and Geology- will be affected by the proposed development and affect the soil nutrients and biodiversity, thus making it difficult for mature trees, for example, to grow. Additionally, damaging the quality of the local character of the site.

• Pathways- there will be a complete loss of public footpath through the site and there will be a lot of air and noise pollution within the area due to development, plus more traffic on the roads.

9

Landscape Impacts Predicted Impacts 8.1- During the time of development, the proposal will encounter several impacts upon the landscape and visual setting, such as: • Poor air quality due to development and increase traffic - deeply impact local residents and nearby villages (Howbrook Village, High Green, Carr House Farm...) • Landscape sensitivity will be very high in this case- The overall size of the development (47 hectares and 18 of it will be used for mining, the rest used for storage or coal processing)- large mounds will reach 15m high- strongly affect the landscape and visual impact due to its original open landscape features before.

8.2- According to the potential and predicted impacts regarding the landscape, there will be a fairly high impact towards the site, which will most importantly affect the local residents in the area. Although, these impacts are not permanent, however getting rid of vegetation (mature trees and hedgerows in the area) will in addition, destroy its local character, but will be a long term affect on the landscape. In spite of this, a restoration proposal will be produced to evaluate the impacts of its landscape and visual influence, in order to restore the landscape character it once had before.

xxiv

10 Visual Impacts #

#

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

Viewpoint 1: View from Carr House Farm

Figure 9.1 Carr House Farm will be strongly affected and most sensitive to development on the site. Mounds will block the view as a visual receptor for residents and visitors. Therefore, development will have a strong negative impact on the landscape and rural setting.

After...

Figure 9.2

10

Visual Impacts Continued Viewpoint 2: Westwood Country Park

Figure 9.3 As you can see, the site is clearly visible from Westwood Country Park due to its high elevation, although Westwood Woodland creates a screen of vegetation which blocks off the excavation pits being developed on the northern part of the site. This viewpoint consists of a high magnitude of impact in terms of the visual sensitivity, damaging the green open/rural landscape the view for visitors and walkers around this area.

After...

Figure 9.4

xxvi

10

Visual Impacts Continued Viewpoint 3: View from Hollingberry Lane

Figure 9.5 As you can see, most of the site is visible due to the elevation from this particular view, although half of the site is blocked vaguely by the topsoil mounds. The visual receptors that will be affected will include local residents and visitors in vehicles along the road. Nonetheless, the rural setting and local character is still present in the closer juxtaposition as seen in the figures.

After...

Figure 9.6

xxvii

10

Visual Impacts Continued Viewpoint 4: View from Bromley Carr Road

Figure 9.7 The view from Bromley Carr Road, just down from Carr House Farm, will be strongly affected and most sensitive to development on the site. Mounds will block the view as a visual receptor for residents and visitors. Therefore, development will have a strong negative impact on the landscape and rural setting. This viewpoint is highly sensitive to development on site due to its close proximity.

After...

Figure 9.8

xxviii

11 Mitigation Measures

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

10.0- Description of Mitigation Measures: ‘Proposals for measures designed to avoid/prevent, reduce, or offset or compensate for any negative effects. Mitigation proposals may be incorporated into the project design through the iterative design and assessment process’ 10.1- ‘There is a hierarchy of mitigation suggesting the order in which mitigation measures should be considered. The ideal strategy for mitigating an adverse effect that is identified is one of avoidance or prevention. If this is not possible, alternative strategies firstly of reduction, and then, in the case of unavoidable negative effects, compensation measures to offset them should be explored’ 10.2- Mitigation is a strong method in order to reduce adverse/negative effects on a site development, taking account of visual sensitivity and landscape character.

10.3- Avoidance: 10.3.1- This is a type of mitigation measure where it requires to completely avoid the site development, and relocate somewhere else in order to allow development to happen.

10.3.2- Cobex Ltd on the other hand will not be able to succeed in this type of mitigation measure as it is required to work on this development area with its own suggested mitigation measures.

10.4- Reduction: Cobex proposed mitigation measures: 10.4.1- Phase 1: Top soil and sub soil to be stripped from all areas that will be excavated, used for access, mounding of soil and where coal will be processed. Top soil will be placed in screening mounds around the site. The top soil from field 5, which consists of rich species and high ecological value, will be stored in a separate mound that will be a maximum of 300mm deep.This will prevent the unique seed bank from being lost or damaged.

Figure 10.1

Figure 10.2

11

Mitigation Measures 10.4.2- Phase 2: The overburden mound will be removed and used to create a screening mound around the coal screening area. The outer face will be seeded to grass, in order to blend in from a distance.

Figure 10.3

Figure 10.4

10.4.3- Phase 3: Overburden mounds will have graded tops and the slopes facing Howbook and High Green Estate will be graded and seeded to grass.

10.4.4- Phase 4: Overburden mounds will have graded tops and the slopes facing Howbook and High Green Estate will be graded and seeded to grass.

10.4.5- Cobex has also established the tallest mound into the deepest part of the site, therefore reducing the impact of the visual quality from a distance.

xxx

11

Mitigation Measures 10.5- Additional mitigation measures: • Handle earth materials and runoff in a manner that minimizes the formation of acid mine drainage, prevents adding suspended solids to stream flow, and otherwise prevents water pollution.

• Vegetation should be grown on the overburden mounds in order to blend in with the green space and arable land it once was, to retain that local character.

• In terms of its visual impacts, vegetation can be used to block particular areas of the site that affect the visual quality of the site.

• Develop a site reclamation plan that addresses both interim and final reclamation requirements and that identifies vegetation, soil stabilization, and erosion reduction measures.

• Prepare a comprehensive list of all hazardous materials to be used, stored, transported, or disposed of during all phases of activity.

• Develop a stormwater management plan to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent off-site migration of contaminated stormwater or increased soil erosion.

• Notify nearby residents in advance when blasting or other noisy activities are required.

10.6- Compensation: ‘Where a negative landscape or visual effect cannot be avoided, or reduced to an acceptable degree, consideration should be given to any opportunities to offset, or compensate for such unavoidable residual effects.’

10.7- It is debatable whether full offsetting of adverse effects is possible. For example, a new area of woodland may eventually offset the loss of an existing highly valued mature woodland in visual and landscape character terms, but it is unlikely that it would compensate for the loss of established habitat or amenity value in the interim between its establishment and its full development.

10.8- an example relevant to Howbrook Site: Extend woodland vegetation to restore the originality and local character of the site it once was (green belt), in order to provide green spaces.

xxxi

12 Restoration Proposal

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

11.0- Restoration Proposal aims and objectives: • Restore the landscape it once was- open green space, existent to being part of a green belt.

• Encourage residents and workers to walk around and within the site- imposing new and larger paths and entrances.

• Enhanced environment with a mix of open agricultural views and scattered woodland enclosure.

• Retain field 5- consists of rich biodiversity and ecologically valuable.

• Create more habitats for wildlife- restore some new mature trees and wild grasses scattered around the area, especially along the streams.# • Restore hedgerows- to create a characteristic agricultural landscape of irregular ancient field patterns.

• Create open views and vistas for the local residents on site- woodland extension along the streams, not too dense, thus making it a possibility to see through and around the site.

Figure 11.1

13 Final Statement

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

12.0- Conclusively, this investigation issued by Cobex Ltd for a open cast coal mining project in Howbrook has assessed several receptors taking account the landscape and visual impacts of the site.

12.1- It is obvious that the impact would create a significant impact towards the landscape and visual sensitivity, as mentioned earlier, and therefore the Cobex Ltd proposal will consist of negative effects on the overall environmental quality and surrounding area.

12.2- Most importantly, the original characteristic agricultural landscape of irregular patterns will be lost due to development. However, the restoration plan consists of key principles for restoring the local character, therefore, if it were to be implemented the long term damaging effect will be reduced to a significant amount.

14 References

Registration number: 110225665 LSC 301- Environmental Assessment

Olaf Schroff and Cary Swanwick Lecture Series, 2013

Policy Documents: UK Government (2012). National Planning Policy Framework. London: Department for Communities and Local Government. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950.pdf Last Accessed: 25th Jan 2014 Barnsley Borough Council (2012). Barnsley Unitary Development Plan. Available at: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/media/Development%20%20Planning%20and%20Transportation/Planning%20Policy/UDP/volume2-to-13-combined.pdf Last accessed: 24th Jan 2014 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. (2011). Barnsley Local Development Framework. Core Strategy. Available at: https:// www.barnsley.gov.uk/media/Development%20-%20Planning%20and%20Transportation/Planning%20Policy/LDF/Core%20Strategy %20Submission/Adopted%20Core%20Strategy.pdf Last accessed: 24th Jan 2014 Department for Communities and Local Government (1999) MPG3: Coal mining and colliery spoil disposal. Available at: http:// www.sustainableaggregates.com/library/docs/l0157_mpg03_coal_mining_and_colliery_spoil_disposal_1999.pdf Last accessed: 29th Jan 2014

Landscape Character Maps: Natural England (2012) 38. Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield. Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/ jca38_tcm6-5073.pdf Last Accessed: 29th Jan 2014 Natural England (2012) 37. Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe. Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/jca37_tcm6-5181.pdf Last Accessed: 29th Jan 2014 Natural England (n.d.) National Character Areas map. Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/searchpage.aspx Last Accessed: 26th Jan 2014 Natural England (n.d.) Yorkshire and the Humber National Character Area map. Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/ nca/yorkshumber.aspx Last Accessed: 26th Jan 2014

Other Documents: Carys Swanwick. 2013. Guidelines for landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Third edition. Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Landscape Institute (2011). Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Third Edition Consultation Draft. Available at: http:// www.landscapeinstitute.org/PDF/Contribute/GLVIA3consultationdraftformembers.pdf Last Accessed: 28th Jan 2014