Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Local Development Framework. Landscape Character Assessment and Capacity Study. March 2009

Transcription

1 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Local Development Framework Landscape Character Assessment and Capacity Study March 2009 Landscape Section Environmental Action Team Transport and Environment East Sussex County Council St Anne s Crescent Lewes East Sussex BN7 1UE

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3 Contents Volume Introduction 1.1 Study Aims 2.0 Methodology for assessment 2.1 Existing Guidance 2.2 Methodology for Landscape Character Assessment 2.3 Greenbelt 2.4 The Study Areas 2.5 Desk Top Study 2.6 Field Survey 2.7 Definition of Key Terms 2.8 Landscape Quality 2.9 Landscape Value 2.10 Landscape Character Sensitivity 2.11 Visual sensitivity 2.12 Landscape Capacity 2.13 Character Area Landscape Capacity Evaluation 2.14 Mitigation and Management 2.15 Mapping 3.0 General Character Context 3.1 Regional Landscape Character Context 3.2 Local Landscape Character Context 3.3 The Historic Landscape Character Context 4.0 Assessment of the Capacity Analysis 4.1 The Assessment Process 4.2 The Assessment 5.0 Summary of Conclusions 5.1 General 5.2 Royal Tunbridge Wells 5.3 Paddock Wood 5.4 Cranbrook 5.5 Hawkhurst 6.0 Glossary of Key Terms 3

4 Volume 2 Tables Maps and Figures Table 1 - Landscape Quality Evaluation Criteria Table 2 - Landscape Value Criteria Table 3 - Landscape Character Sensitivity to Change Evaluation criteria Table 4 - Visual Sensitivity Map 1 - Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Areas Map 2 - Landscape Designations Map 3 - Key Map to Figs 1-7 Figs Tunbridge Wells Table 5 - Character Area Landscape Capacity Evaluation Tunbridge Wells Map 4 - Key Map to Figures 8-10 Figure 8 - Paddock Wood Table 6 - Character Area Landscape Capacity Evaluation Paddock Wood Figure 9 - Cranbrook Table 7 - Character Area Landscape Capacity Evaluation Cranbrook Figure 10 - Hawkhurst Table 8 - Character Area Landscape Capacity Evaluation Hawkhurst Volume 3 - Appendices Appendix 1 - Character Assessment Sheets 4

5 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Study Aims The Landscape Group of East Sussex County Council was commissioned by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in July 2008 to carry out a landscape assessment. The purpose of this assessment will be to inform future development in the Borough as part of the Local Development Framework, including the core strategy The aims and objectives of the study will be to define the relative capacity of the landscape around existing settlements to accommodate housing and business development, where this would be compatible with a residential environment. This will be incorporated within the Local Development Framework documents. In order to do this we have looked at the quality, value and sensitivity of the landscape, building on existing landscape character assessments of the Borough. The assessment will have regard to the scope for mitigation of potential development without detracting from the existing intrinsic character of the landscape The outcome will be an analysis of defined sub-divisions of the Local Character Areas identified in the Borough Landscape Assessment, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (2002). This analysis will compare the relative quality, value and sensitivity of the character areas. This will result in a relative capacity score for each of these defined areas. 2.0 Methodology for Assessment 2.1 Existing Guidance There are several sources of guidance relevant to assessing the landscape and visual appraisal of proposed development projects. The primary guidance is provided by the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA), Second Edition (2002) published by the Institute of Environmental Assessment and the Landscape Institute. Detailed guidance for undertaking landscape character assessments to inform planning policy and decisions is also provided in the Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland (2002) published jointly by the Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage Further guidance for assessing the landscape and visual effects of road schemes is provided in Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Vol.11, Section 3, Part 5, Highways Agency (1997). This can also be used to inform other types of development and potential impacts These various forms of current guidance will be used for the purposes of assessing the capacity of the landscape to accommodate development The European Landscape Convention (2004) has been taken in to account in this assessment. The aim of the Convention is to promote the protection, management and planning of Europe s Landscape, and to organise European cooperation on landscape issues. 5

6 2.1.5 The parties to the convention commit themselves to: recognise landscapes in law as an essential component of people s surroundings; to establish and implement landscape policies; to establish procedures for implementing landscape policies; and to integrate landscape into regional and town planning policies. 2.2 Methodology for Landscape Character Assessment The Assessment involves an appraisal of the landscape character of the areas surrounding Royal Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood, Hawkhurst and Cranbrook. This assessment includes the countryside to the south of Royal Tunbridge Wells, which is in Wealden District Council and is covered by the East Sussex County Landscape Assessment. Desktop and field surveys have been undertaken to identify the character of the defined study areas The landscape character of these areas has been assessed according to existing guidance for landscape character assessment. Adopted published assessments are available for the Borough at regional and local levels. This assessment has taken in to consideration the existing assessments and identifies the character of the study areas at the local level The following strategies have been considered in defining the landscape character of the various study areas: Countryside Character Volume 7: South East & London, The Countryside Agency (1999); Kent County Council Landscape Character Assessment, Kent County Council (Oct 2004); Kent Historic Landscape Characterisation Study, Kent County Council, (2001); East Sussex County Council Landscape Character Assessment, East Sussex County Council, (Dec. 2007); The High Weald; Exploring the Landscape of the AONB, Countryside Commission, (1994); Tranquil Areas Studies, Council for the Protection of Rural England, (1995 and updated 2006); Borough Landscape Character Assessment, Supplementary Planning 6

7 Guidance. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, (August 2002); Kent High and Low Weald Special Landscape Areas, Kent and Medway Structure Plan, Kent County Council, (2006). 2.3 Greenbelt Planning Policy Guidance Note 2: Green Belts (1995, Amended 2001), outlines the history and extent of Green Belts and explains their purposes. Greenbelt is a planning, not a landscape designation The definition of Green Belt is as predominantly open land around urban areas and other settlements with the strategic role of preventing the outward expansion of built up areas. This helps to safeguard the surrounding countryside from encroachment, assisting urban regeneration and providing areas for outdoor recreation The general purposes of including land in Greenbelts as defined in Planning Policy Guidance Note 2 are: to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas; to prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another; to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land In the context of this study and the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells the value of the Greenbelt is as formal and informal recreational space. It is also of value as open areas which form the setting of the historic town and act as gaps between settlements. These values depend on the part of the Greenbelt under consideration and the specific character area being considered. 2.4 The Study Areas The identified study areas include the areas around the towns of Royal Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood up to 1 kilometre and areas around the towns of Hawkhurst and Cranbrook up to 0.5 kilometres. The character of the identified study areas have been assessed in the context of the character assessments outlined in 2.2 above. At the local level they have been assessed in the context of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Assessment (2002), which identifies landscape character types and areas across the borough, refer to Map1. The landscape designations of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Special Landscape Area (SLA) as well as the Metropolitan Green Belt are outlined on Map 2. 7

8 2.5 Desk top Study The information obtained from the field survey exercise, outlined in 2.6 below, has been supplemented by a desk top study to map existing planning designations relating to historical, archaeological, biodiversity or other landscape constraints which are included on detailed figures in the separate Volume 2 of this report. The overall landscape context is outlined in Map 2 which identifies the boundaries of the key landscape designations for the borough Other factors which have been considered as part of the landscape character assessment are local cultural considerations. 2.6 Field Survey Field surveys have been carried out to identify the landscape character sub areas, within the Tunbridge Wells Borough character areas, for the identified study areas. The areas are subdivided into smaller character areas; these are mapped and presented as figures in association with tables in Volume 2 of this report. In some cases there are no defined boundaries to the outer limit of the character areas. This indicates that character extends beyond the study area limit of 1 km or 0.5 km and the character is contiguous with the surrounding countryside The field work was recorded using field survey sheets describing individual character areas. The individual character of these areas is described using the customised field survey sheets contained within the Appendix 1. These include a typical representative photographic view of each area The assessment of character areas considers the following: the quality of each character area; the value of each character area; sensitivity; the character sensitivity of each character area; the visual sensitivity of each character area; the potential for mitigating change within the character area and whether mitigation features would be out of character. For example, mounding may be inappropriate in a flat landscape and extensive woodland or tree planting may be out of keeping in an open landscape; and requirements for management of the land and associated features. Where appropriate the assessment has drawn on the management needs identified in existing assessments and management plans. 8

9 2.6.4 The comparative methodology for assessing each of these is outlined in Volume 2, Tables 1 to 4. The assessment against these criteria is carried out for each local character area in tables 5 to Definition of Key Terms The landscape is a combination of both cultural and physical characteristics and components, which give rise to patterns that are distinctive to particular localities and help to define a sense of place. The landscape is not therefore simply a visual phenomenon but relies upon other influences including topography, land use, land management, ecology, and cultural associations. The key terms which are used to describe these different elements of the landscape assessment are listed and defined in section 6.0, the Glossary to this document. 2.8 Landscape Quality Quality has been defined in accordance with The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11, Section 3, Part 5 (1997) and further refined using Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, (2002). Quality of the Landscape is defined according to 5 point scale as indicated in Volume 2, Table 1. Tranquil areas are determined according to Tranquil Areas South East Region, Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE), (2005) The criteria in Table 1 are a modification of criteria contained in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (2002) and DMRB Vol. 11 (1997). 2.9 Landscape Value Tunbridge Wells has a rich resource of valued landscapes. The importance of its landscapes is recognised in national terms in that much of the Borough is designated as High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) The assessment appraises the landscape value of each character area using a set of indicators, this is done by assessing: the importance of characteristic features; why and who they are important to; their relationship in overall landscape patterns; and relative value at the local, county, regional or national scale A landscape may be valued by different users for a variety of reasons recognising perceptual aspects such as scenic beauty, tranquility, special cultural associations, other conservation or specialist interest The Landscape Value Criteria are detailed in Volume 2, Table 2. 9

10 2.10 Landscape Character Sensitivity The sensitivity of each character area and the scope for mitigation measures has been assessed in accordance with Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition (2002) and Landscape Assessment Guidance Countryside Agency (Topic Paper 6, Techniques and Criteria for Judging Capacity and Sensitivity). GLVIA and the Countryside Agency advocate that sensitivity studies are carried out at a regional level to inform strategic and local development frameworks Landscape character sensitivity is based on judgements about sensitivity of aspects most likely to be affected, e.g. natural, cultural, aesthetic factors. This combined with visual sensitivity and landscape value identifies the capacity of the landscape to accommodate a specific type of change Other factors which have been taken in to account in assessing the sensitivity of the landscape resource are existing trends for change in the landscape which may be due to natural process or human activities. Landscapes exhibiting reduction in management due to changed farming practices may be considered less sensitive to change. Areas of strong landscape character tend to be more able to accept change as the intrinsic character is more robust. An area of weak landscape character could tend to be more vulnerable to change The Evaluation Criteria of the sensitivity to change of a landscape are defined in Volume 2, Table Visual Sensitivity The visual sensitivity of the landscape has been recorded for each character area as part of the character assessment. Key views and viewpoints have been identified and focal features which enhance or detract from the view are noted. The inter-visibility of the area with surrounding areas has been recorded as have distant views into and out of the area. Key visual receptors with views across the area are recorded. The visual sensitivity is evaluated for each character area in accordance with Volume 2, Table Landscape Capacity The following is a definition of landscape capacity taken from the Countryside Agency Guidance: Landscape capacity refers to the degree to which a particular landscape type or area is able to accommodate change without significant effects on its character, or overall change of landscape character type. Capacity is likely to vary according to the type and nature of change being proposed. Further to this: Capacity is all a question of the interaction between the sensitivity of the landscape, the type and amount of change, and the way that the landscape is valued. 10

11 The above quotes are taken from Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland, Topic Paper 6: Techniques and Criteria for Judging Capacity and Sensitivity, Countryside Agency (2002). In summary, Landscape Character Sensitivity + Visual Sensitivity + Landscape Value = Landscape Capacity As advised in Topic Paper 6, an overview has been taken of the distribution of the assessments of each aspect and this has been used to make an informed judgement about the overall assessment of capacity. These assessments are arranged in a table or matrix to provide a profile of that particular landscape character area The assessment of capacity for each character area is made by combining the quality, value and character / visual sensitivity scores. For example if Quality = High, Value = High, Character sensitivity = High and Visual sensitivity = High, the capacity is most likely to be None. Where Quality = Ordinary, Value = Low, Character sensitivity = Low and Visual sensitivity = Low, the capacity is likely to be High. It is less straightforward where there is more of a differential between the scores. For example, an area may be high quality and value, but have low character and / or visual sensitivity. In these cases a certain amount of site specific professional judgement has been used to come to a view on the overall capacity score. Where this is the case the tables allow for a comment on the potential for development in landscape terms, such as the scope for landscape mitigation and the need to improve or enhance the existing landscape features For the purposes of this study a gradation of capacity for identified character areas is based on high, moderate, low or no capacity. This represents the capacity of a particular area to absorb the proposed type of development without significant adverse effects. This analysis is based on character areas which are a subdivision of the Tunbridge Wells Borough landscape character areas; refer to Map1, due to the detailed local scale of the assessment Character Area Landscape Capacity Evaluation Landscape Capacity Tables The capacity of each character area is assessed and set into Tables 5 to 8, which are presented in association with relevant figures in Volume 2 of this report Using this information an overall assessment can be made for each character area on the capacity to accept the type of change being considered. This judgement is made according to the combination of characteristics that contribute to a particular area of landscape The capacity of a character area to accept change is related to the potential of the area to accommodate development without detracting from the overall character of that landscape. The capacity evaluation for each character area does not assume that this is the capacity across the entire character area. In this context 11

12 the capacity is not a reflection of the scale of potential development The capacity and development potential for business use is based on the assumption that this would be of a type and nature compatible with a residential environment Mitigation and Management The character area landscape capacity evaluation tables 5 to 8 in Volume 2 also identify the potential of each character area to accommodate the required landscape mitigation for development. The potential to mitigate change in a particular landscape will depend on the factors which determine the character of the landscape. This will help to determine the visual and character sensitivity of the landscape. The potential for mitigation is scored as considerable, moderate or low in the character area capacity tables This assessment of potential for landscape mitigation is based on the following set of factors as follows: the need to improve the landscape features at a local scale; the need to restore lost landscape features such as hedges and woods; the need to restore degraded landscape; the need to soften hard urban edges; whether mitigation would detract from the sense of place; and whether the site is already well contained and not visible in the wider landscape The condition of the landscape will be determined by the degree to which it is soundly managed according to the land use. In the case of the countryside areas of this study this would be assessed according to: whether the grazing regime removes invasive weeds and encroaching scrub; whether hedges are kept clipped or are grubbed out and replaced with fences; whether footpaths are kept open, stiles and gates are maintained; unauthorised access is controlled to prevent dumping and tipping; and manage copses and tree belts. 12

13 Other parts of the study area have more formal recreational or institutional uses and should be managed as such. The maintenance and management should conserve and enhance key landscape features such as trees and hedges. Public access management should be addressed as above As most of the areas assessed are on the rural edges of settlements a comment is included in the tables as to how these areas could be managed to maximise the potential amenity value. This may be as areas which are already accessible by public rights of way or which can be seen from public areas Mapping The mapping is presented adjacent to the relevant tables, the maps include: a map outlining the Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Areas. a map of the Tunbridge Wells Borough with designated areas for AONB, Special Landscape Area (SLA), and Greenbelt local landscape character areas for each part of the study area; boundaries of designations within the areas of study relating to landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage. This excludes the rural fringe designation in the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan as this is a spatial policy rather than a landscape designation; and a key viewpoint from which a photograph has been taken of a typical view across each local character area for reproduction in the character area assessment sheets in Appendix 1. detailed maps to illustrate the capacity of each identified local character area. The capacity score recorded is for housing development only; the score for business capacity is noted on the tables but not carried forward to the figures. 3.0 General Character Context 3.1 Regional Landscape Character Context The Countryside Character Map of England Volume 7: South East and London, Countryside Agency (1999). The study area, apart from Paddock Wood, falls within the regional landscape character area122 High Weald A summary of the key characteristics for the High Weald, which are relevant to the study area are as follows: a well wooded landscape rising above the low Weald; 13

14 distinctive and scattered sandstone outcrops; main roads and settlements are sited along prominent ridges-lines with a dense network of small winding lanes linking scattered villages, hamlets and farms; the legacy of the early iron industry has left extensive areas of coppice woodland and hammer ponds; high forest, small woods and copses, and a network of hedges, shaws link small irregular fields created from cleared woodland. Flower rich meadows bordered by species rich hedgerows; heavy clay soils have reduced the impact of agricultural change in the area and it is still, in the main a quiet pastoral landscape with mixed farming predominating; the cultivation of fruit and hops, together with the associated distinctive oast houses; and distinctive red tile, brick, local stone and timber building materials, often including hung tiles and white weatherboarding are characteristic of historic settlements, farms and cottages. Recent suburbanisation of farmstead buildings is eroding the distinctive local style in many places Paddock Wood falls within the Low Weald Character area 121, a summary of the key characteristics for the Low Weald, which are relevant to this part of the study area, are as follows: broad low lying and gently undulating clay vales; settlement on the higher drier outcrops; an abundance of ponds and small stream valleys often with wet woodlands, wet grazing land and willow scrub; tall hedgerows with mature trees link copses and shaws; grassland on the heavy clay soils while lighter soils on the higher ground support arable crops; rural character with dispersed farmsteads, small settlements often including traditional buildings where not dominated by recent urban development; historic settlement dictated by higher drier outcrops, moated manor houses being a characteristic feature; 14

15 hop growing and orchards are still a distinctive feature; and Kentish Low Weald is traversed by numerous narrow lanes and ditches which are of historic significance The High Weald Landscape Assessment, The High Weald, Exploring The Landscape of The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Countryside Agency (1994) The area around Royal Tunbridge Wells falls within the Broad Character Area, Central High Weald, this is divided into four Local Character Areas: Penshurst, to the west of Royal Tunbridge Wells; Eridge, to the south-west of Royal Tunbridge Wells; Bayham to the east and south east of Royal Tunbridge Wells; and Pembury to the north east of the town Cranbrook is in the broad character area, Kentish High Weald and Local Character Area, Kent Fruit Belt Hawkhurst sits within the Broad Character Area, Lower Rother Valley and the Local Character Area, Bodiam Paddock Wood is outside the AONB and is therefore not covered by this High Weald character assessment. 3.2 Local Landscape Character Context The character of the landscape types to be found in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells is described in detail and mapped in the Borough Landscape Character Assessment, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (2002). These are: Fruit Belt; Wooded Farmland; Low Weald Farmland; Forested Plateau; River Valleys; and Open Farmland Within these landscape types the landscape of the Borough has been assessed and divided into 19 Character areas based on their natural characteristics 15

16 and historical influences. The Character Areas cover the rural landscapes of the Borough which includes small towns and villages. Royal Tunbridge Wells The area around the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells to the north and west is the Local Character Area 5: Speldhurst Wooded Farmland. This is described as an area of distinct topography with high ridges intersected by steep often wooded ghylls. The landscape is distinguished by weathered outcrops of sandstone, sunken lanes, beech and holly hedges, areas of Common land and important unimproved pasture The landscape character area is within the Metropolitan Green Belt and the High Weald AONB. It is a nationally important designation which offers a high level of development constraint The development constraints and local objectives are: to maintain the distinctive character of the individual settlements; retain and enhance the rural urban interface along the western edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre, especially the Common land and woodland; and maintain the comparative tranquillity of the valleys The area to the north east of the town is in the Local Character Area 14: Pembury Woodland and Heathland. This is a contained area comprised of large scale forest cover, including semi-natural woods and plantations. There are also areas of lowland heath and parkland. The landscape character area is within the Metropolitan Green Belt and the High Weald AONB. It is a nationally important designation which offers a high level of development constraint The development constraints and local objectives are: ensure development does not impact on more remote forested and heath areas; to conserve the character of Pembury village and its forested setting; and prevent further encroachment of intrusive industrial developments to the north of Royal Tunbridge Wells by establishing a firm landscaped boundary to the development edge The area to the south east of the town is in the Local Character Area 19: Bayhall Open Farmland. This is an open and intensively managed arable landscape along a high ridge The landscape character area is within the Metropolitan Green Belt and the 16

17 High Weald AONB. It is a nationally important designation which offers a high level of development constraint The development constraints and local objectives are:.. to maintain the rural character of the valleys, especially Reynard s Brook; there are opportunities to restore local landscape character by replanting hedges and subdividing the large arable fields; redefine and strengthen the urban edge to prevent the threat of creeping suburban development into the countryside The area to the south of Tunbridge Wells which falls within Wealden District Council is not included in the Borough Landscape Assessment. Tunbridge Wells lies to the north of the Central High Weald character area, as identified by the East Sussex County Landscape Assessment, East Sussex County Council (2007) This character area lies south of Tunbridge Wells and east of Crowborough, these urban areas exert a strong influence on the neighbouring countryside. It is a landscape of high ground with outstanding views from the ridge tops across the heart of the High Weald. The bold broad ridges are often crowned by villages and churches, as is the case with Rotherfield. There are rural fringe influences around the towns and some villages, including Rotherfield and Wadhurst. Conservation and enhancement of the setting of these villages and improving the landscape surrounding the villages will be important The urban areas of Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough exert a strong influence on the neighbouring countryside. The rural fringe areas are affected by suburbanisation, a proliferation of horse paddocks and increasing traffic on the country lanes. There are areas where a stronger landscape structure and improved landscape management would improve the influence of the urban areas. Paddock Wood The town of Paddock Wood falls within the Local Character Area 13: Paddock Wood / Five Oak Green Low Weald Farmland. This area occupies the gentler footslopes of the High Weald and is an important transition between the Fruit Belt and flat land of the Low Weald and Medway Valley. It is an agricultural landscape. The town of Paddock Wood has grown up around the station The development constraints and local objectives are: respect the vulnerability of the slopes which rise from the south of the town to the High Weald; consider the vulnerability of this flat open landscape to intrusive development; 17

18 ensure the urban edges are well integrated into the surrounding landscape with appropriate landscape treatments; manage the urban fringe to prevent intrusive developments; and manage agricultural diversification and prevent degradation. Cranbrook The town of Cranbrook falls within Local Character Area 4: Cranbrook Fruit Belt. This is described as a plateau top landscape, where the topography flattens out compared with the more intricate topography of the fruit belt to the west. The strong yet diverse character incorporates fruit belt, forested plateau and wooded farmland The development constraints and local objectives are: to retain rural ambience; prevent erosion of the areas essential rural character; avoid deterioration of the currently high quality built environment and local vernacular; and protect the historic core of Cranbrook and tight knit character of the town There are opportunities to enhance the area by reducing the impact of busy roads and reinstating lost landscape structure by replacing traditional hedgerows Hawkhurst The town of Hawkhurst falls within Local Character Area 11: Hawkhurst Wooded Farmland. A peaceful managed farmed landscape of pasture and open arable fields on gentle open slopes. Fields are bounded by wooded shaws and ghylls. Settlements are conspicuous on ridgelines The development constraints and local objectives are: control further development which would detract from the balance of settled farmland and rural quality; avoid large scale development; avoid deterioration of the high quality built environment and local vernacular; and reduce traffic congestion whilst recognising the importance of the area for tourism. 18

19 3.3 The Historic Landscape Character Context The four study areas are of great historic landscape interest, reflecting the importance of the Weald as an area in which the landscape has often retained its historic character. The modern landscape in the Weald reflects the ancient pattern of dispersed settlements. In Kent, fields were gradually enclosed, or cut out of woodland The Kent Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC), Kent County Council (2001) provides a strategic assessment of the extent to which the historic development of Kent s landscape can still be seen in the modern landscape. It is intended that the project will inform development plans and strategies The HLC is a strategic, rather than a local, assessment. It allows us to look at the landscape of Kent and draw conclusions about the historic development of the landscape in different parts of the county and the county as a whole To be fully effective in local planning and development control at District level the HLC would be backed up by more detailed site analysis More detailed aspects of the historic landscape such as land boundaries, hedgerows, footpaths, land use, buildings and farmsteads would need to be examined in order to identify those of key historic importance. This would help identify any constraints on development but also allow those features to contribute positively to any subsequent development The HLC defined a very large number of historic landscape character types but also 34 broader zones called Historic Landscape Character Areas (HLCAs) and these permit some broad statements to be made about the four areas of study. Tunbridge Wells Tunbridge Wells lies in an area identified as Western Weald and Central High Weald with the town itself being defined as Urban Conurbation. Western Weald is defined as representing a distinctive zone straddling the Eden river valley and possessing a balanced mixture of relatively uncommon types, including fields created by clearing woodland (assarts), fields with ponds (marling) and parkland with a significant mix of woodland types. The Central High Weald to the east of the town is composed of an extremely varied mix of types. Dominant types include woodland, coppice, horticulture and smaller field types. Settlement is scattered and thin across the area with little extensive post 1810 development. Paddock Wood Paddock Wood is divided approximately north and south between the Medway Basin HLCA in the north and the Wealden Horticultural Pocket HLCA in the south. The Medway Basin HLCA is characterised as valley floor with occasional patches of horticulture and fields. It contains a range of historic landscape character types including horticulture industry and urban development. It generally forms the 19

20 hinterland of towns such as Maidstone, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. To the south of the town, the Wealden Horticultural Pocket is a distinctive area dominated by horticultural landscape types but which includes other field types including marling, regular and wavy boundary fields and irregular straight bounded fields. Cranbrook and Hawkhurst Cranbrook and Hawkhurst both lie in single HLCAs. Cranbrook lies in the Central Low Weald HLCA. This is described as a difficult to define area that takes its character primarily from its difference to surrounding areas. The area covers a boundary zone between horticultural belts to the west and marling Weald to the east and contains a correspondingly wider range of landscape types including a mixture of fields, horticulture, woodland and settlement Hawkhurst lies in an area defined as Central High Weald and contains a wide mixture of landscape character types. Dominant types include woodland types, coppice, horticulture and smaller fields. Settlement is scattered thinly across the area with little in the way of extensive post 1810 development. 4.0 Assessment of the Capacity Analysis 4.1 The Assessment Process Field surveys were carried out to identify landscape character sub-areas within the Tunbridge Wells Borough character areas. The field work was recorded using field survey sheets describing individual character areas and supported by a representative photo of each area. These are reproduced in Appendix 1 and grouped by settlement. 4.2 The Assessment The output from the assessment process is almost completely accounted for in the Volume 2 Tables. These tables and the accompanying figures identify local character area sub-divisions within the context of the wider Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Assessment (2002), local character areas. The tables compare the relative quality, value, character and visual sensitivity of each sub-character area. The tables also consider landscape management issues and the potential for mitigating development The analysis, using the definitions outlined in the Glossary below, results in a clear steer on the relative capacity score for defined areas around each settlement. The following summaries for each settlement provide some general comments which may give direction to identifying the areas of greatest potential capacity for development in landscape terms. 5.0 Summary of Conclusions 5.1 General This landscape capacity study gives direction for future expansion around 20

21 the main settlements in Tunbridge Wells Borough. It gives a steer from a landscape perspective for the allocation of areas for housing and business development. The findings of the capacity analysis need to be considered in conjunction with other detailed studies in order to determine the overall potential of the areas to support development. These would need to include, amongst others, biodiversity, archaeology, hydrology, transport and access to existing facilities or infrastructure. More detailed landscape analysis would be required for each area which is identified as having some capacity, this would help to determine the boundaries of development and the landscape infrastructure required to integrate and mitigate the development proposals into the existing landscape character. 5.2 Royal Tunbridge Wells Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Assessment: Local Character Area: Wooded Farmland 5 Speldhurst, refer to Volume 2, Table 5 and Figures The area to the north of Southborough falls in this character area, within this there are sub-divisions based on the openness of the landscape and degree of urban influence. This area has more urban influences and areas of degraded landscape than the areas in the same local character area to the west of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The high population and density of housing means that more local residents can access this area. This brings with it the problems and issues relating to countryside management of people and intensive use. This is particularly notable in Brokes Wood and the Local Nature Reserve at Bennetts Wood. These areas of accessible countryside are of high value for informal recreation and as a buffer between the local population and the wider countryside. The two areas identified as having moderate capacity are where the landscape is enclosed from long views. Although both areas TW1 and TW3 are identified as having Moderate capacity for potential housing development the areas available for this would be restricted due to existing designations of Semi-Natural Ancient Woodland and Local Nature Reserve. Area TW3 would probably have more land available than area TW1 in this respect Area TW2 is also valued as accessible recreational land and there are long views from this area to the Castle Hill ridge. There may be some limited pockets of potential for development but these would have to be in a well defined and strong landscape framework. Areas TW4 and TW5 are more closely associated with the wider AONB countryside and are considered to have no potential as areas of urban expansion The sub-areas in this local character area which lie to the west of the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells are generally of high quality AONB landscape. As a rural buffer and countryside gap between the village of Speldhurst and the town areas TW7 and TW14 would have low to no capacity for any significant development. The character of this distinctive High Weald landscape could easily be eroded by the expansion of urban development. The sub-areas, TW9, TW10,TW11 and TW12, which are identified as having a moderate capacity for development are more visually contained and offer some scope for redefining the boundaries of the built up areas. Any potential development areas would need to be close to the existing built up area boundaries. They could only be developed within a strong landscape 21

22 framework, which would redefine and soften hard urban edges where appropriate. This would need to strengthen the rural urban interface, rather than intruding into sensitive countryside. Southborough Common and Modest Corner, area TW 8, have a distinctive local historic character which needs to be conserved and protected from inappropriate development and this area is therefore considered to have no capacity The parkland character of the area TW13, to the east of Langton Green begins to overlap with the Penshurst parkland character area and would be particularly sensitive to development. Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Assessment: Local Character Area: Open Farmland 19 Bayhall, refer to Table 5 and Figures 3 and The sub divisions in this character area relate to the degree of urban influence on the rural areas and the exposure to long views from the wider AONB countryside to the east. The open slopes of TW15 which fall away from Pembury Road would be particularly sensitive to further development. There may be some limited pockets of more enclosed land on the ridge which could be developed as infill in larger gardens, but extensive development on this ridge would intrude into the open countryside On the lower slopes of TW16 the loss of landscape structure to intensive agriculture makes the landscape vulnerable to change. There are opportunities to strengthen landscape character by replacing lost hedges, trees and woodland. Such measures of landscape reconstruction would not be sufficient to mitigate any significant areas of development in the open countryside. There may be limited scope for development, but only close to the urban boundaries in TW17 and in a strong landscape structure. The Registered parkland of Dunorlan Park is a constraint to this potential and a landscape buffer should be retained between the park and the existing built up edge. The area of TW18, around Tuttys Farm, is an enclosed bowl of rather neglected landscape. This area is not within the AONB and is not as sensitive as the more open and higher quality areas to the north. This area would have greatest potential for some development as an extension to the existing residential area. There are small pockets of less sensitive landscape in area TW21. These are close to the built up edge, between the houses on Forest Road and the cemetery. As these areas have amenity value as formal recreation areas and contribute to the landscape setting for the cemetery they are considered to have low capacity. Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Assessment: Local Character Area: Forested Plateau 14 Pembury Woodlands and Heathlands, refer to Table 5 and Figure The area TW6, to the north east of the town between Castle Hill and Kingstanding has been affected by intrusive development creeping into the AONB. There is a need to strengthen the urban boundaries with considerable planting in order to soften the impact of the existing industrial units, especially in views from Castle Hill. The area between Kingstanding and the Pembury Bypass is an important rural buffer between the built up area and the road. The capacity of this 22

23 landscape to accept change is overall moderate, but the constraints outlined above would limit the actual areas available for potential development. The Knights Park area of TW6A is particularly vulnerable to further creeping development. The seminatural ancient woodland of Robingate Wood is an important landscape feature as a buffer between the built up area and the Pembury by-pass. The remaining open areas are on high ground and are visible from the surrounding residential areas. They are of moderate capacity in purely landscape terms. The parkland area, TW19, to the east of Pembury Grange and Sandown Park has already accommodated creeping residential and other development. The area is of low character and visual sensitivity and vulnerable to further encroachment. The emphasis here should be to retain a landscape buffer between the existing development and the A21 Pembury Bypass The green corridor which extends around the eastern edge of Tunbridge Wells built up area from Kingstanding southwards to Cornford Lane is important for general amenity. The area forms the green infrastructure for the town and any development proposals which could encroach into this need to be carefully considered in this context. Wealden District, refer to Table 5 and Figure The area to the south of the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells is in Wealden District Council. Much of areas TW20, TW22 and TW24 are on very visible slopes which are open to views from the wider AONB countryside to the south. The built up edge of the residential suburbs of Royal Tunbridge Wells occasionally spill over the crest of this ridge to form an intrusive hard urban edge with the countryside. There would be limited scope to extend the urban development of the town into this countryside without creating unacceptable urban creep into the rural landscape. Some limited areas of TW23 are less sensitive visually and the character of the area could absorb some limited development. This would need to be in a strong landscape framework which would redefine the urban development boundary. The area of TW23 extends south from Bayham Road is less sensitive. However this area is isolated from existing built up areas and it would be difficult to integrate potential new development with existing settlements Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Assessment: Local Character Area: Wooded Farmland 5 Speldhurst, refer to Table 5 and Figure Area TW25 at Ramslye Farm is on open slopes with long views to the AONB landscape, any extension to the built up development in this area would be intrusive in this sensitive landscape. The countryside area to the south west of Rusthall and the Holmewood Ridge slopes down towards the heavily wooded area of Broadwater Forest. This area has an abundance of historic interest in the park land areas surrounding Rusthall TW29, Broomlands TW27 and High Rocks TW28. The area surrounding Neville Park, TW26, is sensitive as the setting for Tunbridge Wells Common and the Conservation Area. The Arcadian character surrounding the Neville Park must be conserved and protected, development proposals would need to respect this. The historic character of these areas would rule out potential for large scale development. Any proposals would need to be in a landscape framework 23

24 which respects the historic character of the surrounding landscape. The visual sensitivity of these areas as the approach and setting to Royal Tunbridge Wells needs to be considered in any future development proposals. 5.3 Paddock Wood, refer to Volume 2, Table 6 and Figure 8 Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Assessment: Local Character Area 13: Paddock Wood / Five Oak Green Low Weald Farmland The town of Paddock Wood has grown around the railway. Most of the residential and town centre uses, including retail development, have spread to the south of the railway. To the north of the railway there is a concentration of industrial estates and large warehouse buildings. The flat open character of the town and the surrounding landscape would make it sensitive to the potential impacts of uncontrolled expanding development. Much of the area is characterised by large flat and open arable fields where the landscape structure has been lost due to removal of traditional field boundaries, particularly to the west and east of the town. The landscape to the south of the town gently rises up to the edge of the High Weald AONB. Proposals for development would need to be designed in the context of a substantial green infrastructure. This infrastructure would in turn need to be designed to be sensitive to local landscape character and distinctiveness. The existing recent expansion to the south along Green Lane is sensitively designed in this way and does not intrude unacceptably into the rural landscape To the north of the town the hard urban edges of the industrial estates intrude into the agricultural landscape, notably in area PW1. There could be scope to soften these edges with sensitively designed development in a new landscape infrastructure. This is not withstanding the fact that the presence of the Medway flood plain would be a major constraint to development north and west of the town. The countryside to the north east is characterised by an intricate network of country lanes and remnant orchards. These fields are frequently bounded with willow fringed drainage ditches. The small scale rural character of this area would be sensitive to major change. Where development may be considered to be acceptable in landscape terms this would only be the case close to the existing urban edges and where there is scope to redefine the urban rural landscape interface. This could apply to parts of Areas PW2, PW4, PW5 and PW Cranbrook, refer to Table 7 and Figure 9 Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Assessment: Local Character Area 4: Cranbrook Fruit Belt The context of the historic town of Cranbrook is in a distinctive rural setting which needs to be protected against inappropriate development. Proposed development would need to retain the tight knit character of the existing town. There are limited areas where proposed development could be accommodated without detracting from this rural setting. These are particularly the more enclosed locations which do not afford long views from the surrounding AONB countryside. There are 24

25 areas where new development may provide opportunities to strengthen local landscape character and redefine the urban - rural interface These include area C1, between the existing town centre car park and Brick Kiln Farm. The area C7 lies to the east of Mill House, between the sewage works and Baker Cross. Area C4, to the north west of Angley Road where there are existing educational and recreational facilities. This area does form a buffer zone to a registered historic parkland and an area of local nature conservation interest and any proposals for future development would need to retain a landscape buffer to these areas as part of the green infrastructure. 5.5 Hawkhurst, refer to Table 8 and Figure 10 Tunbridge Wells Borough Landscape Character Assessment: Local Character Area 11: Hawkhurst Wooded Farmland The town of Hawkhurst is located on a broad high plateau on the main ridgeline between the Rother Valley and the Hexden Channel. The name hurst means a wooded hill and the settlement dates from before the thirteenth Century. The town has a high quality built environment and vernacular heritage. The edges of the town are well contained in the rural setting with little evidence of suburban sprawl. A characteristic of settlement in this area is of ribbon development spreading out along the ridge top roads and small historic settlement scattered along them. The settlement at Moor Hill with its distinctive setting of the village green and historic church is typical of this character. Any significant expansion of these scattered settlements would detract from the historic character. The visual containment of the built up areas around the village would make the edges of the village sensitive to further expansion into the rural areas. As with Cranbrook there are areas where new developments may provide opportunities to strengthen local landscape character and redefine the urban edges These areas include limited areas to the north of the village in area H1, but avoiding the more open slopes which afford long views from the AONB countryside. To the east of the village, area H2, north of Rye Road, to redefine the urban rural interface, but only if in a substantial wooded setting In area H3 there is potentially some limited capacity close to the village edge to the south of Rye Road. The opportunity would be to redefine the urban rural interface, but avoiding the open slopes. There may also be some limited scope in H3, to the south of the Copthall Avenue to redefine the village edge in a strong landscape structure which could link with existing accessible countryside There may be some capacity in very limited pockets in area H4, to the west of Highgate Hill. The loss of landscape features such as hedges and structure in the form of field boundaries has made this area particularly vulnerable to change. There are potentially small pockets of land in area H5, to the west of the village. The need to protect the individual identity of settlements at Philpotts Cross, Lightfoot Green and Slipmill would restrict the capacity of this area to support development. 25

26 6.0 Glossary of Key Terms and Acronyms Agricultural Diversification This refers to the pressure for change of use for farm buildings and agricultural land as alternative development such as offices, riding stables and other recreational uses. Analysis (landscape) The process of breaking the landscape down into its component parts to understand how it is made up. ASNW Ancient semi-natural woodland (ASNW) is composed of native tree species that have not obviously been planted. Planted ancient woodland sites (PAWS) are ancient woods in which the former tree cover has been replaced, often with non-native trees. Important features of ancient woodland often survive in many of these woods, including characteristic flora and fauna, and archaeology. Ancient Woodland Ancient woods are those where there is believed to have been continuous woodland cover since at least 1600 AD. Before this planting was uncommon, so a wood present in 1600 AD was likely to have developed naturally. AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an area of countryside considered to have significant landscape value in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, that has been specially designated by the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) on behalf of the United Kingdom government; Arable land used for growing crops other than grass or woody species. Assessment (landscape) An umbrella term for description, classification and analysis of landscape. Characteristics Elements, features and qualities which make a particular contribution to distinctive character. Characterisation The process of identifying areas of similar character, classifying and mapping them and describing their character. CPRE Council for the Protection of Rural England DMRB Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Vol.11, Section 3, Part 5, Highways Agency (1997). Element A component part of the landscape such as woods, hedges, structures, roads and rock outcrops. Field Pattern The pattern of hedges or walls that define fields in farmed landscapes. GLVIA Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Second Edition (2002) published by the Institute of Environmental Assessment and the Landscape Institute. Green Infrastructure is a network of multifunctional green space, both new and 26

27 existing, both rural and urban, which supports the natural and ecological processes and is integral to the health and quality of life of sustainable communities. HLC Historic Landscape Characterisation, strategic assessment of the extent to which the historic development of landscape can still be seen in the modern landscape. Landscape capacity is the indicative ability of the landscape to accommodate different amounts of change or development of a specific type without adverse impacts. In the context of this study this will be a relative comparison for each settlement. Landscape character is the recognisable and consistent pattern of elements that make a place different or distinct. Character is influenced by particular combinations of physical elements such as settlement, land use and built features, and other perceived aspects such as views, tranquillity and sense of place. Landscape character areas are single unique areas in the landscape, which have a particular sense of place. These are discrete areas of an identifiable character reflected by differing vegetation, settlement and field patterns, cultural associations and other landscape characteristics. They share general characteristics with other areas but have their own particular identity, these are distinct from landscape types. Landscape character types are generic types which possess broadly similar patterns of geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use, settlement and field pattern discernable in maps and field survey records. They can occur in different geographical locations. Landscape Framework A framework of landscape elements or features, which would be required as a setting for proposed or existing development. For example earthworks, tree belts, hedges and woodland, the framework may also include open areas of landscape where this would be in character with the setting. Landscape management is concerned with the development of management actions which conserve, enhance and maintain landscapes for current and future generations. The discipline of landscape management ensures that the design intention of a landscape is realised in the long-term, be it a newly designed or an historic landscape, and that it fulfils its intended function as a component in the landscape, as an amenity resource for people and as a habitat for wildlife. Landscape Mitigation is measures, including any process, activity, or design to avoid reduce, or compensate for adverse landscape and visual effects of a development project. The potential to mitigate change in a particular landscape will depend on the factors and features which determine the character of the landscape. Landscape Sensitivity is the inherent sensitivity of the landscape resource, which includes the sensitivity of both its character as a whole and the individual elements contributing to the character. Sensitivity also includes the visual sensitivity of the landscape in terms of views, types of viewers and the scope to mitigate visual impact. 27

28 Landscape Value The relative value or importance attached to a landscape. A landscape may be valued by different communities of interest for different reasons. These can include scenic beauty, tranquility, and special cultural / conservation interests. Some may be designated. LNR Local Nature Reserve LWS Local Wildlife Site. Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), previously known as Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) are areas of land with significant wildlife value. In reality they are typically an area of ancient woodland, a flower-rich hay meadow or a village pond. MGB Metropolitan Green Belt. Mitigation Measures to avoid, reduce, remedy or compensate for adverse landscape and visual effects of a development project. Sense of Place The character of a place that makes it locally distinctive i.e. different from other places. Settlement All dwellings/habitations whether single or clustered in cities, towns and village. Settlement Pattern The predominant pattern of settlement in an area. SLA Special Landscape Areas, a local landscape designation used by Kent County Council. A non-statutory conservation designation used by local government in some parts of the United Kingdom to categorise sensitive landscapes which are, either legally or as a matter of policy, protected from development or other man-made influences. The term is commonly used both by local authorities (e.g. Kent County Council). SSSI Site of Special scientific interest. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) give legal protection to the best sites for wildlife and geology in England. RUPP Road Used as Public Path Vernacular Built in the local style, from local materials. 28