Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment

Client:
Henley Solar Farm Ltd

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CONTENTS

Executive Summary ________ 3

1.0 Introduction _______________ 5

2.0 Scope ____________________ 5

3.0 Site Context _______________ 6

Landscape Appraisal_____ 7
Landscape Character_____ 11

4.0 Visual Impact Assessment_____ 14

5.0 Landscape Impact Assessment_ 22

6.0 Conclusions________________ 26

7.0 Addendum based upon

Revised Scheme_____________ 29

Appendices

I Methodology
II Photographs of Principal (VR) Viewpoints
III Visualisations

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Executive Summary
This assessment has been prepared in response to Shropshire Council's refusal of a similar
scheme on a larger site (ref: 14/02807/FUL). The previous application area was 18.58 Ha,
and the current scheme is a significant reduction in size to 10.99 Ha. The scheme has been
reduced by the removal of the former eastern array (which made the previous scheme
more visible from some visual receptors, and substantially more visible from one key
visual receptor). The current proposal comprises the former western array only, which
benefits from better existing screening and offers better prospects of new mitigation
screening, from a further reduced and extremely limited number of visual receptors. As
such, the proposed scheme goes further than a corresponding reduction visual and
landscape impact than the reduction in site area implies.

This assessment has been carried out in accordance with the Guidelines for Landscape and
Visual Impact Assessment, Third edition (GLVIA3). The methodology employs the
suggested qualitative terminology. As such, the Landscape Impact of the proposed Solar
Farm is assessed as 'Slightly Adverse' and the Visual Impact is assessed as 'Very Slightly
Adverse'. This assessment takes into account the sensitivity of the landscape and its high
aesthetic value. No substantial adverse effects were recorded. Overall, this is not a level of
impact that will cause material harm to the AONB.

The proposed site for the solar farm is concealed from view from the wider landscape;
including, at closest range, by the substantial railway embankment. It is in effect, 'in a hole
within a hole' and such a visually enclosed location within a sensitive landscape is well
suited to the proposed development purpose.

With the stated aims of the AONB Management Plan in mind, not least in relation to the
provision of renewable energy (pages 31/32), the challenge becomes the successful
identification of sites that are 'compatible'. To this end, the proposed Henley Solar Farm
development represents one of the most discreet and least visually intrusive elements
that can be achieved within this deeply folded and complex landscape. From a visual point
of view, the benefits of this site are:

 A visually enclosed site with very few vantage points from which it can be seen from
the surrounding landscape.

 A site well bounded by the physical landscape (natural and manmade) which precludes
near views from local settlements and roads, with only a very limited view from a
public right of way.

 A site with existing electrical infrastructure (that also has spare capacity to accept
power into the grid network), that will not therefore necessitate the creation of new
transmission lines within the valley landscape.

 A land parcel that will allow for the few close range glimpses and partial views to be
mitigated with appropriate screening planting using site native species.

 Farming needs to adapt to changes, and the economic and political consequences are
very uncertain. This proposal plays a part in both farm diversification and shifting to a
low carbon economy and way of life, conserving energy and developing appropriate
renewables.

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 The local production of renewable energy will be increased, but in a way compatible
with the AONB.

 The proposal achieves an AONB Management Policy aim to limit or prevent wind
energy to "encourage the focus nationally of wind energy development outside
protected landscapes, and for proactive work on more compatible forms of
renewables in the AONB." (p31/32)

Consequently, there are no significant or moderate landscape reasons that would preclude
the development proposals on this site. From a landscape perspective, I consider that the
site is appropriate for the proposed development, possibly uniquely so within the AONB.

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1.0 Introduction
This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been carried out on behalf of
Henley Solar Farm Ltd, and relates to the proposed development of a Solar Farm at Henley
nr. Acton Scott, Church Stretton, Shropshire.

The site comprises a solar array of 5MW (export capacity) ground mounted solar panels
set within a wider field area of 27.18 acres (10.99 Ha).

2.0 Scope
The scope of this study is to:

 Undertake field work to establish the veracity of landscape context of the site and its
relevance to the published landscape character assessments.

 Identify the landscape resources and visual & landscape receptors against which the
visual & character impact of the proposed development can be assessed.

 Establish a Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) and Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) for the
proposed development site.

 Identify and record a range of typical and representative viewpoints looking towards
the site, against which the visual impact of the proposed development can be
assessed.

 Assess the impact of the development proposals upon the viewpoints and upon the
recognised landscape character of the site and its surrounds.

The methodology for the achievement of these outcomes is contained in Appendix 1.

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3.0 Site Context
Location Map

Figure 1 shows the proposed development site in relation to the surrounding countryside
and nearby settlements

Acton Scott Parish

Acton Scott is a small, rural parish, roughly rectangular in shape that forms a north-south
tract across Ape Dale from below Ragleth Hill in the north to Wenlock Edge in the south.

It comprises three small settlements or hamlets: Acton Scott; Henley and Alcaston. It is
lightly populated and the population has been in decline for over a century.

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The Site
The site for the proposed solar farm development comprises a single field, which is
currently pasture, used for sheep grazing. The field is at the lowest point of the valley floor
and is poor quality land being wet in places and flushed with rush and sedge grasses.

LANDSCAPE APPRAISAL
Transport
The main regional road is the A49 which runs north-south through the landscape,
approximately 1 kilometre to the west of the westernmost extent of the development site.
It leads north through the Stretton Gap to Church Stretton or south to Craven Arms and
Ludlow. It is an ancient and historic route, turnpiked in 1756, which gave access for goods
and travellers to the otherwise hill bound landscape. Today it is heavy with traffic, as it
remains the main arterial route through the centre of the county.

There is a railway line which runs north-south through the Stretton Gap, parallel and close
to the A49. The nearest station is at Church Stretton which connects north to Shrewsbury
and south to Ludlow via Craven Arms.

A railway line from Craven Arms to Buildwas was dismantled in the early 1950s, and the
route through a deep cutting and over a substantial embankment now forms the northern
boundary of the proposed development site. The route is now a permissive path.

The area is well provisioned with Public Rights of Way (ProWs) and there are a number of
popular circular walks through the landscape that are known collectively as the Shropshire
Way, as well as many older and less well-used routes that once served purposes now
redundant. There are less bridleways and those that there are require the use of
significant stretches of country road in order to access them.

None of the Public Rights of Way (ProWs) cross the development site.

The nearest public footpath runs several fields to the East of the development site, which
is not visible to any substantive degree from the footpath. It is not well used. Several of
the requisite stream crossings are very hazardous following partial collapse. At the time of
my first visit in early May, the path had become so overgrown as to be difficult to find and
follow. There is no evidence of any use. No other users were encountered during the
period of survey.

A regional footpath, 'The Shropshire Way', passes the site more distantly and travels three
fields away, behind a line of tall, mature trees and mature hedgerows from the eastern
edge of the site. This route is clearly much more popular and one other user was
encountered during the survey period.

In a full week of surveying I only encountered one other walker (with dog) on the entire
PRoW network in Ape Dale. On the other hand, the number of walkers, dog walkers and
cyclists upon the Long Mynd and Hope Bowdler Hill were too numerous to count and often
in large social groups.

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The PRoW network within Ape Dale is in poor repair and only gets a fraction of the use
that the upland PRoW network does. Several foot bridges along the footpaths in Ape Dale
have become severely hazardous to a degree that I have never encountered elsewhere
including one where 50% of the planks have rotted and fallen away, but the vegetation
upon the bridge is so dense and verdant as to wholly conceal the fact.

The AONB Management Plan asserts that the majority of footpaths are in good repair,
however, there is a marked difference in quality between the waymarking, condition and
maintenance of the footpaths in the uplands compared with the valley.

In addition to the statutory Rights of Way, there is a range of permissive routes that
further increase the access and the permeability of the landscape. The dismantled railway
is a permissive footpath and bridleway. There is a named route called the Acton Scott
Amble which although it permits no additional access routes, nonetheless is well
interpreted and aims to increase walking tourism in the locale.

There is a rural bus route through Acton Scott towards Hatton and Ticklerton. Most of the
bus stops are unmarked.

Topography
The Valley of Ape Dale drains predominantly towards the foot of Wenlock Edge where a
large stream known locally as Byne Brook runs beneath the edge in a south-westerly
direction.

The mean average height above sea level for the array is 160m.

The long ridge from Wistanstow to Woolston and Whittingslow obscures the valley to the
south-west of it, including the settlements of Horderley and Hamperley and the southern
end of The Long Mynd up to 365m. As the ridge descends towards Marshbrook it ceases to
occlude the south-eastern edge of The Long Mynd, and theoretical views from Shooter's
Knell above Minton into Ape Dale are possible from the north-east until the landform
around Acton Scott occludes them.

Castle Hill at Acton Scott and its associated 'massif', obscure a wide range of views from
The Long Mynd to the north of north-east and the long view from Caer Caradoc, situated
7.3 kilometres away to the north of north-west.

Hope Bowdler Hill is situated to the north-east of the site. It is a popular walking route to
Caer Caradoc and the hills further north or as part of circular routes from and back to
Church Stretton. It has three main peaks at 393m, 400m and 426m. It is the easternmost
peak (at 393m) which has the clearest view into Apedale. A viewer here can see partially
around the collection of hills at Acton Scott.

There are no accurate topographical maps that provide a definitive set of contours or spot
heights for the railway embankment that physically obscures the solar array from the
north. Assessment of the ZVI shows that the dense vegetation along the old railway and
the associated hedgerows certainly conceals the array fully from the entire north side of
Ape Dale. However, the ZTV for the area cannot be very accurately assessed. It is clear that
the physical landscape (modified by the railway embankment) at least partially (probably
substantially) occludes the array. However, it is not possible to assert with certainty that,
were all of the vegetation in the landscape to be removed, in accordance with

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methodology to establish a Zone of Theoretical Visibility, the array would not become
partially visible. However, this 'theoretical' note does not detract from my conclusion that,
visually, the site is very well contained.

Geology & Soils

The central and south-eastern parts of the parish are largely covered by glacial drift
producing cold heavy soils. The north-western part of the parish, once occupied by
Oakwood common, is higher ground, mostly over 213 m and lying on Ordovician
mudstones of the Harnage Shales and the Acton Scott Group. There too soils are often
heavy, though there are areas of easier worked loam like that east of Acton Scott Farm.
Limestone occurs along Wenlock Edge and in the outcrop on which Acton Scott village
stands.

The are many pasture fields within Ape Dale where the soils are medium and heavy clays
and agricultural drainage is poor. Common Rush (Soft Rush), Juncus effusus, is prolific
throughout these pastures and bears testament to their damp and unproductive nature.
One of these areas forms part of the development site. Although it has been managed as
poor pasture for many years it has been mapped as marsh / bog by the Ordnance Survey.

The land is classified as Grade 3b and 4 on the Agricultural Land Classification maps. This is
poor quality and thus in line with government guidance on site/soil suitability for this type
of diversification project.

Although the Shropshire hills region is recognised for its geological significance, the
proposed development site will have no effect on the geology in the locale.

Vegetation
The dominant tree species in the landscape is oak, with ash, hazel and hawthorn also very
common. Willow occurs in wet places. Alder is common along stream sides. There remain
numerous mature or ancient trees in fields that are reminiscent of a time when the field
enclosures were smaller and manually worked. There are also numerous remnant
hedgerows.

Oak trees aged between 200 and 300 years old are common in the landscape and trees
aged over 500 years are not uncommon.

The small woods and coverts in the landscape contain mixes of site native deciduous trees
and coniferous species such as Scots Pine, while the designed landscapes around the
principal houses contain further exotics such as Cedar of Lebanon. 'American Plantings'
around the Manor House date back to 1811-12 and are representative of the fashion of
the time.

Most of the coverts contain an eclectic mix of native, garden and forestry species. Some
woods such as Hatton Wood, are remarkable for the diversity of tree species that they
contain, making them gardenesque and unmanageable in forestry terms.

A central plantation of hybrid poplar is dominant in the landscape of the valley.

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The species choice for any newly established woodland or screen planting within or
around the development site should reflect the existing character and the native
vegetation of the surrounding landscape. This is in accordance with the stated aims of the
Natural England National Character Assessment for the Shropshire Hills area.

Water Bodies
The Teme catchment extends over more than 1,600 square kilometres in the counties of
Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Powys. At Acton Scott, Ape Dale sheds
towards it in a south-westerly direction via Byne Brook towards the river Teme.

The Teme is the second largest tributary of the River Severn. As such the Teme is a Priority
Catchment for the Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative in England. Woodland creation
and other measures to slow run-off and restore natural habitats high up in the catchment,
have been shown to reduce flooding in the larger rivers downstream.

The smaller tributary, Quinny Brook, running south forms the western boundary of the
parish.

Archaeology
The area is rich with archaeology including numerous SAMs and uSAMs. In recognition of
this, the provenance and sensitivity of these landscape elements has been addressed in a
separate report as per GLVIA3 guidance.

Ecology
A separate ecological survey and report has been prepared for the development site.
However, it is noted here and in the ecology report that there are mutual benefits to both
the landscape and the ecology of the site stemming from the restoration and
enhancement of the existing hedgerows, and also as a result of the proposal to establish
new ones.

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LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
The key published sources describing the landscape of the site and the surrounding area
are:

 Natural England's National Character Assessment 65, Shropshire Hills, 2013.

 The Regional Landscape Character Assessment: Shropshire Council's, 'The Shropshire

Landscape Typology'.

The National Character Assessment

The area is described as 'The Shropshire Hills' by Natural England's Character Map of the
Natural Character Areas of England.

At the broadest scale of assessment, the most important factors affecting the landscape of
The Shropshire Hills are:

 The need to maintain sustainable levels of livestock farming in order to maintain the
character of the NCA. Principally, sheep and cattle farming.
 The potential benefits of significantly expanding key woodland, heathland and wetland
habitats in order to enhance tranquillity and sense of place.
 Current incentives to land managers combined with other economic forces being applied
to farming are a concern.
 Future challenges include ensuring that this National Character Area continues to
provide outdoor recreational opportunities to the local population, while ensuring that
recreation, access and travel do not erode the tranquillity of this special area.

The Shropshire Landscape Typology

Within 'The Shropshire Landscape Typology', the parish of Acton Scott cuts a full transect
across the valley of Ape Dale, from the top of Wenlock Edge in the south (categorised as
'Principal Wooded Hills'), to the hillsides of Acton Scott in the north (categorised as
'Timbered Plateau Farmlands'). The valley floor is comprised of two subtly different
character types:

'Principal Settled Farmlands' in the northern part, being broadly characterised by:

 Mixed farming land use

 Varied pattern of sub-regular hedged fields

'Estate Farmlands' in the southern part, being broadly characterised by:

 Mixed farming land use

 Clustered settlement pattern
 Large country houses with associated parklands
 Planned woodland character
 Medium to large scale landscapes with framed views

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Figure 2 shows the parish boundary and the Landscape Character types associated with
Acton Scott.

A site specific Landscape Character Assessment at a parish scale has not been published,
however, it would be likely to agree with the broader scale regional and national
documents, perhaps with the addition of these finer elements:

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 Parts of the wider area are highly exposed to views from the surrounding hills and ridges
with a consequently high sensitivity to the impact of new development and the
cumulative visual impact of buildings and other structures.

 A higher than average instance of mature trees retained within fields.

The only notable modification to the regional character assessment in this locale would be
that the 'Large country houses with associated parklands' such as the Manor and Wood
Acton are here associated with Acton Scott and the Principal Settled Farmlands.

The published assessments provide a good level of detail regarding the distinctive features
that characterise the landscape within the locale. However, they do not provide guidance
on the protection of those features. This direction is contained within the 'Shropshire Hills
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2014-2019.'

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4.0 Visual Impact Assessment

The Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) is the area of land or sea from which a
development would 'theoretically' be visible if the entire landscape were devoid of all
human development, settlement and built form and if all vegetation, both manmade and
natural were stripped from the land to leave it completely denuded.

The Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) describes the entire visual envelope of what can
'actually' be seen of a development site from all directions in the surrounding landscape,
in present day conditions, taking into account all of the surface features such as
woodlands, buildings and hedgerows, etc.

ZTV is easier to assess than ZVI, as it disregards all of the surface features and can
therefore be carried out by computer vector modelling from a simple set of contour data.

In recent years, and particularly in relation to large scale wind farm projects, ZTV has
become the preferred measure of landscape visibility. One of the principal reasons for this
is that the locations selected for wind farms often have a strong correlation with
rotational forestry. As such it is reasonable to expect large scale change in the vegetation
layer that is draped over the landscape, with most forestry operating on something close
to a fifty year cycle from planting to clear-felling. However, in a landscape where large
scale change seldom occurs, ZVI provides a much more critical and accurate explanation of
what can be seen from where.

The ZVI assessment is based upon the development in its entirety at completion and
considers views to its full latitudinal and longitudinal extents as well as its visibility in
terms of vertical height.

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Figure 3 shows the computer generated ZTV and the manually surveyed ZVI.

The ZVI revises down the extent of the ZTV to take account of woodland, hedges, buildings
and any other obstructions that would shield the proposed development site from view.
Because public access to the landscape is limited, it is not possible to assess the
comparison between the ZTV and ZVI at every point within the envelope. It would not be
practical to do so either. Therefore, the ZVI does not represent the area from which the
development site can seen, but simply an improved estimate of the extent of the area
from which views may be possible. For example, the ZTV indicates the possibility of a view
from the top of Diddlebury Common on View Edge. A visit to the site shows that the dense
woodland makes this view impossible. Upon Callow Hill, the theoretical view (ZTV) is much

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reduced to just the brow of the hill by the dense coniferous forestry. The ZVI shows that it
is as a result of a recent clearfell that the current view is created.
The ZTV proposes a continuous view along Wenlock Edge, but the ZVI shows that the
presence of dense and unbroken ancient woodland cover makes this view impossible.

The ZVI does not, however, take into account the visual screening effect of the proposed
mitigation planting which will drastically reduce the visibility of the site yet further.

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Index of Visual Response Locations
 Eye symbol denotes a view recorded in Appendix II
VR 1 Upper Farm, Hatton No View No Change
VR 2 Harton Road No View No Change
VR 3 Harton Road, Farm Drive No View No Change
VR 4 Harton Road No View No Change
VR 5 Harton Road No View No Change
VR 6 Harton Road over Eaton Brook No View No Change
VR 7 Road below Harton Hollow No View No Change
VR 8 Road at Wolverton No View No Change
VR 9 Road north of Oak Tree Cottage No View No Change

VR 10 Road south of Henley, Field Gate Glimpse View

 Western elevation seen through field gate Very Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 11 Road and Field Boundary No View No Change

VR 12 Pasture below Acton Scott Manor No View No Change

VR 13 Top of Hill on Bridleway Filtered View (Winter Only)

 Elevated, filtered view through ash stems Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 14 Bottom of Hill on Bridleway Filtered View (Winter Only)

Densely filtered view through ash stems Very Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 15 Gateway onto Railway Permissive Path No View No Change

VR 16 Permissive Path overlooking Eastern Array No View No Change

VR 17 Shropshire Way, 158m Glimpse View

 Glimpse View through gaps in hedge / trees Very Slight Visual Impact

VR 18 Footpath adjacent to Eastern Array No View No Change

VR 19 Field Boundary adjacent to Eastern Array No View No Change
VR 20 Gap in Field Boundary on ProW No View No Change
VR 21 Edge of Poplar Plantation No View No Change
VR 22 PRoW in Field No View No Change
VR 23 PRoW in Field near Tree No View No Change
VR 24 Ireland, House No View No Change
VR 25 Footpath on Bank below Alcaston Coppice No View No Change

VR 26 Woodland edge below Alcaston Coppice Partial View

 Slightly elevated, filtered view of western array Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 27 Shropshire Way, Wolverton Wood No View No Change

VR 28 Road above Cockshutt Wood No View No Change
VR 29 Maplewall, Field Gate No View No Change
VR 30 Woolston, Footpath meets Road No View No Change

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VR 31 Woolston, Road below Reservoir Partial View

 Distant view to side elevation of western array Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 32 Blakemoor, 260m Partial View

Distant view to side elevation of western array Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 33 The Coppice, Nr. Mast, 265m Partial View

Distant view to side elevation of western array Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 34 Prior's Holt Hill, 370m Partial View

 Long distant view into Western Array Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 35 The Port Way, Tumulus, 456m No View No Change

VR 36 Churchmoor Hill Partial View

 Long distant view into Western Array Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 37 The Nursery No View No Change

VR 38 Diddlebury Common No View No Change

VR 39 Callowhill Plantation Partial View

 Elevated view from very top of View Edge Very Slight Adverse Visual Impact

VR 40 Harton Wood No View No Change

VR 41 Burwood Coppice No View No Change
VR 42 Hope Bowdler Hill 400m No View No Change
VR 43 Hope Bowdler Hill 426m No View No Change

VR 44 Hope Bowdler Hill 393m No View

 Representative view from Open Access land No Change

VR 45 Hattongrove Farm No View No Change

VR 46 Hatton Wood No View No Change
VR 47 Behind Hill Covert, 185m No View No Change
VR 48 Shropshire Way, Crossroads No View No Change
VR 49 Acton Scott Amble, Permissive Path No View No Change
VR 50 Minton Lane, nr. Minton No View No Change

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Map of VR locations

Figure 4 shows the visual response (VR) locations that were identified by the ZTV /
ZVI assessment.

Indicates a VR location that offers no view and creates 'no change' in the visual
perception of the landscape from that location.

Indicates a VR location that offers a partial view of the development site.

However, mitigation measures such as screen planting, contained within the
development proposal will fully prevent these views when fully established.

Indicates a VR location that offers a full view of the development site.

Mitigation measures such as screen planting will only partially ameliorate the view
from these locations when fully established.

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Visual Summary

Anyone who has climbed a mountain in Britain, or any other elsewhere that is less steep
than the Matterhorn, will have made the perhaps initially disappointing discovery that the
endeavour is much like climbing a succession of hills, and that each time it appears that
you are nearing the top, that 'top' turns out to be another brow and the actual (or
perceived) top skips ahead to the brow of the next hill. While on the ascent, the top is
most often occluded from view by the shape of the mountain itself, or the hills and 'bluffs'
from which it is made. Similarly, but conversely, from the top of the mountain, much of
what lies at or close to the base remains invisible, concealed in reciprocity by those same
ridges and contours.

From most of the high peaks around it Church Stretton lies concealed by lower hills. In a
similar fashion, the proposed site for the solar farm is concealed from view from the wider
landscape by a series of closer and less haughty hills and ridges, including, at closest range,
by the substantial railway embankment. It is in effect, 'in a hole within a hole' and such a
visually enclosed location within such a celebrated and sensitive landscape is well suited
to the proposed development purpose.

If the site were situated further to the north, it would become visible from View Edge
above Hope Dale. In the proposed location, those views are prevented by Wenlock Edge,
which is itself blinded by its dense ancient woodland cover. Situated further to the east
and deprived of the solid cover provided by the railway embankment, the solar farm
would become visible from Hope Bowdler Hill. The fields to the south and west of the
proposed site are visible from The Long Mynd.

Extensive visual surveys and analysis have been undertaken. Of the 50 visual receptor (VR)
locations that were initially identified, only 11 record any view of the development site. Of
these, the views recorded are mostly of a slight or very slight nature. Most of these are at
more than 3 km distant and are not easily discernible with the naked eye, and where
identified only occupy a negligible fragment of the wider panorama.

The VR locations represent predominantly public views from PRoWs, public highways and
open or permissive access land.

In conclusion, of the 50 VR locations visited and recorded as a result of the mapping study,
the vast majority offer no view of the proposed development. Put into context, I have
taken substantially more VRs than a typical LVIA for a solar park, and my conclusion from
these VRs offers substantially less visual impact than a typical solar park, even in the
knowledge that solar parks are considered to be a low impact form of development (not
least in relation to wind turbines).

The photographic views recorded and included in the appendices of this report are
representative of the most sensitive parts of the most sensitive locations in the
surrounding landscape and a great deal of time and effort has been expended in ensuring
that the images captured are fairly representative of what can be seen from each of these
vantage points. They clearly demonstrate the very limited visual impact that the solar farm
proposal will have upon the visual amenity of Ape Dale and the surrounding hills.

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I therefore propose that the combined visual effects of the proposed solar farm constitute
a Very Slight Adverse Visual Impact upon the landscape as a whole. This is not a level of
impact that will cause material harm to the AONB. Put another way, the barely
perceptible change will be substantially outweighed by the climate change, ecological and
other, benefits offered by the solar park.

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5.0 Landscape Impact Assessment
The key landscape characteristics & resources of the site and its surrounds are:

 The gentle fall in landform across the site from north-west to south-east and the gently
contoured and mounded form of the eastern part of the site.

 The tree-lined cutting and embankment of the dismantled railway which borders the
entire northern edge of the site.

 The historic, small field pattern formed by the established tree-lined field boundaries.

 The mature oak trees that stand within the fields.

 The network of public and permissive footpaths that pass close to the site.

 The electrical transmission line that crosses the site in an east-west direction.

 The central plantation of mature poplar trees.

 The enclosed visual envelope of which the site is comprised.

 The character of the site is generally in accordance with the published landscape
character assessments at a National, County and District Level although there are local
variations which have been identified.

 The wet, low quality pasture that is colonised by common rush.

 The tranquil and pastoral setting of the site.

 The ability to glimpse long views to a skyline defined by the wooded scarp slopes of
Wenlock Edge and View Edge in the south, and by Hope Bowdler Hill and The Long Mynd
in the north.

 The appearance of a well wooded landscape when viewed from afar created by the
wooded field boundaries and adjacent coverts and plantation.

 The character of the site is generally in accordance with the published landscape
character assessments at a National, County and District Level although there are minor
local variations which have been identified.

Of these, additional weight is given to the characteristics that are of particular value in
respect of their uniqueness in the locale, their sensitivity or because they are cohesive
with local character.

The tranquillity of this and many other remote rural locations within the region are
noted for their susceptibility and sensitivity to increased noise (from traffic in
particular). Following completion the site will require vehicular access for

22
maintenance and may generate a very small increase in traffic movements. The
impact of this will be very slight.

Mature standard trees in fields are another shared characteristic of the wider
landscape. However, this feature is particularly noticeable in the fields around
Acton Scott and the surrounding villages. The majority of these trees will be
unaffected by the proposed development. However, a few trees of venerable age
and stature are included in the land parcel that forms the proposed development
site. The site design has been carefully considered in terms of the protection of
these trees both in terms of their landscape and ecology value. Nonetheless, a
slight adverse impact must result.

The historic, small field pattern formed by the established tree-lined field boundaries are
part of what makes the development site so successful in design terms. It is the
appearance of a well wooded landscape when viewed from afar that helps to conceal the
solar farm from distant views. This provides the essential framework within which the
visual mitigation can be designed to eliminate almost all of the long distant and most
sensitive views.

The proposals include measures to limit visual impacts in the wider landscape (and also to
improve the ecological network) by restocking these boundaries and creating new ones.
Over time it will become less and less possible to discern the new hedges from the long
established ones. Overall this will constitute a slight beneficial impact as time progresses.

It has been identified in this report that the character of the site is generally in accordance
with the published landscape character assessments at a National and County Level.

The absence of any site specific local character assessment, however, means that some
key local features within this locale are omitted from the generic regional typology.
Notably, a high instance of mature trees in fields, predominantly oak, but also ash, and
even willow. The trees are sometimes linearly arranged and are therefore indicative of
former field boundaries that have been removed during farm modernisation.

The treatment of hedges and the retention of field trees indicates a long established and
continuing practice of farming that is far more sympathetic to the landscape and to
wildlife than is typical in other regions.

At such a fine scale the distinctive character of the landscape could be attributed to the
preferred land management methods of a single estate over a prolonged period.

The proposed development will retain the existing layout of fields and hedgerow
boundaries and will also protect all of the existing mature field trees. These retentions are
important for maintaining the continuity of the small scale fields through this area and
their prominence in the landscape will continue to give a robust landscape structure and
diminish the visual impact of the uniform and planar solar panels.

Management of the tree lined field boundaries will ensure that they remain visually
interesting and valuable for wildlife. The hedgerow management in the local area is
distinctive in that many of the field boundary hedges are not top-cut (save for alongside
roads). This older and more traditional way of managing hedges provides a taller and
denser hedge, especially around the trunk of boundary trees where shorter cropped

23
hedges tend to grow weakly when they are cast in shade. Any gaps in the hedges are to be
replanted with a mix of native species familiar to this particular area.

It is recognised that the proposed development features prominently in the landscape as

experienced from the immediately adjacent ProWs.

The northern route, which is permissive for walking and horse riding / cycling, follows the
long, straight boundary formed by the dismantled railway. It provides very little
opportunity to view the array, as for much of its length the route is contained within a
deep cutting. A close view (immediately adjacent) becomes available as the cutting
shallows back to the level of the surrounding ground and a field gate gives access to the
site. It is both acceptable and expected that at such close proximity the solar farm would
become visible. The impact is moderate but very contained within a short stretch of the
permissive path. Arguably, this view provides a level of interest and public interpretation
is proposed in this location.

Additional boundary treatments in this area, aimed at occluding near views from the
landscape to the north, by thickening up the wooded hedgerow in order to make the
stems less permeable in winter, will also diminish the visibility of the array from the
permissive path.

The path then proceeds eastward along the northern edge of the established and mature
poplar plantation called Railway Wood. There is a verdant natural regeneration of growth
in the under-storey of this plantation, and although the over-storey trees are tall, straight
and even aged in character, any potential view towards both the arrays are occluded by
the dense under-storey. The shrubby nature of the natural regeneration, comprised of
hawthorn and other branching shrubs and small trees make this an effective screen even
in winter, although the triangular shape of the plantation, thinner at the western end,
means that a filtered view of the array may be seasonally possible.

The regional circular PRoW route known as 'The Shropshire Way', passes close by the
eastern edge of the site. The route gently climbs from a farm at the eastern end of the
small settlement of Wolverton to the top of a low ridge, before descending again as it
progresses towards the dismantled railway line. The highest point along this route
provides a glimpse view of the Array several fields away to the north-west but almost
completely screened by existing trees and shrubs/hedges.

The footpath that passes the site to the south departs from the east end of Alcaston. It
traverses the landscape in a NNE direction, towards the point where the Shropshire Way
and the permissive railway path meet. For the portion of the footpath nearest to Alcaston,
the low rolling landscape of the valley bottom prevents any view towards Henley and the
proposed solar farm. The middle section of the footpath is lower and is prevented from
seeing into the development site by the dense and mature field boundaries in this
location.

The path is well sprayed across the three large arable fields it crosses. However, the fields
are bounded by large open ditches and the crossing points for these water courses (too
large to jump) are severely dilapidated and hazardous. In its current condition the route is
impassable to all but the most agile walkers.

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As well as these measures to conserve, enhance and restore the landscape resources as
identified in the regional development / landscape documents published by Shropshire
Council and the Shropshire Hills AONB, a range of other benefits are expected:

• Increased and improved opportunities for access to the countryside by all social groups

• Improved ecological habitat links

 Interpretation of solar as a sustainable energy source

• Well managed land uses and open spaces that also link to the countryside for the
benefit of residents and visitors.

• Reduced surface water run-off caused by increased tree cover.

In conclusion, the addition of the solar farm in the landscape, when balanced with the
positive measures being proposed for visual screening and amelioration of adverse effects,
and the active management to conserve and enhance valued landscape character
resources, would have a Slight Adverse Landscape Impact when complete.

The proposal would have a noticeable but not significant effect on the identified landscape
resources in the locale and upon the character of the landscape as a whole, bearing in
mind its sensitivity and its capacity to absorb the type of change proposed, its high degree
of visual containment and the proposed mitigating measures.

In the longer term, as the newly planted hedges mature and the restocked hedgerows gain
greater height, the impact of the solar farm in the landscape will diminish further.

It is extremely difficult to gain a view of the site from any public location, even under
current circumstances. The mitigation proposals set out within the Habitat Management
Plan will within a short time occlude all visibility from public locations. Clearly, the
recreational and amenity opportunities afforded by the landscape are not adversely
altered by this proposed development and it would be spurious to suggest that a
development so visually occluded would have negative impact on tourism.

The only location that will have a lasting view, throughout the temporary permission, of
the solar array will be the top of Flounder’s Folly. The change in this view will be very
slight and mitigation measures will reduce the visibility of the site by 30-35%.

25
6.0 Conclusion
This assessment has been prepared in response to Shropshire Council's refusal of a similar
scheme on a larger site (ref: 14/02807/FUL). The previous application area was 18.58 Ha,
and the current scheme is a significant reduction in size to 10.99 Ha. The scheme has been
reduced by the removal of the former eastern array (which made the previous scheme
more visible from some visual receptors, and substantially more visible from one key
visual receptor). The current proposal comprises the former western array only, which
benefits from better existing screening and offers better prospects of new mitigation
screening, from a further reduced and extremely limited number of visual receptors. As
such, the proposed scheme goes further than a corresponding reduction visual and
landscape impact than the reduction in site area implies.
This is a major application which needs to be assessed with specific reference to paragraph
116 of the National Planning Policy Framework where 'exceptional circumstances' need to
take account of a demonstrable public interest.

Visually the site is extremely well contained, with very few vantage points from which it
can be seen from the surrounding landscape. The hedgerows and trees across and around
the site contribute significantly to this although the topography of the underlying
landform is also a significant factor. The site is site well bounded by the physical landscape
(natural and manmade) which precludes most of the near views from local settlements,
roads and public rights of way.

Visual Impact
The visual receptor (VR) locations represent predominantly public views from PRoWs,
public highways and open or permissive access land. Of the 50 VR locations that were
initially identified, only 11 record any view of the development site. Of these, the views
recorded are all of a slight or very slight nature. Most of these are at more than 3 km
distant and are not easily discernible with the naked eye, and where identified only
occupy a negligible fragment of the wider panorama. The combined visual effects of the
proposed solar farm constitute a Very Slight Adverse Visual Impact upon the landscape
and the AONB, which will be substantially outweighed by the climate change, ecological
and other, benefits offered by the solar park.

Landscape Impact
Having assessed the sensitivity and capacity of the landscape to absorb the type of change
proposed, its high degree of visual containment and the proposed mitigating measures.
The addition of the solar farm in the landscape, when balanced with the positive measures
being proposed for visual screening and amelioration of adverse effects, and the active
management to conserve and enhance valued landscape character resources, would have
a Slight Adverse Landscape Impact when complete.

Mitigation
The site will allow for the few close range glimpses and distant, partial views to be
mitigated with appropriate screen planting using site native species.
Screening is afforded by trees and shrubs and the topography of the underlying land.
Further landscape planting is proposed around and within the solar farm, comprising
screening by additional trees and shrubs. The site will allow for the few close range
glimpses and distant, partial views to be mitigated with appropriate screen planting using

26
site native species. This is set out in detail in the habitat management plan submitted
with the application.

AONBs make up 15% of the land area in England and Wales. As such they cannot be
reasonably exempted from the need to provide sustainable energy for use within their
own bounds as part of a long term sustainable development strategy. This is
acknowledged with the AONB Management Plan at several points, most notably:

 "Wildlife and farming will need to adapt to changes, and the economic and political
consequences are very uncertain. We need to play our part in shifting to a low carbon
economy and way of life, conserving energy and developing appropriate small-scale
renewables."

 "The local production of renewable energy should be increased, but in ways

compatible with the AONB."

 …seeking to limit or prevent wind energy to "encourage the focus nationally of wind
energy development outside protected landscapes, and for proactive work on more
compatible forms of renewables in the AONB." [p31/32]

Views into the site from public rights of way are possible but these locations are
immediately adjacent to the site itself.

The amenity of key public views from highly popular and well trodden beauty spots would
be protected; and whilst there would be some harm to the close range outlook from some
of the public rights of way immediately adjacent to the site, the proposed development
would not affect their rural amenity.

Professional Opinion

The qualitative methodology employed utilises the terminology suggested in the GLVIA3
guidance. As such, the Landscape Impact of the proposed Solar Farm is assessed as
'Slightly Adverse' and the Visual Impact is also assessed as 'Slightly Adverse'. This
assessment takes into account the sensitivity of the landscape and its high aesthetic value.
No substantial adverse effects were found.

Consequently, there are no significant landscape reasons that would preclude the
development proposals on this site.

From a landscape perspective, I consider that the site is appropriate for the proposed
development. Rather than constituting the 'thin end of a wedge' in relation to the
potential for similar developments elsewhere within the AONB, it should be regarded as
standing entirely on the clear and unique merits identified within this assessment. Indeed,
having surveyed widely, I consider that potential sites within the AONB that are able to
meet a similar standard and demonstrate such a visually enclosed location will be very few
and far between, or quite possibly non-existent. This needs to be set against the clear and
recognised benefits associated with renewable energy; locally in terms of rural
diversification and, of course, on a wider scale in relation to climate change and
sustainable development.

27
Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment
Addendum

28
Figure 5 shows the computer generated ZTV and the manually surveyed ZVI. However,
when the visual mitigation measures are taken into account it becomes clear that the only
location with a permanent view of the proposed scheme is the top of Flounder’s Folly.

The scheme is invisible from the publically accessible parts of Wenlock Edge that comprise
the open access National Trust land and form a part of The Shropshire Way. The ZVI shows
that views towards the array are only theoretically possible from half way down the
escarpment and clearly not the Edge itself. Owing to the dense and mature woodland
cover this is true in all seasons despite the majority of the tree canopy being comprised of
deciduous species.

29
Professional Opinion
The revised scheme is markedly smaller in scale and extent, and is therefore necessarily of
even less impact than the previously submitted scheme in terms of visual impact.

The Eastern array has been removed from this scheme entirely, as this was the element
that could not be fully mitigated in terms of its minor visual impact upon The Shropshire
Way. Thus, the scheme has been reduced by more than 50% in physical terms, and
furthermore, by removing the most difficult to mitigate element of the previously
submitted scheme, it has been reduced by more than 50% in terms of the proportional
significance of the visual landscape effects.

The new scheme can now be fully mitigated in terms of visual effects by the proposed
screen planting of site-native woodland trees and hedges such that the development will
be invisible from all parts of the ZTV and ZVI. The only vantage point from which the
proposed development will remain visible is the from the top of Flounder's Folly which is a
man-made structure on View Edge, a little over 3km from the site and not an easily
accessible or public location. With the mitigation scheme in place, this is the only location
from which the solar farm will be observable at all, and yet the new planting scheme will
still partially occlude the site, even from this elevated perspective.

Therefore, the revised Visual Impact is assessed as 'Very Slightly Adverse'.

The Landscape Impact of the proposed Solar Farm is not a scalar consideration and
therefore continues to be assessed as 'Slightly Adverse', taking into account the sensitivity
of the landscape and its aesthetic value. No significant adverse effects were found.

From a landscape perspective, I consider that the site is appropriate for the proposed
development. Rather than constituting the 'thin end of a wedge' in relation to the
potential for similar developments elsewhere within the AONB, it should be regarded as
standing entirely on the clear and unique merits identified within this assessment. Indeed,
having surveyed fully and exhaustively, I consider that potential sites within the AONB
that are able to meet a similar standard and demonstrate such a visually enclosed location
will be very few and far between, or quite possibly non-existent. This needs to be set
against the clear and recognised benefits associated with renewable energy; locally in
terms of rural diversification and, of course, on a wider scale in relation to climate change
and sustainable development.

18% of the land area of England and Wales is within Areas of Outstanding National Beauty
(AONBs), with a further 11% of the land contained with National Parks. Added to this are
all of the surrounding areas where ‘negative impacts’ upon the designated landscapes are
often cited as reasons for refusal of sustainable energy projects, particularly in the case of
wind power. In effect, purely based upon these designations alone, and with all other
considerations aside, more than one third of the land area of England and Wales is
removed from playing any effective part in the urgent and nationally imperative move
towards sustainable forms of renewable energy supply. These protected areas are, in
effect, total consumers importing power which is generated in other areas of the country,
and this despite many of these areas having a richer concentration of renewable
resources.

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Locally, the current plan for a solar farm near Neen Sollars will be much more visible in the
landscape and materially damaging in terms of landscape impact. One of the key
objections to that scheme is that it is “just 3 miles from” and, “overlooked by the AONB”
clearly illustrating the ‘penumbra effect’ that AONBs and other protected landscapes exert
upon surrounding areas. Therefore, where an authority within an AONB can demonstrably
accommodate small-scale sustainable energy projects with little or no visual effects and
minimal landscape impact it is entirely sensible that permission should be given.

As before, there remain no significant or moderate landscape reasons that would preclude
the development proposals on this site.

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Appendix I
Methodology
This Landscape & Visual Impact Assessment has been carried out in accordance with the
'Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, Third Edition.' (GLVIA3),
published by the Landscape Institute.

Initially, it involved a review of published background information on the character of the

landscape of the site and its surrounds as well as desktop study and fieldwork to establish
a baseline of landscape types and qualities. This process provided the opportunity to
identify the key landscape receptors around the site upon which the impact of the
proposed development could be assessed.

The overall extent of the visibility of the proposed development was established using
both Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) and Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) techniques.

The ZVI was determined through a combination of map studies and fieldwork analysis, and
walking the public highways and Public Rights of Way within 5-7km of the site.
Photographs were taken to record all available points of view.

The ZTV was determined using computer modelling based upon a 5m contour interval
derived from Ordnance Survey maps at 1:25,000. This enabled the potential for long views
from far distant locations to be assessed. Where the feasibility of a view was indicated,
these locations were then visited, assessed and recorded photographically.

The most notable viewpoints were selected as 'Principal Views' for recording and
reproduction in this report. Selection was based upon the degree of impact that the
proposed development would have upon each viewpoint, and the views included in this
report represent the most sensitive views. Where a vantage point provides a continuous
view such as, for example, from a footpath along a ridge, the view included is the most
prominent one. Where several views are available from a group of closely clustered
perspectives, the one judged to give the clearest view of the proposed development has
been selected for inclusion. As such, the visual impact assessment represents the worst
case impact for each viewpoint.
Photographic Recording

Conditions for photography have on average been fair to good throughout most of the
survey period. Surveying took place from April to June 2014.

Given the changeable weather and the remoteness of the most distant visual response
locations, it has been difficult to coincide clear visibility with optimum light conditions (sun
position) and the quality of some of the landscape images does reflect this.

The waterlogged nature of the ground following an exceptionally wet winter season has
given rise to a very high instance of mist and haze. In order to achieve clarity in the images
of the longer distance views, several attempts were made to capture these shots in the
early morning light. However, by the time the sun's heat was sufficient to burn off the
haze, it was already high in the sky.

32
All of the images are taken from an eye-level of 160cm above ground level as per the
published GLVIA3 guidance.
Photographs were taken using a high quality 12 megapixel digital camera using a 50mm
focal length. Viewpoints at each location were recorded at average eye-level, specified in
GLVIA3 as 1600mm above ordinary ground level.

The selection, recording and assessment of viewpoints was undertaken between April
and June 2014.

The extent to which these findings would result in material harm to the visual amenity of
the key receptors in the landscape has been evaluated at the point of completion of the
proposed development. Temporary effects during the construction period have been
omitted.

Where a receptor has a greater degree of sensitivity (for example an area designated for
its landscape quality or an area that is particularly well used by the public – a greater
weighting is applied to a judgement of the magnitude of landscape or visual impact.)

This evaluation informed the conclusions drawn in this report as to the significance and
magnitude of change that would be caused to the character and appearance of the
landscape following development of the site.

Visual Impact Assessment

In each case, the degree of visual impact bears in mind the sensitivity of the receptor and
the effect of proposed mitigation measures.

The categories used to describe the degree of visual impact of the proposed development
are as follows:

Substantial Adverse or Beneficial Visual Impact

The proposal would cause a substantial, prominent or conspicuous deterioration or
improvement to the existing view.

Moderate Adverse or Beneficial Visual Impact

The proposal would cause a significant but not conspicuous or prominent deterioration or
improvement to the existing view.

Slight Adverse or Beneficial Visual Impact

The proposal would cause a noticeable but not significant deterioration or improvement
to the existing view.

Very Slight Adverse or Beneficial Visual Impact

The proposal would cause a barely noticeable deterioration or improvement to the
existing view. The effect would be so minor as to be negligible.

No Change
Where the proposal would cause no change to the view.

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Landscape Impact Assessment
With regard to ‘landscape character’, the following scale is used to assess the significance
of any impact caused by the proposed development at completion.

Substantial Adverse or Beneficial Landscape Impact

The proposal would have a substantial adverse or beneficial effect on the landscape as a
resource, or on the character of the landscape, bearing in mind the sensitivity of the
landscape and its capacity to absorb the type of change proposed and the proposed
mitigating measures.

Moderate Adverse or Beneficial Landscape Impact

The proposal would have a significant but not substantial adverse or beneficial effect on
the landscape as a resource, or on the character of the landscape, bearing in mind the
sensitivity of the landscape and its capacity to absorb the type of change proposed and the
proposed mitigating measures.

Slight Adverse or Beneficial Landscape Impact

The proposal would have a noticeable but not significant adverse or beneficial effect on
the landscape as a resource, or on the character of the landscape, bearing in mind the
sensitivity of the landscape and its capacity to absorb the type of change proposed and the
proposed mitigating measures.

Very Slight Adverse or Beneficial Landscape Impact

The proposal would have a barely perceivable but technically noticeable effect on the
landscape resource, or on landscape character. The effect would be so minor as to be
negligible.

No Impact
The proposal would have no perceivable effect on the landscape resource, or on landscape
character.

34