Warwickshire County Council
Upper and Lower Brailes
Further Study Areas
Produced by
WCC Landscape Architects
September 2016
Landscape Assessment of Potential Development Sites within the
parish of Brailes
1.0
The Commission
1.1
In September 2016 Warwickshire County Council Landscape Architects were
appointed by Brailes & Winderton Neighbourhood Development Plan Steering Group
to undertake a further landscape assessment of potential development sites within
the parish. The survey is based on two areas, A and B, identified on the enclosed
plan. The landscape assessment includes a review of zone Br06 previously covered
within the 2012 Stratford Landscape Sensitivity Study for Brailes
(https://www.stratford.gov.uk/planning/landscape-sensitivity-study-2012.cfm). The
primary purpose of this assessment was to see if the landscape sensitivity had
changed since the Stratford study was carried out.
1.2
The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of landscape character for the above
mentioned zones, identifying areas of low, moderate and high quality.
1.3
The landscape assessment comprises:
(a)
Further refinement of the Land Cover Parcels based on a field exercise to
gather information on verification of character, condition, function,
tranquillity and visual quality;
(b)
Site specific analysis on the above information, and
(c)
Suggested mitigation should part of a zone have the capacity to
accommodate some development.
1.4
The Land Cover Parcels are referred to as ‘zones’ in this report and are shown on the
map titled ‘Brailes (Upper & Lower) Landscape Sensitivity to Housing Development’
in the 2012 Stratford Landscape Sensitivity Study. It should be noted that only
publically accessible routes / footpaths have been used to carry out the field survey.
2.0
Methodology
2.1
The methodology used for the ‘Landscape Sensitivity & Ecological & Geological
Study’ undertaken for Warwick District Council in 2013 was broadly followed for this
assessment.
(http://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/downloads/file/1549/appendix_7__landscape_sensitivity_and_ecological_and_geological_study)
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2.2
The first step in this study has been to use the information available to us to extend
the initial Land Cover Parcel (LCP) analysis. The ‘zones’ have been assessed on site
using a standard checklist taking into account physical characteristics, visibility, the
settlement edge and potential receptors. Each ‘zone’ report includes a site
description within the context of the overall LCP followed by more detailed field
notes.
2.3
The focus for this landscape sensitivity assessment is on identifying the landscape
value lost from potential development. Although this means we have concentrated
on individual fields, these have been assessed in the context of the zone.
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Not to scale at A4
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Zone: Br06
Settlement:
Brailes
Parish: Brailes
SITE A
Site description
The Henbrook Lane site forms part of Br06 and comprises a gently undulating medium-scale
field, used for hay/silage with good species rich hedgerow boundaries with mature ash.
Only a small section of hedgerow has become gappy and this has been strengthened by
recent tree planting. A garden boundary defined by a neatly trimmed hedge and young
hedgerow trees creates an indented edge on the south eastern corner of the site. The
dense mature roadside hedge provides a leafy framework to the northern end of Henbrook
Lane with views into the site from the lane generally restricted to field gate access points.
Just beyond the north western boundary is a pond / wetland area with willow and some
ornamental tree species. Along with additional ornamental tree planting in the vicinity, the
use of non-native species has introduced an alien feature into the countryside which is
serving to erode the rural character of the zone. There are views across the site towards an
overgrown hedge with the roof-line of new dwellings off Blakes Close clearly visible against
a rural backdrop of hills. There is one listed building in close proximity to the site, tucked
behind a garden boundary but visible from the lane. Public Right of Way SS60 runs south of
the site.
Potential for housing development
High
This area of land contributes to the physical separation between Upper and Lower Brailes
and is referenced as an “open green gap between the two settlements”, “rising land” and
“relationship with Brailes Hill” in the zone notes for Br06, Stratford Landscape Sensitivity
Study (2012). The land has retained its agricultural function and development along the
lane is intermittent with individual traditional dwellings set within large plots with pasture /
old orchards in between. Therefore this parcel of land is inappropriate for housing
development.
Policy suggestions
 Maintain roadside hedgerow and internal field boundaries.
 Replace ornamental planting with locally occurring native alternatives.
 Reinstate hedge where gaps exist using local native species.
Landscape characteristics
(DESK TOP)+
LDU Level
Physiographic
Ground type
Landcover
Settlement pattern
Cultural sensitivity
Ecological sensitivity
Visual sensitivity
COTSWOLD FRINGE
Soft rock vales and valleys
Pastoral farmlands
Villages and estate farms
-
4
Land Cover Parcel data
Landscape / planning
Green Belt Parks, Gdns & Amenity Green Spaces □
Ancient woodland □ TPO unknown
Biodiversity
SSSI □ Local Wildlife Sites □, Warks Wildlife Trust Reserves □
Historic /archaeology
Cons. Area □ SAMS □
Other AONB
Historic Parks / Gdns □
Listed Bldgs □ Registered Battlefield □
Characteristics
Landform
gently rolling farmland
Land use
pastoral farmland managed for hay / silage
Field boundaries
Type
hedgerows
Species
mixed
Condition
good
Mgmt
outgrown
(FIELD SURVEY)
Hedge /stream trees
Extent
scattered
Age structure mixed age
Other trees
Extent
Age structure
apparent
immature
Patch survival
Extent
Mgmt
localised
traditional
Ecological corridors
Condition
declining
Intensity of use
Impact
moderate
Pattern
Settlement pattern
no settlement within site, intermittent adjacent dwellings set within
large plots with pasture / old orchards in between.
Other built features Presence of water
pond
Scale
medium
Sense of enclosure framed - enclosed
Diversity
diverse
5
Key views
Views are of a medium scale pastoral landscape enclosed by outgrown species-rich
hedgerows with scattered hedge trees and hills visible to the east. The roofline of the new
Blakes Close development reduces the sense of scale and disrupts the continuity with the
wider farmed landscape.
Intervisibility
Site observation
High
The field is visible from the B4035 and from Henbrook Lane. There are views across the
field to the new developments off Sutton Lane.
Tranquillity
Noise sources:
Urban views:
Presence of people:
Road traffic on Sutton Lane, and the nearby B4035.
Roof-line of Blakes Close development.
Infrequent
Tranquillity rating:
Medium / high
Functional relationship
The zone functions as an important green wedge between Upper and Lower Brailes and
forms part of the wider farmed landscape.
Visual relationship
The small pastoral character of the zone acts as a transition between the settlement and the
larger arable fields beyond.
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Settlement edge
The intermittent settlement edge along Henbrook Lane is indented and softened to a great
extent by trees / vegetation and by the consistent use of traditional building materials.
Key receptors
Rural residents
PRoW
Road users
Sensitivity
High
High
Medium
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Zone: Br06
Settlement:
Brailes
Parish: Brailes
SITE B
Site description
The site adjacent to Blakes Close forms part of Br06 and comprises a gently undulating
medium-scale field managed as paddocks with good hedgerow boundaries adjacent to
Public Right of Way SS60 and a recently established hedge on the western boundary
adjacent to the car parking area for Blakes Close. The older hedgerows are species-rich with
mature trees. Scattered trees within the newer hedge line and occasional garden trees have
yet to make any significant impact. Views into the site are limited by hedgerows and
topography which falls gently towards the thickly vegetated Hen Brook which runs along the
northern boundary. There are limited views across the site to the rooflines of individual
properties along Henbrook Lane and the High Street which are partially screened by mature
vegetation. There are also planning consents granted for an additional 7 dwellings and
garages off the High Street and a further 18 dwellings and garages adjacent to Millers Way,
off Sutton Lane. These developments will change the character of the settlement edge to
the south creating a more urban context.
Potential for housing development
High/ medium
This area of land helps to maintain a physical separation between Upper and Lower Brailes
and is referenced as an “open green gap between the two settlements”, “rising land” and
“relationship with Brailes Hill” in the zone notes for Br06, Stratford Landscape Sensitivity
Study (2012). The sense of separation has been eroded by recent developments which will
only be intensified by planning consent already granted for further housing on the southern
edge of the settlement (refer to enclosed plan). Therefore in order to maintain a functional
green wedge between the two settlements only a smaller plot size could be considered,
with the western corner excluded. A sensitively planted landscape buffer could reduce the
potential visual impact of new housing providing a more organic edge whilst softening the
impact of recent development. Designs should use local materials and fabrics which blend
in with the existing vernacular.
Policy suggestions
 Maintain species rich hedge boundaries.
 Retain the vegetated corridor along the brook course.
 Create new footpath links with the countryside from existing developments.
Landscape characteristics
LDU Level
Physiographic
Ground type
Landcover
Settlement pattern
Cultural sensitivity
Ecological sensitivity
Visual sensitivity
(DESK TOP)
COTSWOLD FRINGE
Soft rock vales and valleys
Pastoral farmlands
Villages and estate farms
-
8
Land Cover Parcel data
Landscape / planning
Green Belt Parks, Gdns & Amenity Green Spaces □
Ancient woodland □ TPO unknown
Biodiversity
SSSI □ Local Wildlife Sites □, Warks Wildlife Trust Reserves □
Historic /archaeology
Cons. Area □ SAMS □
Other AONB
Historic Parks / Gdns □
Listed Blgs □ Registered Battlefield □
Characteristics
Landform
gently rolling farmland
Land use
pastoral farmland
Field boundaries
Type
hedgerows
Species
mixed
Condition
good
Mgmt
outgrown
(FIELD SURVEY)
Hedge /stream trees
Extent
scattered
Age structure mixed age
Other trees
Extent
Age structure
-
Patch survival
Extent
Mgmt
relic
traditional
Ecological corridors
Condition
declining
Intensity of use
Impact
Pattern
Settlement pattern
Presence of water
Scale
Sense of enclosure
Diversity
moderate
Although there is no settlement within the site, the Blakes Close
development and immediate environment creates an urban character
in an otherwise rural setting.
pond
medium
enclosed
diverse
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Key views
Views are of a medium scale pastoral landscape enclosed by outgrown mixed hedgerows
and scattered hedge trees. PRoW SS60 includes views of St. George’s Church, a Grade I
listed building. The roofline of the Blakes Close development and its associated lighting and
car parking provides an abrupt urban edge diminishing the rural character and continuity
with the wider farmed landscape.
Intervisibility
Site observation
Medium
There are views across to the rooflines of individual properties set within mature gardens
off Henbrook Lane and the High Street.
Tranquillity
Noise sources: Road traffic on Sutton Lane.
Urban views: New developments sit prominently in the landscape.
Presence of people:
Infrequent
Tranquillity rating:
Medium / high
Functional relationship
The zone forms part of the wider farmed landscape with the PRoW connecting the
settlement to the wider countryside.
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Visual relationship
The small pastoral character of the overall zone acts as a transition between the settlement
and the larger arable fields beyond.
Settlement edge
The settlement edge along Blakes Close is prominent from ProW SS60 and over time will be
softened to only a limited extent by hedge trees and garden vegetation.
Key receptors
Rural residents
PRoW
Road users
Sensitivity
High
High
Medium
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