Howbrook LVIA

Name: Thi Bich Tho Nguyen Student number: 150145497

LVIA

HOWBROOK COAL MINING LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

CONTENTS

Pages

1. Introduction 1.1 Site Context 1.2 Assessment Methodologies a. Introduction b.

The Study Area c.

Data sources d. Consultation e.

Field Survey Methodology f.

Computer Modelling

2 3

2. Howbrook Open Cast Development Proposals

4 4 4 4 5 5

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5

About Open Cast Mining About the developer The Site and Site Layouts Construction and Development Phrases Restoration

6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4

Scoping Zone of Theoretical VIsibility (ZTV) Receptors of visual effects Viewpoints and views

7.1 Predicting and Describing Visual Effects 7.2 Terminology of Visual Effects 7.3 Assessing the Significant of Visual Effects

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8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4

Purpose of mitigation Avoidance Reductions Compensation

9.1 Aim of Restoration 9.2 Outline Proposal

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4.8 Cultural Heritage

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13 13 14

5. Landscape Impact Assessment Predicting and Describing Landscape Effects Terminology of Landscape Effects Assessing the Significant of Landscape Effects Assessing the Significant of Visual Effects

38 38 38 38

9. Restoration

10. Conclusion 11. References

4.1 Scoping 4.2 Landscape Condition 4.3 Landscape Character Assessment 4.4 National Character a.

National Character Area 37:Yorkshire Southern Pennie Fringe (NE490) b.

National Character Area 38: Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield (NE402).

4.5 Regional Character E1: West Barnsley Settled Wooded Farmland 4.6 Local Character 4.7 Historical Character a.

Region Historic Character b.

Barnsley Historic Character

34 34 36

8. Mitigation

4. Landscape Baseline

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

20 20 20 22 26

7. Visual Impact Assessment

3. Policy Context 3.1 National Planning Policy Framework a.

Protecting Green Belt Land b.

Issues related to Natural Environment c.

Mineral Extraction related to Environment Criteria 3.2 Barnsley Unitary Development Plan 3.3 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council a.

Local Character b. Mineral 3.4 The Yorkshire and Humber Plan a.

Environment quality b.

Green Belts

6. Visual Baseline

15 16 18

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39 39 40 40

1. Introduction 1.1 Site Context Within wider context The proposed development project is located in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, falling within Dodworth Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley. The project is about approximately 300m to the North East of the village WORSBROUGH of Howbrook to the North of Sheffield and the South of Barnsley.

Silkstone Common

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tho nguyen University of Sheffield

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(Syltp, 2018) Within local context Towards the east, the project area is bounded by the major trunk road A61, connecting North and South Yorkshire, Barnsley and Sheffield City Region. Also, the boundary of the site is surrounded by minor roads such as Bromley Carr Rd, Carr Head Rd at the west side, Hollinberry Ln at the south side. A quite closed distance, the main road A616 bounds the site at further north side.

Apart from this, near the fringe of the boundary towards the east is a High Green residential area and mature woodland West Wood Country Park, which dedicates the area ling within green belt. Also, the site falls within the designated for the South Yorkshire Forest as it is bounded by the Wharncliffe Side and Gren Woods to the south. The area is mainly open agricultural land which is currently used as an arable 1 cropping or pasture.

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Projection: British National Grid Blackburn Brook

1.2. Assessment Methodology a. Introduction Landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA) will examine the effects of the development on: • The landscape resource which are caused by the changes of elements and features in the landscape • Visual amenity of potential viewers Landscape and visual assessment are separate even though their assessment processes are similar to each other. Landscape elements and character are considered important because they make up the landscape distinctive. Also, impacts on visual amenity are perceived by people.

The section will set out the methodology in alignment with the practice guidance of Landscape Institute in Third Edition and Second Edition about Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2013 and 2002). b.

The Study Area The identification of the study is almost referred on the information in Developers Description, twice site survey. The study area will be assessed within the 10km radius from the centre of the site. c.

Data sources The following data sources have been used to outline the baseline date: • Ordnance Survey Explorer 1:25000 map • Aerial Photography • National Planning Policy Framework • Field surveys • Computer generated Zones of Theoretical Visibility • Computer modelled wireline images and photomontages • National Character Assessment • Regional Character Assessment • Historical Landscape Character Assessment • Panorama photography d. Consultation The viewpoints and baseline report are in consideration of: • Department of Landscape Architecture of University of Sheffield e.

Field Survey Methodology It was carried out on October 26th and November 23rd, 2017 at different points inside and outside the boundary of the site. Photographs and field notes were used to record the information on site. f.

Computer Modelling Method for Creating Zones of Theoretical Visibility The ZTV is recommended to clearly show the landform of the area which the proposal may theoretically visible.

It was conducted by Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software.

Method for Creating Visualisations Conducted by digital software, visualisations help the observer’s view to partly see the proposed development. As mentioned in Scottish Natural Heritage’s guidance (2006) “visualisation, whether they are hand drawn sketches, photographs or photomontages will never appear ‘true to life’. Rather they are merely tools to inform an assessment of impacts, and like any tool, their application requires careful use”.

The photomontage will be the collage of existing viewpoints and proposed elements and new landscape features added.The advantage of this is “to illustrate the development within the ‘real’ landscape and from known viewpoints” (Landscape Institute, 2002). Followed the guidance, this could be precise locations and dimensions of the development Defining the Baseline and Visual Baseline Landscape Baseline • Landscape character • Landscape value

1:25000 © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

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HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

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tho nguyen University of Sheffield

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Visual Baseline Examining the key visual receptors of the viewpoints to identify in which location, which groups of people might be affected by the development

2. Howbrook Open Cast Development Proposals 2.1 About Open Cast Mining Open Cast mining is a method to extract resources on the earth when they are lying closet to the surface.

In turn, they allow to get extracted by removing topsoil and subsoil without blasting on the surface.There are series of strips on the ground with range of different depth, but maximum is 30m. When the coal will be extracted, the soil and overburden can be filled back to their original positions.

2.2 About the developer Cobex Ltd is a local company and have been successfully in trading for 12 years.They have already worked on many different coal mining projects in Leeds and Wakefield.

2.3 The Site and Site Layout The site is 47ha but 18ha used for coal mining. The rest of it would be used for soil storage or stay unchanged. The company will extract 160,000 tonnes of coal and 15,000 tonnes of associated clays. It would take 1 year 8 months in total for all of the development phases.

Coal processing area

2.4 Construction Development Phases The excavated area will be divided into three. Area lies to the north of the un-named stream, area B falls between the streams and area C lies to the south of Howbrook. However, area C will be cut first, followed by area B and C. Site preparation Phase 1: 2 months Removing topsoil and subsoil from all the areas before being excavated. The topsoil will be removed to screening mounds, and the rich species grassland also will be stored in different mounds to prevent loss of unique seed banks.

Phase 2: 8 weeks Area C will begin getting excavated, and the overburden will be removed for screening the coal processing area. Coal will be lifted and transported to the processing area, off to the market Phase 3: 24 weeks Area B will be cut next. Overburden will be used to backfill area C above. Coal will be lifted and transported to the processing area, off to the market Phase 4: 40 weeks, 10 weeks to backfill the final void Area A is a last area cut. Overburden will be used to backfill area B. Coal will be lifted and transported to the processing area, off to the market

Fill Topsoil mound Subsoil mound Overburden Mound Topsoil removed

Phase 1

Phase 3

(Mole, 2017) 4 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Phase 2

Phase 4

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Decommission When all the voids have been excavated, remaining overburden used to place to the original contours of the site.

The temporary offices and coal processing area will be dismantled.

Restoration Replacement of soils in sequence Proposed golf course

3. Policy contexts 3.1. National Planning Policy Framework 2012 a.

Protecting Green Belt Land The main land of the project area is defined in designated green belt. Hence, all the actions will take will be influenced by this policy guidance. This is applied to coal mining project to keep the land permanently open because of the key characteristics of green belt are the openness and their permanence.

One of purposes of green belt related to the area is • To protect the historic features and unique characteristics of area Hence, at the meanwhile, all the development must keep the landscape character of the site in general Should consider delicately local authorities do to maximise the beneficial uses of Green Belt such as providing access, opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation for users in order to preserve and enhance the landscape as well as biodiversity and visual amenity, or to enhance the derelict and destructed land. Especially, in the Howbroook project, these actions should be accomplished throughout mitigation or restoration steps.

The local authorities should consider significantly weight of any harm to the Green Belt. Should the potential harm to the Green Belt be considered outweigh than other issues even in “very special circumstances”.

Besides, the Community Forests mentioned in the guidance are very beneficial for the environment surrounding towns with the opportunities to enhance the landscape for wildlife and recreation…, “an approved Community Forest plan maybe a material consideration in preparing development plans and in deciding planning applications”. Therefore, the restoration and mitigation parts of the development should base on the contribution of the role of Community Forest and its planning.

Magic Map

Legend Green Belt (England)

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(MAGIC, 2018) The map indicates the Green Belt land in South Yorkshire Region Local Government Yorkshire and Humber (2005) HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Projection = O SGB36 xmin = 416100 0 1.5 3 ymin = 392800 xmax = 448200 km ymax = 408400 Map produced by MAGIC on 18 January, 2018.

Copyright resides with the data suppliers and the map must not be reproduced without their permission. Some information in MAGIC is a snapshot of the information that is being maintained or continually updated by the originating organisation. Please refer to the metadata for details as information may be illustrative or representative rather than definitive at this stage.

The map shows the Green Belt area inside Barnsley Borough

b.

Issues related to Natural Environment “protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, geological conservation interests and soils” “minimizing impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible” “preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being put at unacceptable risk from, or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, water or noise pollution or land instability” These policies in general in assist eliminating the impacts on landscape and biodiversity in particular such as: “identify and map components of the local ecological networks, including the hierarchy of international, national and locally designated sites of importance for biodiversity, wildlife corridors and stepping stones that connect them and areas identified by local partnerships for habitat restoration or creation” Consequently, local authority should apply these following principles when determining the application.

For example, if the dramatic harm caused by coal development cannot be avoided by already locating to alternative site with less harmful impacts, mitigated or compensated. Also, if there would be loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats including ancient woodland, aged trees. In turn, there should not be planning permission for this unless the benefits are clearly outweighed the loss. c.

Mineral Extraction related to Environment Criteria “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 risk, impacts on the flow and quantity of surface and groundwater and migration of contamination from the site; and take into account the cumulative effects of multiple impacts from individual sites and/or a number of sites in a locality;” This policy would appropriately apply for the site development which raises the important concern of possibly adverse impact on the environment in the future by listings the issues caused by the mineral extraction phases such as operation, coal excavation. Due to the cumulative effects, not only for the environment itself but also correlated to human health living in the residential area near Howbrook and Howbrook itself. Therefore, environment policies should accompany with the development framework. “when developing noise limits, recognize that some noisy short-term activities, which may otherwise be regarded as unacceptable, are unavoidable to facilitate minerals extraction”.

Because of the presence of supporting extracting features and material transporting traffic, noise would be an avoidable issue occurring during the working period.

There should not be permission for the coal extraction until there would be acceptable environmental proposals or planning conditions. Preferentially, the likely impacts have to be less outweigh than benefits of nation, local and community.

3.2 Barnsley Unitary Development Plan (2000) Mineral Extraction related to Environment Issues and Industrial and Commercial activities.

Because of being located in Yorkshire Coalfield, the Coal Measure beds are reserving potential source of coals, shales, clays, but there is increasing interest in working shallow coal by opencast methods. The regeneration and environment issues have increasingly become prominent issues.

“When either previously unworked minerals are worked, or surface deposits are reworked, the process of extraction can create locally serious environmental effects as a result of visual blight, traffic, noise, dust or occasionally blasting. This is particularly important where proposals are close to housing, in sensitive rural areas, where nature conservation interests may be affected”. However, good location with careful design of extraction operation could mitigate the potential environmental damage.

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Employee immigration to the area makes the place become more industrialized and commercialized. Also, creation of new facilities and land reclamation will take place when environmental effects on the local communities controlled to an acceptable level. Local community and local consultation are always aware of any raised issues during and after operations.

Policy M4 has mentioned that: Applications to mine coal by opencast methods “will be considered in terms of their cumulative environmental impacts in conjunction with other sites”.This planning proposals would be refused if it would result in an unacceptably long period of environmental disruption and loss of amenity”.

Environment (Policy M9) The acceptability of working proposal will be examined with these criteria: • “The effect on local amenity (based on assessment of visual impact, dust, fumes, noise and other potential disturbance) taking into account screening and other protective measures which are available • The likely duration of the working • The proposed restoration of the site and its final use, appearance and landform • The effects on any area of borough landscape value • The effect on water resources, including pollution and possible disturbance to surface drainage and groundwater levels.”

With policy M9A, the proposal has to be adequately based on geology information and detailed prospecting information with “strict environment controls on the siting, design, operation and restoration of mineral workings”. This policy will be applied for every application for mineral working permitted.

Policy M9C set out these criteria during working phases: • “Adequate screening and other protective measures to be maintained where possible during the operations • Layout of operational areas of the site and direction of working should take into account the best environmental option • Measures to prevent the deposit of mud, dust and other materials on the public highway • Measures to provide for the protection of surface and subsurface water courses and the provision of the temporary and permanent drainage” Applied on Howbrook project, because the site is quite closed to the high main way, development should take into account that during transportation, the dust, mud from the trucks might spread on the ground during transferring them from this field to another. Additionally, the water treatment places during site preparation would affect the drainage system of the whole area.

Policy M9G shows the importance of planning permission when removing any important trees, hedges and woodland that “planning permission for mineral working will not normally be granted where it is proposed to remove significant trees or hedges, and woodland of amenity, landscape, nature conservation or screening value”.The policy would likely to remind the Cobex Ltd to maintain the environment during working and also to screening the working.

3.3 Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (2011) a.

Local Character CSP 29 Design referred to all high-quality development to respect and preserve the distinctive character of Barnsley including: • “topography, Green Infrastructure assets, important habitats, woodlands and other natural features • views and vistas to key buildings, landmarks, skylines and gateways • heritage, townscape and landscape character including the scale, layout, building styles and materials of the built form particularly in and around:  Barnsley Town Centre  Penistone and the rural villages in the west of the borough, 8  within and adjacent to Conservation Areas” 8

HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

This policy applied to the site because of the temporarily lost of field pattern and landform receptors once the topsoils and subsoils would be dug out of the geology. Therefore, the development should have to • “contribute to place making and be of a high quality, that contributes to a healthy, safe and sustainable environment • help to transform the character of physical environments that have become run down and are lacking in distinctiveness • enable all people to gain access safely and conveniently, providing, in particular, for the needs of families and children, and of disabled people and older people • contribute towards creating attractive, sustainable and successful neighborhoods” This type of development partially reflects the character of areas which lying on coalfield measure, and it increases the ownership of people around there. Also, this development helps to strengthen the distinctive identity of the site b. Mineral CSP 38 suggested that the mineral proposal should always result in an increase in biodiversity and/ or geodiversity interests as well as high quality of suitable reclamation and afteruse with appropriate timescale.

3.4 The Yorkshire and Humber Plan (2005) a.

Environment quality Extracting from Policy SY1, these following points about biodiversity and landscape characters are likely appropriate to the current site: • “Develop and enhance woodland planting in line with South Yorkshire Forest Plan • Minimise development likely to exacerbate air quality in the A1/M1 corridor • …. enhancing the environment of former coalfield settlements • …ensuring compensatory sites for biodiversity and species migration, especially in the South Pennies…

• Safeguard and harness industrial heritage • Protect and enhance the biodiversity and landscape character of the Southern Pennie Fringe, … and Coalfield landscape character areas • Maintain the strategic extent of the South Yorkshire Green Belt” b.

Green Belts Policy YH9 mentioned that Green Belts take a valuable part in urban renaissance as well as preserve the countryside, that is why their general extent should not be changed.

4. Landscape Baseline

The landscape baseline studies require a combination between desk study and field survey to deeply understand the wider landscape context and settings as well as their landscape’s characters which are contributed by a wide range of elements, features and aesthetic factors. Furthermore, it copes with the value of the landscape itself (Landscape Institute, 2013).

4.1 Scoping “What range of effects need to be considered?”

The assessment of landscape effects will cope with the wide range effects of changes as well as the development on the landscape as a resource. Therefore, the project proposal should take into account that how it might influence the elements or aesthetic aspects of the landscape and landscape distinctive characters. Moreover, the proposal will address the effects during different phases of development such as construction period and the operation period Hence, scoping in this report will clarify the spectrum of possible effects in detail during the assessment process.

“What study area needs to be covered?”

Scoping in this report would identify the area of landscape itself considered as a result of changes and the full extent of wider landscape around it. This could be based on the extent of landscape character areas that would be affected, the Zone of Theoretical Visibility or the combination of those two.

9 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Yorkshire and the Humber in National Character map 4.2 Landscape conditions The condition of the landscape is known as the state of individual area of landscape. Base on the current site, there is a maintenance of hedgerows, open farm land with high locally value. It is truly said that the species and field layers are in poor condition. Hence, the assessment will consider the scope for future development that assist for the restoration and enhancement of landscape (Landscape Institute, 2002).

4.3 Landscape Character Assessment Landscape Character Assessment is the general character of the landscape in the study area, is the combination between elements, aesthetic and perceptual aspects which create the distinctiveness for the area (Landscape Institute, 2013).

According to Natural England (2014), Landscape Character is defined as pattern of elements or characteristics which area unique, recognisable and distinct with other landscape “rather than better or worse”. Consequently, Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is the entire process of verifying the variation in the key characteristics of that landscape. “It seeks to identify and explain the unique combination of elements and features (characteristics) that make landscapes distinctive.

These following elements that make up the landscape in the study area will be examined such as physical influences: soils, landform, and geology; types of vegetation and patterns; types of trees; human activity influences: land use and management, patterns and types of fields, etc. (Landscape Institute, 2014).

The information will follow the hierarchy from National Character to Regional and Local Character.

4.4 National Character Base on the National Character Area Profile, the proposed site drops fairly between NCA 37 and NCA 38 which are alternatively Yorkshire Southern Pennie Fringe (NE490) and Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield (NE402). a.

National Character Area 37: Yorkshire Southern Pennie Fringe (NE490) _ Landform, geology: + Transition from the Pennie uplands to the west to the lower and undulating landscape of the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield to the east. + The upland plateau has been deeply dissected by numbers of steep-sided valley _ Settlement: The predominant merge of ‘gritstone’ industrial towns and local sandstone villages which locate on the strong valley forms and have the pastoral agriculture of the Pennie foothills. These settlements create a sense of unity in the landscape for the area. + There are numerous small hamlets and scattered farmsteads which create a more remote character of the area. + The transport routes and the factories or towns locate in a linear form to the bottoms and slopes of valley. These confined landscapes create an interplay views between the hillsides and the settlements. + The network of roads, railways and canals with pylon lines overhead created the communication mast in the urban development. _ Types of trees and vegetation: on the higher ground of hill plateaux, the characters are defined by most of treeless rough grazing with large area of remnant moorland and extensive enclosed pasture. The broadleaved woodland in the steep side of the winding valley forms the backdrop of the industrial towns _ Filed patterns: The regular rectangular fields are defined by dry stone walls _ Land use: predominantly pastoral farming (Natural England, 2014)

(Natural England, 2013)

The map shows Area 37, 38 in Yorkshire and the Humber Natural England, (2014)

(Natural England, 2013) 10 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

11 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

b.

National Character Area 38: Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield (NE402). _ Landform, geology: Most of area landscape are defined by broad valleys, escarpments and hills. The shallow Coal Measures bedrock is underlying the area and the Peak District has bounded the landscape. + The banding of dry sandstone and wet shales has characterised the landform.These forms the undulating waves for the landform. _ Settlements and buildings: + Post-industrial towns and cities with villages are the main settlements in the area. Since industrial revolution, diverse types of industry, transport networks and housing were expanded. As a result, the development in the area is now the combination of commercially modern and industrial dereliction as well as rural and urban area. + However, many rural areas near the main towns neglected are the main problem of urban fringe, drive it to a fragmented and down-graded landscape. _ Land use: + is the dominant of enclosure and pre-industrial landscape. At the meanwhile, many renewal land projects have been risen along the river valleys. + The diverse mosaic of land use witnesses the development of manufacturing, light industry as well as commercial and retail development along the main road corridor. + Extensive networks of major roads provide transport links for through the nation such as M1, M62 and the main railways. _ Vegetation types: Semi-natural habitats such as woodland and river valley habitats are the significantly scattered and fragmented. The green broadleaved woodlands form the backdrops for the uncoordinated development. _ There are subsidence flashes and lagoons has valued the wildlife habitats, but they are often visible from surrounded mines and industrial works. => The urban settlements in the edge are normally hard, and the housing are difficult to recognise in the far away distance. The tree cover is distributed sparsely and hedges in cut low and poorly maintained condition. (Natural England, 2014)

4.5 Regional Character: E1 West Barnsley Settled Wooded Farmland In terms of regional scale, the area is categorised in the E1 West Barnsley Settled Wooded Farmland. _ Landform, geology: The main characters are rolling landform, hilly, broad valleys and intact farmland interspersed with woodland. The region underlying by Middle Coal Measure and Lower Coal Measure have weather and eroded at different rates, giving the rolling landform for the area. _ The land is slightly higher on the west side and fall towards the east side. _ Land use: dominant by three main patterns such as agriculture, woodland and residential. Agriculture is a combination between livestock and arable farming. _ Filed patterns: irregular shape ranges from small to medium sized, mainly large which are bounded by well-maintained hawthorn hedgerows and stone walls. The field patterns are mixed and variable. _ Vegetation: are mainly deciduous, but there are also mixed of deciduous and coniferous trees. The woodland spread from steeper and lower valley sides of the streams. _ Settlements: small scale of houses, hamlets, villages and farmsteads are scattered. The E1 region is increasingly suburbanised; however, the villages with stone church with as a landmark in the landscape _ Network of main roads: M1 and A629 are running along the east to west boundary has linked the settlements of the area. Also, the Woodhead railway is crossing the character area from the east side to west (Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, 2002)

4.6 Local Character _ Landform: The site itself is following the undulating landform and divided into three streams, How Brook itself, unnamed tributary of Storr Dike and Storr Dike which shapes the northern boundary for the site. Because of the close distance to Peak District National Park, the whole landscape character of the site has partly reflected the landscape character of the Park. _ Land use: Furthermore, the open agricultural land is now used as permanent pasture. As a result of intensive farming, most of landscape features including trees have been removed driving the overall landscape to typically undistinctive and bland landscape. However, the neglect hedgerows which are still kept until now are one of the features that form the character of the site. _ Field patterns: The irregular shapes of the fields are bounded by the defunct hedgerows. Along with the boundary is the rare existence of some small cottages and hamlets at the junction of Carr Head Rd and Holliberry Ln. _ Footpath: There is an undeveloped public footpath crossing the site from Carr House Farm known as Barnsley Boundary Walk to a middle point towards north eastern boundary where this footpath can meet the second footpath running along to Storr Dike. Due to the convenience of the path adjacent to Storr Dike that will not be much affected while operation period, it should be upgraded and enhanced when the site gets restored. Nonetheless, the other footpath would be temporarily held off while mining

(Natural England, 2014)

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4.7 Historical Character a.

Region Historic Character In the medieval age, most of settlements were a mix of small scattered farmstead and small nucleated villages which were enclosed by the openfields. At that time, the region was mainly dominated by open moorland as well as large unenclosed common land. However, 18th century witnessed the initial urban development of Sheffield, and in the west of South Yorkshire Region, the steep valleys became more industrialised due to water power supply industry growing. Since then, the coal extraction and ironstone industry was growing and expanded to the further east onto the deeper coal seams (Timescape, 2007).

These industries revolution led to a significant change in the landscape such as the small ironstone reserves and shallow coal mines on the side were deeply exploited. Since then, mass immigration of people came to work in the valleys, and vast of factories, buildings and transport routes were built to serve them (Natural England, 2013).

The map shows the Historic Development of Region b.

Barnsley Historic Character Base on Barnsley Characteristic Zone, the proposed site would lie on the Assarted Enclosure which were built up with irregular enclosure patterns and ancient woodland.The enclosure key characteristics are sinuous and rounded fields are mainly bounded by the hedges. Heavily ancient wooded is the key feature of this landscape zone. However, because of the clearance of woodland for cultivation purpose, the term “assarted” would describe this status of the landscape.

The lower and middle coal measures geology is underlying the zone with the weathered bands of shales, sandstone and coal seams. As a result, rolling hilly landscape were produced.

Settlements are dispersed in the area and those from 18th and 19th century are still maintained surrounding waterpowered industrial sites (SYAS,nd).

4.8 Cultural Heritage Industrial archaeology is the symbolised heritage of the area consisting of mills, bell-tips, tips, canal, and railways. Moreover, ancient woodlands are linked with the tanning industry as well.

Old traditional villages with local building material such as sandstones, Millstone Grit are still surviving until now. Apart from this, the historic factories, buildings, old churches are the landmarks of the region (Natural England, 2014).

5.

Landscape Impact Assessment 5. Landscape Impact Assessment 5.1 Predicting and Describing Landscape Effects With the landscape baseline information above, these followings assessments will identify and describe the landscape effects. There are two steps as: _The first step: Identify landscape receptors that are effected by the development such as key characteristics, individual elements and features, specific aesthetic and perceptual aspects. _ The second step: Identify the interaction between all of these receptions with development stages such as construction, operation, decommissioning and restoration. (Landscape Institute, 2013).

Changes in Landscape Features and Elements • During the site construction phase of the project, the top soil and sub soil to be stripped from all areas will be excavated. Also, the site will be worked in a series of 40m wide dip cuts and the creation of mounds will create the further screening around the perimeter of the site. The mounds will be 10m high at the western end and approximately 20m high at the eastern end. As a result, the overall landscape character which is the distinctiveness of the site will be altered such as the undulating landform of the site. Moreover, the appearance of deep cuts will change the local landform into different shapes. However, these top soils and will be replaced in the restoration.

• During the construction phase, the removal of top soils and the extraction of coal from the ground will lead to the suspend of agricultural activity which is the residence of that working area. The change in land use might occur from agriculture to industrial and residential development. However, the usual 5-year period of aftercare will rehabilitate the land for its current use.

• In total of 47 hectares for processing the coal mining and soil storage, access, etc. the irregular patterns of fields will be clearly separated and hardly to come back at the original shape after finishing.

Also, some of the hetdges as the field boundaries will be removed and cleared off which are the distinctive identification of the site character.

• The predominantly course of many trees would be removed or woodland flora at the boundary of the site would be slightly affected during the construction.

Effects on aesthetic and perceptual characteristics • In terms of perceptual aspect, the presence of hydraulic excavator and rigid dump trucks in the site will affect the tranquillity and peacefulness of the site. Those activities. The noise of excavators and related activities will influence the living condition of the residents in the area.

• The quietness of the area during the daytime will increase as there will be an increase vehicular traffic to serve operation such as transporting the soil to different fields nearby, followed by the emission of machines and trucks’ exhaust, influencing the harmoniess of the rural area.

• Once the overburden mounds will be created up to 15m high, certain degree of openess and scenic quality in the area will be affected. These mounds might block the view accross the site in the significant distance.

Briefly, the remoteness and rural characteristics of the site will be moderately affected during the operation as well as the decommissioning stages.

Changes in Overall Landscape Character • During the operation, the public footpath Barnsley Boundary Walk via Carr House Farm will be suspended changing the daily walking route of people.

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15 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

• During the preparation stage of the site, the entrance, site offices and other essential structures will be constructed and brought to the site, changing the legibility of the site itself.

In conclusion, the overall landscape of the site would be moderately changed in the short term and long term, and many of landscape receptors can be irreversible after restoration. Especially, the greenness and remoteness would be dramatically influenced. However, these will occur temporarily and they will be back to its initial circumstances once restored.

5.2 Terminology of Landscape Effects Assessment of each effect in terms of:  Sensitivity of the landscape receptors is made of judgements about: _ Susceptibility to change: the ability of landscape receptor to address the proposed development without any consequences for the maintenance of baseline and achievement of planning policies

Category

Description

High

The landscape receptor is highly susceptible to the nature of the proposed development because the relevant characteristics of the landscape have no or very limited ability to accommodate certain aspects of the development without undue adverse effects, taking account of the existing character and quality of the landscape.

The landscape receptor is moderate susceptible to the nature of the proposed development because the relevant characteristics of the landscape have some ability to accommodate certain aspects of the development without undue adverse effects, taking account of the existing character and quality of the landscape.

The landscape receptor has low susceptible to the nature of the proposed development because the relevant characteristics of the landscape are generally able to accommodate certain aspects of the development without undue adverse effects, taking account of the existing character and quality of the landscape.

Medium

Low

_ Geographical extent: of the area affected such as at “site” level or “immediate setting”, “landscape type or character area”, “larger scale”, etc.

Category

Description

Large extent of landscape change

The change will extend over a large area and will influence landscape character at some distance from the site of the proposal and covering several landscape character types or areas.

The change will extent over a moderate area and will influence landscape character at a medium distance from the site of the proposal, including the immediate setting of the site and the landscape character area within which it lies.

The change will extent over a small area and will influence landscape character only within the site itself or within the immediate vicinity of the site of the proposal The change will extend over a negligible area and have very limited influence on landscape character within the site or immediate vicinity of the site of proposal

Medium extent of landscape change

Small extent of landscape change Negligible extent of landscape change

_ Value of the landscape receptor: attached to landscape receptors including: value of Landscape Character Area may be affected at both National/ International Level, Local Authority Level and Community Level; value of individual components such as key characteristics, etc.  Magnitude of landscape effects: _ Size or scale: of change in the landscape such as the degree to which aesthetic or perceptual aspects of the landscape are changed by adding new feature to the landscape or removing existing landscape.

Category

Minor level of landscape change The proposals will result in only a minor level of change in landscape character. There will be minor loss of or change to existing elements or aesthetic aspects of the landscape and/or the introduction of minor new and uncharacteristic elements or minor change to aesthetic attributes.

No or negligible landscape The proposals will result in no, or a barely discernible level of change change in landscape character with little loss of or change to existing elements or aesthetic aspects of the landscape and/or negligible effects from the introduction of minor new and uncharacteristic elements.

_ Duration of the landscape effects. Reversibility is the possible prospects and practicality of the effect being reversed.

Duration

Category

Short term (zero to five years)

Long term (ten to twenty-five years

Change that is wholly or partially and reversible

Change that is theoretically reversible

Description Description

Major level of landscape change The proposals will result in a large level of change in landscape character and especially in the key characteristics. There will be major loss of or change to existing elements or aesthetic aspects of the landscape and or the introduction of major new and uncharacteristic elements or major change to aesthetic attributes.

Moderate level of landscape The proposals will result in a moderate level of change in landscape change character. There will be moderate loss of or change to existing elements or aesthetic aspects of the landscape and/or the introduction of moderate new and uncharacteristic elements or moderate change to aesthetic attributes.

Change that is reversible and is deemed temporary – include construction effects

_ Reversibility

Complete

Partial

16 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Medium term (five to ten years)

Irreversible

17 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

•

Significance of Landscape and Visual Impact:

Sensitivity

Negligible

Low

Medium

High

Magnitude

Negligible impact

Negligible/Slight impact

Slight impact

Slight/Moderate impact

Negligible

Negligible/Slight impact

Slight impact

Slight/Moderate impact

Moderate impact

Low

Slight impact

Slight/Moderate impact

Moderate impact

Moderate/ Substantial impact

Medium/High

Slight/Moderate impact

Moderate impact Moderate/ Substantial impact Substantial impact

(Mole, Week 8, 2017) 5.3 Assessing the Significant of Landscape Effects

Sensitivity visual receptors

Description of impacts

Receptor

Magnitude of the visual effects

Significance of changes

Susceptibility to change

Value of the landscape receptor

Size or scale

Geographical Duration and extent reversibility of the landscape effects

Overall effects

Medium

High

Moderate

Large

Long term and Reversible

Moderate

Character of NCA 38

Overall effects

Medium

High

Moderate

Large

Long term and Reversible

Moderate

Character of E1

Overall effects

Medium

High

Moderate

Large

Long term and Reversible

Moderate

Howbrook character in general

Overall effects

Medium

High

Moderate

Large

Long term and Reversible

Moderate

Medium

High

Major

525m Dozens of hedgerows removed

Medium

High

Moderate

1 pathway closed till restoration

Low

Moderate

Minor

Overall Landscape Character Character of NCA 37

Landscape Elements Field Patterns

Large

Long term and Irreversible

Substantial

Medium

Short term and Partial

Moderate

Negligible

Short term and Complete

Slight

Dip cut, stripes =>Loss of irregular field patterns

Hedgerows Public pathways

18 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

19 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Surrounding hamlets and villages

many site offices built near residents’ houses

Low

Low

Minor

Negligible

Short term and Complete

Slight

Removed to different areas, loss of mature landscape

Medium

Moderate

Minor

Small

Short term and Irreversible

Slight

No heavy shaded environment to live =>loss

High

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Long term and Partial

Moderate

Some removed and some get polluted

High

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Long term and Partial

Moderate

Existence of mounds, coal extraction from the earth

Medium

High

Major

Medium

Short term and Complete

Substantial

The activity of extraction and mining features => temporarily affect farming and livestock

Low

Moderate

Major

Small

Short term and Complete

Slight

New features’ existence, increase noise of traffic and employees => temporarily loss of harmony

High

High

Moderate

Small

Short term and Complete

Moderate

Sense of wildness and greenness

Removed vast area of wooded flora, grassland and top soil

Medium

High

Moderate

Small

Short term and Complete

Moderate

Sense of openness and enclosure

Screening of mounds

High

Moderate

Minor

Negligible

Short term and Complete

Moderate

Mature trees Woodland Flora Stream bank vegetation Landform Agricultural land cover and Land use

Landscape Perception Sense of remoteness and tranquillity

Even though there are moderate changing in the landscape, those changes of the receptors could be almost reversible if there would be regular aftercare strategies. There would not be loss of major and diverse landscape elements, features and characteristics. However, the adverse impacts are predicted to occur, especially on the distinctive landform and geology of the overall characteristics.

6. Visual Baseline

6.1 Scope “An assessment of visual effects deals with the effects of change and development on the views available to people and their visual amenity” (Landscape Institute, 2013). Visual assessment will accommodate and address how the people in the area and surrounding area specially affected by changes in the characters of views. As a result of the loss or change of existing elements of the landscape or the introduction of new elements to the landscape.

In the report, baseline will consider possible different groups of people affected by changes in views or visual amenity such as: • Visitors • People at work, school, shopping • People travelling on roads • Users of public open space, services: footpath, cycling routes, • Residents Followed by certain viewpoints will be examined to address the experience of those users.

6.2 Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) ZTV map will show the potential visibility of the object in the landscape. Because the analysis map fill concentrate on the topography itself, it will not deal with other landscape artefacts such as building, woodlands or trees, etc. The digital software just illustrates the possible visibility of the object or nonvisibility, field work need to be done to determine accurately visibility of the objects.Within 10 km radius, the coal mining materials such as screening mounds (10m high, 15m high, 20m high) would be considered whether would they be seen at different viewpoints. Both ZTV mapping and site survey are based on the observer eye height 1.5m from ground level (Landscape Institute, 2013).

HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Number of mounds visible

20

21 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Viewpoint

Low visibiliity High visibiliity

1

Location/ Description Carr House Farm

2

Storrs Dike

3

Distance from the site 0m

Direction to the Receptors site North-West Local residents, farming workers

0m

North

Local residents, visitors, road users, farming workers

West Wood Country Park

507m

North East

Local residents, visitors, dog walkers, joggers

4

High Green

140m

South East

Local residents, road users

5

Hollinberry Ln

0m

South

Local residents, commuters, visitors

6

Entrance of Howbrook

0m

South

Road users, commuters, local residents, visitors

7

Woodhead Road

2km

South

Commuters, Road users, Visitors

Because different people have different responses to changes in view and visual amenity which are based on location, degree of exposure, time of day. The following map presents the possible estimated numbers of the different types of people might be affected.

The larger symbol indicates the bigger percentage of people affected by development 6.3 Receptors of visual effects “Visual receptors� are referred as people specially affected by changes in views and amenity within the area.

Receptors Local residents

Description of receptors Close exposure to the development, more experience to the landscape surrounding

Visitors

People come to see the scenic landscape, attraction points or the local heritages

Commuters, Road users

People travelling to work, study, passing by the roads, may see the changing landscape

Farm workers

People working on the arable landscape may directly experience different types of rural landscape

Joggers, dog walkers

People may use public path cross the site the woodland area, people from West Wood Country Park

22 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

23 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Viewpoint 1: Carr House Farm

Viewpoint 2: Storrs Dike Public Footpath

The map shows the viewpoints inside the coal mining proposed area.

Viewpoint 6: Entrance of Howbrook Viewpoint 5: Hollinberry Ln

24 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

25 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

25000

6.4 Viewpoints and views The following viewpoints in the proposal would be seen by those different groups of people including: • Viewpoints from public such as: public path Storrs Dike, Carr House Farm • Viewpoints on transport routes such as: Hollinbery Ln • Viewpoints from working places such as: Carr House Farm These viewpoints were selected through discussions by the University of Sheffield. However, the selection will be informed by ZTV analysis, desk study and field work. Additionally, these representative viewpoint images and written description will illustrate the visual experience of different receptors.

Current view

© Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

0

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0.6

0.8

Scale 1:20000 1

1.2

Jan 18, 2018 21:32 1.4

1.6

1.8

2 km

tho nguyen University of Sheffield

Projection: British National Grid

West Wood Park Hedegrow

1

2

1

Trees

6 4

5 6

Predicted Viewpoint 1 7 1:20000

Exvacated area

© Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

Scale 1:25000 The map shows the viewpoint location in 3km radius 0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

Topsoil mound 3m

Jan 18, 2018 18:27 1.4

1.6

1.8

2 km

tho nguyen University of Sheffield

Projection: British National Grid

Viewpoint 1: Carr House Farm The view is inside the boundary representing the specific agricultural land of the site.The surrounding residents and farm worker are the key receptor. The view of undulating landform would be clearly recognized from this point of view as well as the patches of hedgerows on every field boundary.

Taking a panorama view through the gaps between hedgerow, a hint of High Green residential area hidden by hedge planting over a distance view could be seen at further northern east side of the camera. A view of dense woodland at the northern appears as a signal of West Wood Park could also be seen.

26 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

27 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Viewpoint 2: Storrs Dike Public Footpath The view towards the Carr House Farm side provides the appropriate of rising landform. The further the view is, the higher rising landform could be seen. From here, couple spots of housing present the sparsely located residential area. Hence, it is shown that inside the area, the numbers of residents affected by changes are small and limited. Even though there are continued existing hedgerows, they are quite in poor condition and come with different height. On the other hand, National grid pylons would be seen from here. Alongside with the path is the flow of patchy specific woodland shrubs and trees and are likely mature, giving the backdrop for the view of walkers through the path. Additionally, a glimpse of vehicle would be inside the view if taking a look towards the road Storrs Ln.

Viewpoint 3: West Wood Country Park The viewpoint is outside the boundary but is a panorama view of the whole development site. The visitors or picnic makers could have an overall image of the mounds once they are established. Crossing the woodland corridor on the left-hand side is an obvious view of High Green residential area with dense housing types and separated with the cropping landscape by the trees and planting. From here visitors could see the patterns of small, green fields on undulating landforms. The further look, the higher landform could be seen. Undoubtedly, there are lots of small and big trees contributing to this landscape view.

25000

Current viewpoint 3

Current viewpoint 2 Pylon Tower

Residential area

Undulating landform

High Green area Area B in project

Area A in project Š Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

0

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Scale 1:20000 1

1.2

1.4

1.6

Projection: British National Grid

Public footpath 25000

Predicted viewpoint 3

Predicted viewpoint 2 Topsoil mound 3m

Š Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

Subsoil mound 10m

0

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tho nguyen University of Sheffield

Overburden mound 20m

Projection: British National Grid

Coal processing area Overburden mound 15m

28 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

29 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

1.8

2 km

Viewpoint 4: High Green Residential Area The residents here could have a glimpse over the small woodland. Between two houses are the hint of far-away development point; however, it is likely screened by the tall trees, and only could be seen in the winter cause all the leaves are fell off the ground, giving transparent view. On the other hand, in the summer time, the view is obviously blocked by the dense leaves and tree trunks.

Viewpoint 5: Hollinberry Ln Standing under the electricity pylon lines, the view was taken towards the site which represents the experience for the road users on the Hollieberry Ln whereas they probably see the scenic landscape while passing by.The landform over the look is quite flat here, but fields boundaries are classified by the local stone material which are the designated character landscape of the area.

25000 Up north is the rising woodland of West Wood Country Park.

Current viewpoint 4

© Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

25000

0

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0.8

Scale 1:20000 1

Jan 18, 2018 21:32 1.2

1.4

Current viewpoint 5

1.6

1.8

2 km

tho nguyen University of Sheffield

Projection: British National Grid

Pylon tower Hedegerow

West Wood Park

Residential area

Local stone

Predicted viewpoint 4 Topsoil mound Coal processing area © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

0

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Scale 1:20000 1

Jan 18, 2018 21:32 1.2

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tho nguyen University of Sheffield

Projection: British National Grid

Predicted viewpoint 5

Topsoil mound Coal processing area

30 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

31 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Viewpoint 6: Entrance of Howbrook Located on Hollinberry Ln, this point shows the most exposed experience that the road users would take while passing by the main road A61.The sparsely shrubby Hawthorn in poor condition covering up the metal fence gate is not enough to become a screening for the site during development.

25000

Current viewpoint 6

West Wood Park A61 Road

Viewpoint 7: Woodhead Road The view is far outside the boundary but towards the West Wood Park in the north and water tower in the east. The residential area at the further north east seems visible and could not clearly be seen from this point of view.Also, the woodland corridors block the views on the rising landform, only livestock activity could be seen in the closest fields.

25000

Current viewpoint 7

West Wood Park Water Hawthorn shrub

© Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

0

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Jan 18, 2018 21:32 1.2

1.4

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tho nguyen University of Sheffield

Projection: British National Grid

© Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey (Digimap Licence). FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

0

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1.2

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Projection: British National Grid

Predicted viewpoint 6 Predicted viewpoint 7 Overburden 20m

Soilmound 3m

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33 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

_ Value attached to views

7. Visual Impact Assessment 7.1 Predicting and Describing Visual Effects • During the phase 1, the topsoil mounds would be established with height 3m and the subsoil mound for storage to 10m high would be located around south-east boundary of the site. Therefore, the visibility of people travelling on the A61 main road would heavily affected by the appearance of these mounds.

• Also, during phase 2 and phase 3, with the presence of excavator to remove the coal, people would have a full view of these machinery from the A61 road and Storr Lane. Both local people and road users would suffer from the visual disturbance of a full view of development from the angle of the southern part. However, since the area B would be cut, the users from Carr Farm House could not have any glimpse of the proportion of the development because the overburden mound might reach to 15m high.

• Nevertheless, because of the rising landform, people from higher fields might have a partial view over the development. For example, view of people on the upper part of West Wood Country Park would be increased and they could witness all the development of are A; however, they could just have a glimpse of coal processing in Area B, because the dense residential area High Green and hedgerows would screen and block the view. From this distance angle, the machinery would be very small compared to the large scale of cut area in this panoramic view.

• During all phases, people travelling from the site entrance on Hollinberry Ln will have stationary view, and people move alongside from West Wood Country Park to High Green will have a sequence of view.

• From Holliberry Ln angle to Storr Lane, degree of development closure will be changed from furthest to nearest.

• These visibilities of the views during these phases is temporarily affected until the coal processing completed.

7.2 Terminology of Visual Effects Assessment of each effect in terms of  Sensitivity of visual effect _ Susceptibility to change in view is a function of the occupation or activity of people experiencing the view; the extent to which their attention or interest they experience at different point

Susceptibility High

Value International/national

Views from nationally (and in some cases internationally) known viewpoints, which may have some form of planning designation, or be associated with internationally or nationally designated landscapes or important heritage assets, or be promoted in sources such as maps and tourist’s literature, or be linked with important and popular visitor attractions where the view forms a recognised part of the visitor experience, or which have important cultural associations

Local

Views from viewpoints of some importance at regional or local level, which may have some form of local planning designation, or be associated with locally designated landscapes or areas of equivalent landscape quality, or be promoted in local sources, or be linked with locally important and popular visitor attractions where the view forms a recognised part of the visitor experience, or which have important local cultural associations.

Community

Views from viewpoints which, although they may have value to local people, have no formal planning status, are not associated with designated or otherwise high quality landscapes, or with popular visitor attractions or have known cultural associations.

 Magnitude of visual effects _ Size or scale

Category Major visual change

Types of receptors _ Residents; _People engaged in outdoor recreation where their attention is likely to be focussed on the landscape and on particular views _Visitors to heritage assets or other attractions where views of the surroundings are an important part of the experience _Communities where views contribute to the landscape setting enjoyed by residents; and _Travellers on scenic routes where the attention of drivers and passengers is likely to be focussed on views and visual amenity

Medium

Travellers on road, rail or other transport routes, where attention is generally less likely to be focussed on views and visual amenity

Low

_People engaged in outdoor sport or recreation, which does not involve appreciation of views; _People at their places of work, where the setting is not important to the quality of working life; and _Travellers, where the view is incidental to the journey.

34 34

HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Moderate visual change

Minor visual change

Negligible visual change

No change

Criteria The proposals will cause a complete or very substantial change in the view, resulting from the loss of important features in or the addition of significant new ones, to the extent that this will substantially alter the composition of the view and the visual amenity it offers.

The proposals will cause a clearly noticeable change in the view, resulting from the loss of important features in or the addition of new ones to the extent that this will substantially alter to a moderate degree the composition of the view and the visual amenity it offers.

The proposals will cause a perceptible change in the view, resulting from the loss of important features in or the addition of new ones to the extent that this will partially alter the composition of the view and the visual amenity it offers.

The proposals will cause a barely perceptible change in the view, resulting from the loss of important features in or the addition of new ones to the extent that this will barely alter the composition of the view and the visual amenity it offers.

The proposals will cause no change to the view

35 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

_ Geographical extent

Category Category Large extent

Medium extent

Small extent

Negligible extent

Criteria Criteria

The proposal is seen by the group of viewers in many locations across the study area or from the majority of a linear route and/or by large numbers of viewers; or, at a specific viewpoint or location the view is available from all or most of the site, or the effect on the specific view is extensive.

The proposal is seen by the group of viewers from a moderate number of locations across the study area or from the moderate part of linear route and/or by a moderate number of viewers; or, at a specific viewpoint or location the view is available from a moderate proportion of the site, or the effect on the specific view is moderately extensive.

The proposal is seen by the group of viewers at a small number of locations across the study area or from limited sections of a linear route and/or by small numbers of viewers; or, at a specific viewpoint or location the view is available from only small proportion of the site, or the effect on the specific view is small.

The proposal is either not visible in the study area or is seen by the viewer group at only one or two locations or from a very limited section of a linear route and/or by large numbers of viewers; or, at a specific viewpoint or location the view is available from hardly any of the site, or the effect on the specific view is barely discernible.

Viewpoint

Sensitivity of visual receptors

Magnitude if the visual effects

Significances of Changes

1

Substantial

High

Major

2

Moderate

High

Major

3

Moderate

Medium

Moderate

4

Slight

Low

Minor

5

Substantial

High

Major

6

Moderate

Medium

Moderate

7

Negligible

Low

Legible

_ Duration and reversibility of visual effects (similar with landscape effects) 7.3 Assessing the Significant of Visual Effects

Sensitivity visual receptors

Magnitude of the visual effects

Susceptibility of visual receptors to change

Value attached to views

Size or scale

1. Carr House Farm

High

Medium

Major

2. Storrs Dike

High

Medium

Major

Medium

Short term/ Reversible

3. West Wood Country Park

Medium

Low

Moderate

Large

Long term/ Irreversible

4. High Green

Low

Low

Negligible

Small

Short term/ Reversible

5. Hollinberry Ln

High

Medium

Moderate

Large

Short term/ Reversible

6. Entrance of Howbrook

High

Medium

Major

Medium

Short term/ reversible

7. Woodhead Road

Low

Low

Negligible

Small

HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Geographical Duration and extent reversibility of visual effects Medium Short term/ Reversible

The map shows the terrain changing within 5km radius

Short term/ 36 Reversible 36

37 HOWBROOK OPEN CAST LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

8. Mitigation 8.1 Purpose of mitigation Its purpose is to minimize the possible significant adverse effects on the environment of the proposed coal mining project. The strategy of mitigation could gradually prevent, reduce, remedy or compensate those negative impacts (Landscape Institute, 2002).

Not only mitigation will cope with “damage limitation”, but also consider the measures compensating unavoidable continuing effects to eliminate the scale and extent of the effects. Consequently, mitigation measures could be categorised into:  Primary: part of the iterative process of the development  Secondary: accomplish remaining adverse effects considered in the assessment of landscape and visual effects.

Avoidance is an ideal strategy for mitigation, but if this is not possible reductions, remediation and compensation could be alternative strategies.

8.2 Avoidance This can be achieved through relocating the development to different places. Applied to the proposed area This is however not suitable for the site. On the other hand, there should be relocating the screening mounds from phase 1 of the development. For instance, the 10m high storage mound in the south-east boundary could be removed to the area nearest further north east, near West Wood country park. From the map, it is predicted to be a possible view blockage from the residential area towards the site. Turning to phase 2, the 20m high screening mound at the eastern end could possibly hide the view of users and pass byers from Carr Head Road. Moreover, residents living at the linear Carr Head Road could be exposed to the dusts from the mounds if there would be strong wind in the winter. Hence, this should be relocated at further up north.

Additionally, during the early stage development of the planning and design, Cobex Ltd would identify any serious concern related to people and environment, and try to reloate the material into different places.

8.3 Reductions Once, the negative effects cannot be mitigated by avoidance, reduction of residual effects will be considered in terms of site characteristics.  Siting: taking advantages of existing topography and setting a new development into the ground such as locally native planting to maintain the character of the area. For instance, some of the mature trees would be cut off or moved to different area, native tree species should be introduced in attempt to conceal the extracting activity of the excavator or to enhance the rural perception for users. Furthermore, keeping the undulating landform of the arable land by ideally distribute the storage mound to different height, there should not be significance in height difference.  Screening: new environmental features such as shrubby vegetation, trees should be brought to the entrance of the site Howbrook. It is because it might reduce the line-of-sight to the development, also a signage to the new development of the area. Likewise, using the same type of vegetation for the natural screening instead of metalized features. Apart from this, lowering the screening mound to a certain height should be taken into account to increase the openness of the site.  Detail design: due to the area covered by green grassland and farming land, the extraction of topsoil will result in the imbalance in the colour of a remote area. This should be diminished by carrying out a continuing natural colour for the working materials. For instance, when removing the grassland to keep the unique seed bank in a dip instead of placed them in tall brown mound.

8.4 Compensation It Is implemented for unavoidable residual effects.This could be done by replacing the same resource for the loss of nature and value. Approach to the Howbrook coal mining development, broad number of hedgerows would be cleared or vegetation at stream bank would be removed will lead to the loss of important habitat.

A new area of woodland should be grown somewhere else in attempt to create new habitat, even though it might take several decades eventually to reach the natural and rural landscape.

Nevertheless, there could unattainably compensate the loss of habitat and amenity value.

Alongside, compensate could be taken into account by local communities or local authorities. Such measures could include private planting in the gardens of residents’ properties near the developed area (shown in the map) in order to prevent the house fro, negative views.

9. Restoration

9.1 Aim of Restoration In alignment with the policy context, the restoration would cover the opportunities for the site to be upgraded and enhanced to original uses or to new a new trend for change. In overall, restoration also develop based on the landscape character. Likewise, in assisting in meeting regulatory authority for landscape preservation objectives would be restoration in order to reach high quality of the environment for local people and visitors.

9.2 Outline Proposal Base on the NPPF (2012): “put in place policies to ensure worked land is reclaimed at the earliest opportunity, taking account of aviation safety, and that high-quality restoration and aftercare of mineral sites takes place, including 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” Policy M9G (Barnsley UDP, 2000) also show the importance of replacement when removing trees and hedges during development “where proposal which would disturb trees and woodland are approved, conditions (and where necessary legal agreements) will normally require replacement as part of the restoration scheme and shall provide for after-care management for a period of five years. Replacement trees maybe required in a different position to those removed where this would improve the amenity or agricultural efficiency of the restored site or screen the working site”.

Therefore, the usual 5-year period of aftercare is essential by replacing the soils in sequence to assure that the land and its planned future use will be rehabilitated. On the original application, Cobex Ltd has suggested a new golf course, as a result the streams would be culverted and bridged in places in order to open access to mining operations and golf course. This could bring further damage to the overall character of the area.

Due to the loss of stream bank vegetation in some areas and the hedgerows, should has to the restoration promote the re-creation of these priority habitats in attempt of reach the ecological standards. Indeed, these opportunities will open for a change in land use such as infrastructure, recreational facilities such as Nature Reserve or Country Park.

As referred in Barnsley Unitary Development Plan (2002), the high standard of restoration is needed to recover the loss of maturity in the landscape disturbed as it might take several years for that part.

In Policy M9B (Barnsley UDP, 2000), restoration and afteruse schemes must be submitted and approved before the coal mining working taking place on site so that Borough Council can assess the proposal and control the development.

Policy M9C has also mentioned about detailed criteria for restoration comprising of • “Operation and restoration of the site should be limited to the shortest period practicable.

• Measures to strip, store, conserve and replace subsoil and topsoil where are inadequate in quantity to secure effective restoration.”

These criteria are in hope to minimise the possible cost of restoration and prevent loss of too much soil on the land.

Policy M9E the restoration and enhancement of proposal could benefit the community by creation of new features. Hence, Howbrook can have opportunity to become an area of entertainment activities for the visitors or local people.

According to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (2011), proposal should include both timetable and implementation method, there should be combination between agriculture, forestry, nature conservation, outdoor activity. Also, Local Development Framework has to provide opportunities to incorporate biodiversity and geological features.

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10. Conclusion Undoubtedly, the proposed development will place a major significance of impacts on the Howbrook site. Primarily, some of local character would be lost for a long time to rehabilitate and regrow back to its position. Secondly, it will influence on the daily routines of local residents at some points. Finally, the local authority and planning permission should put environment effects on the priority of economic benefits.

11. References Landscape Character Assessment Documents • Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (2002). Barnsley Borough Landscape Character Assessment.

Available from: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/media/4585/eb86-barnsley-landscape-character-assessment.pdf.

Accessed date: January 2nd, 2017.

• Natural England (2014). National Character Area Profiles. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/national-character-area-profiles-data-for-local-decision-making/national-characterarea-profiles. Accessed date: January 1st, 2018 • Natural England (2014).An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment.Available from: https://www. gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/396192/landscape-character-assessment. pdf. Accessed date: January 2nd, 2017 • South Yorkshire Archaeology Service (SYAS) (nd). Barnsley Character Zone Descriptions. Available from: http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-1040-1/dissemination/pdf/ Documents/Final_Report/02_Final_Report_Barnsley_Character_Zone_Descriptions.pdf. Accessed date: January 4th, 2018.

Planning policies • Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (2000). Barnsley Unitary Development Plan. Strategy, policy & Justification. Available from: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/media/5077/volume-1-strategy-policy-justification. pdf. Accessed date: December 27th, 2017.

• Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (2011). Barnsley Local Development Framework: Core strategy. Available from: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/media/3093/core-strategy.pdf. Accessed date: December 27th, 2017.

• Department for Communities and Local Government (2012). National Planning Policy Framework.

Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950. pdf. Accessed date: December 31st, 2017.

• Local Government Yorkshire and Humber (2005). The Yorkshire and Humber Plan: Core approach.

Available from: http://www.lgyh.gov.uk/dnlds/YHPlan%20-%20Section%2004%20-%20Core%20Approach.pdf.

Accessed date: December 31st, 2017.

Guidance for LVIA • Landscape Institute (2013). Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 3rd. Oxon: Routledge.

• Landscape Institute (2002). Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, 2nd London: Spon Press.

• Scottish Natural Heritage (2006). Visual Representation of Wind Farms, Good Practice Guidance.

Available from: http://www.programmeofficers.co.uk/Cuadrilla/CoreDocuments/CD40/CD40.30.pdf.

Accessed date: January 3rd, 2018.

Images Magic (2018). http://www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk/

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