8 Landscape Effects 8.1 Scope of the Assessment 8.2 Statutory and Planning Context 8.3 Assessment Methodology (Landscape) 8.4 Assessment Methodology (Visual Impact) 8.5 Baseline Conditions 8.6 Predicted Impacts 8.7 Mitigation 8.8 Residual Effects
8 Landscape Effects
8.0.1 This chapter reports the findings of the assessment of the predicted impacts on the landscape character and visual context of the area associated with the Proposed Scheme.
8.1 Scope of the Assessment
8.1.1 The Proposed Scheme would involve the introduction of a new section of road and its associated traffic immediately south of the existing A75 within an area of un-designated landscape north of the Solway Firth. The Stage 1 and 2 assessments recognised the following potential impacts related to landscape and visual impacts:
Landscape Character
- the loss of existing landscape components such as woodland or hedgerows;
- modification of landform to accommodate a new alignment;
- disruption to the established relationships between components and local landscape pattern;
- impacts on designated landscapes, conservation sites and cultural assets associated with the Proposed Scheme corridor;
- consequent impacts on local and regional landscape character as a result of the above, individually or in combination;
Visual Impact
- increased prominence of the newly aligned road and its traffic in existing views from property and communally used land and rights of way; and
- intrusion of the new road and its associated traffic in views from property and communal land and facilities not currently influenced by the road or its traffic.
- Preliminary studies identified a visual envelope19 for the proposed scheme extending some 2 km from the Proposed Scheme corridor. Site review confirmed that this would prove appropriate for the assessment of landscape character and visual impacts.
8.2 Statutory and Planning Context
Landscape Character
8.2.1 The assessment has been informed by reference to the following statutes.
- The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
- The Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967.
- The Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991.
- The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997.
- Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
Planning Guidance
8.2.2 The primary source for planning guidance is National Planning and Policy Guidance relating to the Natural Heritage (NPPG 14) (Scottish Executive, 1999). The document defines statutory obligations in relation to the conservation of natural heritage, describes how natural heritage objectives should be reflected in development plans and the role of the planning system in safeguarding sites of national and international importance. It also highlights the importance of heritage outside of designated areas and provides guidance on the approach to be adopted in relation to local and non-statutory designations.
Regional and Local Policies
8.2.3 The Dumfries and Galloway Structure Plan includes a series of overarching environmental objectives that include the safeguarding of high quality natural resources declaring support for a general uplifting of the appearance and design of development within the varied landscapes and settlements of the region.
Visual Context and Views
8.2.4 Statutes and national planning policy make no direct provision for the protection or conservation of specific views. They are, however, an implicit part of the values and qualities recognised in broader landscape and townscape designations that seek to protect areas of recognised scenic quality.
8.3 Assessment Methodology (Landscape)
8.3.1 The assessment has been undertaken in accordance with the guidelines in Volume 11, Section 3, Part 5 of the DMRB. Reference has also been made to the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment, 2002).
Landscape Character
8.3.2 There have been six stages to the assessment:
recording and classification of existing landscape character including an evaluation of quality, value and sensitivity to the introduction of the Proposed Scheme;
- an appreciation of the nature, forms and features of the Proposed Scheme;
- an assessment of the magnitude of change within the scheme corridor and neighbouring landscapes;
- an evaluation of the significance of the impact on landscape character taking into account sensitivity to change and magnitude of change;
- identification of landscape design and mitigation measures; and
- assessment of the residual effects on landscape character.
Baseline - Desk Study
8.3.3 The desk based assessment involved reference to the following documentation and mapping.
- The A75 Route Action Plan Study (Halcrow Crouch Ltd -February 1998).
- The Hardgrove to Kinmount Stage 2 Environmental Assessment Report (Mouchel Parkman, July 2003).
- Data collected for the cultural heritage, land use and ecological and nature conservation assessments for the Proposed Scheme.
- The Dumfries and Galloway Structure Plan (1999).
- The Annandale and Eskdale Local Plan (2006).
- Current and historic 1:25,000 and 1:10,000 scale Ordnance Survey maps.
- Dumfries and Galloway Landscape Character Assessment, Scottish Natural Heritage, 1999.
8.3.4 The above information provided the basis for a preliminary drafting of local landscape character areas taking into account:
- the pattern and scale of landform, land cover and built development;
- special values including national and local landscape designations, conservation areas and historical and cultural associations; and
- specific potential receptors, including important parts of the landscape, residents, visitors, travellers and other groups of viewers.
Baseline - Field Survey
8.3.5 Site surveys to determine the local landscape character and predicted visual impact were undertaken during January, February and May 2006. Public use of open spaces, roads and footpaths were also observed during the course of the field surveys.
Baseline - Consultation
8.3.6 The following organisations with an interest in landscape as a natural resource were consulted during the assessment.
- Dumfries and Galloway Council Planning and Environment.
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
- Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
8.3.7 A summary of consultee responses is provided in Appendix B.
Evaluation of Predicted Impacts
8.3.8 The prediction of impacts on landscape character has been based on the consideration of the sensitivity of the landscape to road development and the magnitude of change anticipated during construction and future use of the Proposed Scheme.
Existing Landscape Character and Sensitivity to Change
8.3.9 The description and classification of existing character has involved a review of the Dumfries and Galloway Landscape Character Assessment, the identification of landscape designations associated with the study area and the identification of local landscape character areas.
8.3.10 Local landscape character areas have been defined taking into account how landform, hydrology, vegetation, settlement, land use pattern and cultural and historic features and their associations combine to create definable units (character zones) with a common ‘sense of place’ or identity. The quality of each of the considered local character areas has been based on the criteria described in Table 8.1.
QUALITY |
DEFINITION |
|---|---|
Highest Quality |
Areas comprising a clear composition of valued landscape components in robust form and health, free of disruptive visual detractors and with a strong sense of place. |
Very Attractive |
Areas primarily of valued landscape components combined in an aesthetically pleasing composition and lacking prominent disruptive visual detractors. |
Good Landscape |
Areas primarily of valued landscape components combined in an aesthetically pleasing composition with low levels of disruptive visual detractors. |
Ordinary Landscape |
Areas containing some features of landscape value but lacking a coherent and aesthetically pleasing composition. |
Poor Landscape |
Areas lacking valued landscape components or comprising degraded features and lacking any aesthetically pleasing composition. |
8.3.11 Consideration has also been given to the value of the local landscape character areas. Value is frequently addressed by reference to international, national, regional and local designations determined by statutory and planning agencies. Absence of such a designation, however, does not infer a lack of quality or value. Factors such as accessibility and local scarcity can render areas of nationally unremarkable landscape quality highly valuable as a local resource.
8.3.12 The local character areas have been rated in relation to their potential sensitivity to the introduction of the Proposed Scheme, by taking landscape quality and value into account. Table 8.2 defines the sensitivity ratings adopted.
Table 8.2 – Sensitivity to Change
CATEGORY |
CRITERIA |
|---|---|
High |
Landscape or landscape elements of particular distinctive character, highly valued and considered susceptible to relatively small changes. |
Medium |
A landscape of moderately valued characteristics considered reasonably tolerant of change. |
Low |
A landscape of generally low valued characteristics considered potentially tolerant of substantial change. |
Negligible |
A landscape of low valued characteristics considered tolerant of substantial change. |
Magnitude of Change
8.3.13 The magnitude of change has been predicted by considering the anticipated loss or disruption to character forming landscape components (tree planting, landform, buildings, and watercourses), the scale of the character area and the proportion of it that would be affected by the introduction of the Proposed Scheme. In common with the evaluation of sensitivity, four levels of magnitude of impact have been adopted. These are defined in Table 8.3.
Table 8.3 – Magnitude of Change
CATEGORY |
CRITERIA |
|---|---|
High |
Notable changes in landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to very intensive change over a more limited area. |
Medium |
Minor changes in landscape characteristics over a wide area ranging to notable changes in a more limited area. |
Low |
Minor changes in landscape characteristics over a limited area. |
Negligible |
Minor or virtually imperceptible change in any area or landscape components. |
Significance of Impacts on Landscape Character
8.3.14 The significance of the predicted impacts has been assessed by considering the sensitivity to change and magnitude of change for each of the local character areas. Account has been taken of the effect landscape proposals and mitigation measures would have in offsetting or minimising potentially adverse impacts.
8.3.15 Impact significance (adverse or beneficial) has been determined by combining sensitivity and magnitude in accordance with the matrix provided in Table 8.4 below. However, it should be noted that this only provides an indication of the likely impact arising from the assessment of magnitude and sensitivity. Given that the criteria represent levels on a continuum, professional judgement and awareness of the relative balance of importance between sensitivity and magnitude has also been exercised.
Table 8.4 – Significance of Change
Sensitivity |
Magnitude |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
High |
Medium |
Low |
Negligible |
|
High |
Major |
Major/Moderate |
Moderate |
Negligible |
Medium |
Major/Moderate |
Moderate |
Moderate/ Slight |
Negligible |
Low |
Moderate |
Moderate/Slight |
Slight/Negligible |
Negligible |
Negligible |
Slight |
Slight/Negligible |
Negligible |
Negligible |
8.3.16 Impacts of ‘moderate’ and above are considered ‘significant’; this being the level at which changes to the landscape would be clearly perceived and mitigation is considered essential. All impacts are considered adverse unless otherwise stated.
8.3.17 Impacts have been assessed for winter in the year of opening and winter and summer fifteen years after opening to demonstrate the predicted effect of the proposed screening/planting once they have become established and are beginning to mature.
8.3.18 Construction impacts on the landscape are considered in Chapter 15 (Disruption due to Construction).
8.4 Assessment Methodology (Visual Impact)
8.4.1 The visual impact assessment has involved the following stages:
- plotting the visual envelope for the Proposed Scheme corridor;
- the identification of receptors and their sensitivity to potential changes in view related to the implementation and future use of the Proposed Scheme;
- site survey to verify receptors and determine the potential magnitude of impact for the identified receptors;
- the identification of appropriate and feasible mitigation measures to address significant impacts identified by the assessment; and
- a statement of the residual impacts assuming mitigation is in place.
Identification of the Visual Envelope
8.4.2 The visual envelope provides a basis for preliminary identification of potential receptors that are then verified through site survey. The visual envelope is neither representative of visual impact in itself nor does it indicate that the Proposed Scheme would be visible from all locations within the envelope. There are inevitably many localised obstructions (small buildings planting, hedges, local landform et al) that may not be identified by the broad plotting of the envelope but which may obstruct potential viewpoints. The envelope is, therefore, a useful indicator of the potential area of influence of the road and its traffic.
8.4.3 The visual envelope has been plotted by reference to OS mapping for the local area and the subsequent verification and modification of initial desk plots on site. The assumptions adopted in drafting the envelope have been that the observer height is 1.8 metres above ground level and that the height of vehicles on the road, which could intrude into views 4 metres above ground level (the nominally accepted height of an average commercial vehicle).
Identification of Key Receptors
8.4.4 Potential receptors (locations from which people would be able to view the scheme) comprise individual properties, groups of properties that share views and potential change in view, and public areas with a clear relationship to the existing or proposed road. They are initially recorded by reviewing the settlement, land use, access and transportation patterns of the area contained within the visual envelope and validated by survey in the field. Key receptors plotted via the desk based review and validated through site survey include:
- settlements, residential areas and individual properties;
- roads within the study corridor; and
- recreational and public areas including footpaths, bridleways and other public rights of way.
Field Assessment of Affected Receptors - Recording Visual Impacts
8.4.5 Desk studies and site-based surveys were carried out between March 2005 and January 2006 to record and evaluate potential visual impacts for the key receptors. Recording involved the use of a standard record sheet for each receptor. Factors included:
- receptor types and number (dwelling/footpath/open space/school);
- receptor height ;
- existing view;
- distance of view;
- percentage and elements of the proposals that would be visible;
- viewpoint position (view up/view down/level);
- angle of view (acute/perpendicular/average);
- type of view (foreground /middle-ground/background); and
- position of the development in the view.
Visual Evaluation and Impact Analysis
8.4.6 The evaluation and impact assessment involved consideration of a receptor’s sensitivity to change and the magnitude of change based upon information gathered through the site surveys and analysis of the design proposals.
8.4.7 Sensitivity to change considers the nature of the receptor, for example a residential dwelling is generally considered highly sensitive to change. The importance of the view experienced by the receptor also contributes to an understanding of how sensitive the receptor is to change. Therefore, scenic quality is also considered.
8.4.8 Magnitude of change considers the extent of the scheme that would be visible, the percentage of the existing view newly occupied by the scheme and the viewing distance from the receptor to the scheme.
8.4.9 Impact analysis relates to the potential impacts during construction, upon the opening of the Proposed Scheme opening and fifteen years into operation as per the landscape assessment. The analysis assumes that the visual context applicable at the year of opening is that which would be experienced during winter months when the degree of visual exposure is potentially at its greatest. The analysis fifteen years into operation considers potential impacts during winter and summer, and demonstrates the effectiveness of landscape and mitigation proposals for the project. The analysis relates to each key receptor and concludes with an evaluation of the significance of impact related to each receptor.
Impact Ratings and Criteria
8.4.10 The prime criteria used to evaluate visual impact relates to the extent to which existing views for key receptors would change; taking into account landscape proposals and mitigation measures.
8.4.11 In common with landscape character, an initial indication of impact significance (adverse or beneficial) was gained by combining sensitivity and magnitude in accordance with the matrix provided in Table 8.4 and then applying professional judgement.
8.4.12 Each of the identified receptors has been evaluated against the key visual criteria and has been allocated an impact rating. The assessment concludes with a brief discussion of the overall visual implications of the proposal and a summary rating for visual impact.
8.5 Baseline Conditions
Regional Landscape Context
8.5.1 The Proposed Scheme is predominantly located within the Coastal Plateau Type sub-division of the Dumfries Coastland Regional Character area as defined in the SNH Landscape Character Assessment for Dumfries and Galloway. The extreme western and eastern ends of the proposal are at the point of transition from the Coastal Plateau to the Upland Fringe landscape character (LC) type and Coastal Flats LC type respectively (Figure 8.1 illustrates).
8.5.2 The nature of the proposal is such that the assessment has recognised that the potential for impacts on these two regional landscape types would not be significant; there being no material direct impact on established landscape components or change in the relationship between the two areas and the A75 as a principal road corridor within the Coastal Plateau located between them. The baseline description of regional landscape character has accordingly been limited to the Coastal Plateau type.
8.5.3 The Coastal Plateau is an area of gently rolling topography that levels out as it falls towards the northern coastline of the Solway Firth. Open areas of arable and pastoral agriculture are punctuated by numerous small forestry plantations and shelterbelts. There is a pronounced pattern of hedgerows, occasional drystone dykes, sparse settlement and straight roads.
8.5.4 The busy A75 trunk road is a significant element within the landscape influencing the character of the road corridor. The small scale undulations of the topography help mask its presence when viewed from the north and the south. The low embankments formed by the road immediately south of Carrutherstown village, immediately west of the scheme, illustrates the local impact of the road on the landscape character (Photograph 1).
Local Landscape Context
8.5.5 The assessment has identified a single local landscape character area extending some 2km to either side of the existing and proposed trunk road alignment.
Photograph 1: Small scale undulations typify the topography
8.5.6 The landscape centred on the trunk road corridor is one of moderately sized pastures and some arable fields with hedgerow boundaries that follow the lines of a gently undulating landform (Figure 8.2). There is a local ridge at Braehill comprising Birch Bank and Oak Wood and two hillock summits, one immediately south of Popin Moss and the other at Kiln Knowe. These emerge as prominent features from this gentle form. Local watercourses, comprise Pow Water as it crosses the existing A75 some 200m east of Carrutherstown, Hardgrove Burn (a tributary of Pow Water), Stenries Burn and Glen Burn. None are substantial or dominant features as they run broadly north to south between low containing undulations in the landform.
8.5.7 Farmsteads are dispersed and locally enclosed or partly screened by copses of planting which provide a degree of shelter. Less accessible or fertile areas have been planted with mixed and coniferous plantations, which serve to break an otherwise open landscape. Prominent areas of woodland include Kelhead Moss, Bellridden Wood, Newfield and Cocklicks. Smaller woodland stands at Oakbank, Braehill and near to Carrutherstown break views for travellers using the existing A75; the road being the most intrusive of the landscape components within the area. Occasional lone trees characterised by their windswept form line the side of the road. Side roads and lanes are relatively unobtrusive as they sit more comfortably within the undulating landscape. This is most evident where the U81a follows the shallow valley that houses the Hardgrove Burn mid way along the Proposed Scheme corridor (Figure 8.2).
8.5.8 Part of the distinctive woodland at Braehill is identified in the SNH Inventory of Semi-Natural Woodlands. The remainder is long established plantation woodland comprising Beech, Scot's Pine, Sycamore and Oak. There is a spring ground flora of bluebells Hyacinthoides non-scripta and red campion Silene dioica. The woodland is divided by the A75 and provides a distinct point of enclosure for the road user.
Photograph 2: Woodland on Braehill has been modified with the introduction of non-native species
8.5.9 Carrutherstown, at the western end of the character area and road corridor, appears as a small collection of typically white-rendered buildings. There is a local school with playing fields, a village hall and post office. East of the village impressive stone gateposts mark the access to Whitecroft Gate. The pillars are listed features. Half a kilometre beyond the eastern end of the Proposed Scheme corridor dense woodland marks the presence of the Kinmount Estate; a Designed Landscape listed in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.
Photograph 3: Carrutherstown from the East
Photograph 4: Whitecroft Gate, showing the main view to the east and the partial screening to the south
8.5.10 Whilst nature conservation interests are represented within the woodland, hedgerows and occasional semi-natural grasslands alongside the roadside margins, this is a landscape that reflects productive and well maintained agricultural activity.
Landscape Evaluation
8.5.11 There are no specific landscape designations associated with the Proposed Scheme corridor and the wider area with the exception of Kinmount House and gardens, located 0.6 km to the east of the Proposed Scheme corridor.
8.5.12 The combination of undulating landform, woodland and moderately sized fields defined by maintained hedgerows make this a relatively open landscape but one within which there are frequent breaks and localised areas of enclosure that create a sense of intimacy.
8.5.13 It is a pleasant rather than remarkable landscape with a character substantially influenced by successful agriculture and where natural characteristics appear in the form of features rather than a consistent theme. Awareness of the existing trunk road is maintained, even in areas broken from view, by the almost ever present awareness of traffic noise.
8.5.14 This is a local landscape character area of ordinary quality in which there are occasional locally attractive features.
8.5.15 The proposal to keep the proposed new section of trunk road close to the existing A75 would serve to limit the potential for substantial new severance of the local character area between Carrutherstown and the Kinmount Estate. In light of this, the likelihood that awareness of a new line close to the existing road would be broken, in a similar fashion to the existing road, and the potential that severance of land between the existing and new road would be likely to offer opportunities for mitigation. It has been concluded that the local character area would be moderately sensitive to change of the type proposed.
Visual Context
8.5.16 Visual receptors associated with the area are primarily located to the north of the existing trunk road; the most concentrated grouping being at Carrutherstown at the western end of the Proposed Scheme corridor. Other receptors comprise farmsteads and houses dispersed throughout the agricultural landscape. Key receptors at Carrutherstown are limited to the southern edge of the village, where the existing trunk road is a close and significant influence on views to the south. There are a small number of properties north of the village on the B725 that have views over much of the Proposed Scheme corridor to the east. Other receptors north of the road, including those closest to the road such as Oakbank, are frequently contained by landform or localised planting which serves to limit the extent of the trunk road corridor that can be seen.
8.5.17 Views to the south from the north of the village and from dispersed property north of the existing trunk road vary from being more expansive towards the open landscape broken by moderately sized woodlands and small copses with the traffic on the trunk road in the mid distance, to views that are framed by local planting and are focused on a small part of the existing trunk road.
8.5.18 Views from properties south of the corridor are similarly broken and focused on specific sections of the road.
8.6 Predicted Impacts
Landscape Character
8.6.1 The principal impacts on local landscape character would relate to:
- the introduction of a second road corridor in close proximity to the existing road, effectively establishing a widened rather than new road corridor within the landscape of the local area;
- the loss of part of the existing woodland at Braehill; and
- the elevation of the central section of the new alignment to accommodate the grade separation of the crossing of the U81a.
8.6.2 Notwithstanding the transfer of the large part of the existing traffic from the existing to the new trunk road, the retention of the existing road would serve to extend the overall influence of the transport corridor in the local landscape. The need for cuttings and embankments to facilitate the grade separation of the crossing of the new trunk road and the U81a, and cross the shallow valley at Hardgrove Burn at a point where it would be deeper than the present crossing near the head of the feature, would serve to increase the impacts on landform. This would be most pronounced where there are views from the south along the U81a, though the influence would be relatively locally contained given the undulating landform and dispersed woodland and shelterbelts.
8.6.3 There would also be considerable scope to introduce substantial woodland and scrub planting in severed land between the old and new alignment which would both serve to contain the influence of the road, its earthworks and associated traffic from many parts of the local landscape character area, most particularly from the northern part of the area.
8.6.4 Beyond this more intrusive central section of the new road, the western and eastern sections (some 40% of the overall route) would be sufficiently close to, or on the line of, the existing road such that there would be no marked change in the way that these parts of the road relate to the local landscape or are perceived in the local context.
8.6.5 Loss of some existing roadside planting would result in a medium term impact as new planting replaces an initially exposed and potentially raw edge to the planting that would be retained.
8.6.6 The magnitude of change in relation to what is a local landscape character area of medium sensitivity between Carrutherstown and the Kinmount Estate would be medium due to the changes being minor over a wider area and marked in one limited area. The resultant impact upon completion of construction and opening of the new section of road would be ‘moderate adverse’.
8.6.7 The magnitude of change in relation to the Coastal Plateau Type sub-division would be low due to the changes being minor in relation to a limited part of the sub-division and wider Dumfries Coastland Regional Character area. The sensitivity to change would be low, the contribution of the experience of this part of the A75 corridor not being significant beyond the local level. There would therefore, be a low magnitude of change within a regional character area of low sensitivity to change. The resultant impact upon completion of construction and opening of the new section of road would be ‘slight to negligible adverse’.
Visual Impacts
8.6.8 Generally, views across the study area are focused and contained by natural landforms and pockets of woodland. The soft undulating topography of the study area offers screening of parts of the proposed alignment and frequently obscures direct views.
8.6.9 A total of 65 visual receptors have been identified within the visual envelope. The impact on each of the identified receptors has been evaluated and is detailed in the Visual Impact Tables included in Appendix F with their main direction of view, on Figure 8.3.
8.6.10 Eighty properties within the visual envelope have been assessed as being subject to potential impact. The visual impact on each property has been evaluated and is detailed in the Visual Impact Tables (Appendix F), with numbers summarised in Table 8.5.
8.6.11 Thirty-six properties have been assessed as having a ‘high’ sensitivity to change. These comprise visual receptors 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38B, 38C, 38D, 38E, 38F, 38G, 38H, 38K and 38L.
8.6.12 Five properties (receptors 23, 25, 30, 38P and 38T) have been assessed as having a ‘medium’ sensitivity to change.
8.6.13 Twenty-seven properties (receptors 31, 38A, 38Q, 38R, 38S, 38U [6 properties] and A1 [16 properties]) have been assessed as having a ‘low’ sensitivity to change.
8.6.14 Twelve properties (receptors 1,2,18, 29, 36, 37, 38M, 38N [3 properties] A2 and A3) have been assessed as having ‘no view’ of the scheme.
8.6.15 It has been concluded that the Proposed Scheme would initially result in a medium magnitude of impact for two properties; Whitecroft Gate (receptor 16) and Upper Mains (receptor 26). The magnitude of change for the remaining properties would be low for fifty three properties and negligible for thirteen.
8.6.16 Table 8.5 schedules the summary of predicted visual impacts for winter in the opening year based on the significance matrix detailed in Table 8.4.
Table 8.5 – Summary of significance of Visual Impact on properties – opening year
Significance of Visual Impact |
Winter year of opening |
|---|---|
No visual impact |
12 |
Negligible |
1 |
Slight/Negligible |
17 |
Slight |
12 |
Moderate/Slight |
21 |
Moderate |
16 |
Major/Moderate |
1 |
Visual Receptors and Impacts – Roads
8.6.17 Traffic on the new section of the trunk road would initially remain as a feature in views for users of the retained section of the existing A75 though the proposed mounding between the roads would conceal views of cars from large sections of the newly nominated local road. This would constitute a new visual relationship for local residents and an improved visual experience when compared to that experienced as joint users of the existing heavily trafficked and ‘stressful’ trunk road. The magnitude of change would be medium for these receptors, which are considered of medium sensitivity resulting in an initial moderate beneficial impact.
8.6.18 The modified earthworks, and traffic approaching and crossing the new underpass would also be initially visible and prominent by users of the U81a as they approach from the north of Hardgrove Farm and south of Braehill. Taking into account the localised nature of the impact in the context of the journey along the road, the magnitude of change would be medium for receptors of medium sensitivity. The impact would accordingly be moderate and adverse in the year of opening.
8.6.19 There would be no marked change for users of the other local roads and access tracks that broadly run at right angles to the line of the existing and proposed trunk road; the proposals being limited to a highly localised modification of the trunk road alignment that would effectively retain the visual relationship between traffic on the trunk road and users of the local roads and access tracks. There would be a negligible change for receptors of medium sensitivity. The impact in the opening year would accordingly be negligible.
8.7 Mitigation
8.7.1 Proposed mitigation of the landscape and visual impacts beyond measures implicit in the selection of the horizontal and vertical alignment for the Proposed Scheme comprise a combination of landscape earthworks and planting (Figure 8.4).
Earthworks
8.7.2 The principal landscape earthworks involve the introduction of low mounding between the proposed new section of trunk road and the retained local road to reinforce the differentiation of the routes, aid integration and avoid potential distraction between users of the two routes. Mounding varying in height from 1.0 to 2.5 m would be provided between the following chainages:
- 500 – 1100; and
- 1500 – 3100.
8.7.3 The proposals also allow for the use of excess material derived form the site cut and fill to extend and relax the embankment slopes where the new alignment crosses the realigned U81a.
Planting
8.7.4 The planting proposals involve the use of dense scrub planting, stands of intermittent trees and hedgerows.
8.7.5 Dense scrub planting has been proposed on mounding between the new section of trunk road and the retained local road to reinforce the differentiation of the routes, reduce the visual impact of the two roads in close proximity to each other and substantially screen the traffic on the new road from a small number of visual receptors located to the north of the existing road. It has also been proposed at the grade separated crossing of the U81a beneath the new section of trunk road to mask the engineered embankments and new structure thus reducing the impact of this most complex part of the Proposed Scheme.
8.7.6 A beech hedge is proposed along the southern highway boundary for the new section of trunk road between the western terminal point for the Proposed Scheme and the north western corner of Braemoss Wood. A quickthorn hedge is proposed along the southern highway boundary between the north eastern corner of Braemoss Wood and the eastern terminal point for the Proposed Scheme. Two lengths of beech hedgerow are proposed along the northern highway boundary, one enclosing the existing open space between Carrutherstown and the existing line of the A75 to the east of the B725 as it provides access to the village, and one along the northern boundary of the new section of local road providing access between the retained local road and the proposed Stenriesgate junction with the new section of trunk road.
8.7.7 The objective is to establish a highway boundary that complements the established pattern of field hedgerows, link severed sections of hedgerow and reinforce the ecological linkages between areas of woodland and existing hedgerows in the local area. Small groupings of native hedgerow trees would be introduced into the new sections of hedgerow.
8.7.8 Open stands of intermittent alder and wild cherry would be introduced in verges at the western tie-in for the Proposed Scheme and to the east of Carrutherstown where the new section of local road links the village and the retained section of existing trunk road.
8.7.9 There will be approximately 3,200 m of newly established roadside verge that would be seeded with a native species-rich grassland mix of local provenance where possible.
8.8 Residual Effects
Landscape Effects
8.8.1 Once the dense woodland, scrub and hedgerow planting are established the initial impact of the new alignment would reduce both in terms of the prominence of the route and its traffic as a substantial component within the landscape. Established planting would both screen the road and traffic from many parts of the surrounding landscape and would extend and enhance the influence of woodland and scrub in the area whilst linking established planting areas and enhancing the availability of ecological corridors within the landscape.
8.8.2 In relation to local landscape character there would be a reduction in the magnitude of impact from medium towards low within a landscape of medium sensitivity to change. There would be a consequent decrease in the significance of the impact on landscape character to a residual effect of moderate/slight and adverse.
8.8.3 In relation to regional landscape character the magnitude of impact would remain low within a landscape of low sensitivity to change. The residual effect would be slight/negligible and adverse.
Visual Effects
Properties
8.8.4 Table 8.6 makes a comparison between the winter year of opening impacts and the residual effects in the fifteenth year after opening. The table demonstrates that with the establishment of the proposed mitigation planting there would be no residual effects greater than slight and adverse other than for a single property which would be subject to moderate/slight adverse impact.
Table 8.6 – Residual effects upon properties
Significance of Visual Impact |
Winter year of opening |
Winter year 15 |
|---|---|---|
No visual impact |
12 |
12 |
Negligible |
1 |
36 |
Slight/Negligible |
17 |
3 |
Slight |
12 |
28 |
Moderate/Slight |
21 |
1 |
Moderate |
16 |
0 |
Major/Moderate |
1 |
0 |
Roads and Paths
8.8.5 As mass planting establishes on the approach embankments and extended flanking embankments to the proposed underpass on the U81a, traffic on the elevated section of the new trunk road would be progressively screened from view for users of the U81a as they approach from the north of Hardgrove Farm and south of Braehill. The magnitude of change would be negligible for receptors of medium sensitivity. The residual effect would accordingly be negligible.