Earls Court Farm Worcester

Transcription

1 Earls Court Farm Worcester LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT Earls Court Farm Development & Design Brief SPD FEBRUARY 07

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9 4 2 Site-Context & Character FIGURE 3 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH Apart from the A44 Bromyard Road hedgerow, the site boundaries are relatively fragmented. The eastern boundary is defined by property boundaries of varying condition. Five remnant veteran Oaks covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) occur within the site. A tree group (TPO) and seasonal pond occurs to the south, close to the Bromyard Road hedge No evidence of statutory protected species has been found on site. A full up-to-date Ecological Survey/ Assessment is to be submitted with the First Planning Application on the site In summary the Ecological Assessment concludes that the bulk of the site consists of intensively farmed arable land of very limited biodiversity or nature conservation value. Features of interest worthy of retention include the unimproved grassland east of the brook and the semi improved grassland within the SAM complex, although this lies outside the development site. Both are Worcestershire Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats. DRAFT The brook, moated site, pond, hedgerow, scrub and associated trees are of moderate local value, whilst the veteran oaks are of high local value. All these elements will be retained as part of the development proposals, which will protect and enhance the overall biodiversity of the site. 2.3 LANDFORM The site area is generally flat at 30m (AOD), with a gentle fall eastward to the brook. The land banks up to the eastern boundary adjacent to the rear garden of properties on Howard Road. Across the wider area the topography gently falls eastward from higher points at Atchen Hill (65m) in the north west and Crown East at 55m in the west. This results in a gently rolling landscape. 2.4 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER A Landscape and Visual Appraisal of the site and its context has been undertaken. At a national level the site falls within the Severn and Avon Vales (Countryside Character Volume 8, Countryside Agency 1999). Development Brief E a r l s C o u r t F a r m, W o r c e s t e r.

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61 Worcester Local Development Framework Telephone Fax: Post: Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB Typetalk: DX:716287