E4M (17.9 ha) Proposed Use Existing Land Use Site Context Employment (B1, B2, B8) Grazing land Land lies adjacent to and east of the A6 at its junction with the A591, on the main approaches to Kendal from the south. Characterised by undulating or hummocky land with drumlin landforms, it forms part of a swathe of farmland that is confined between the A6/A591 road and the River Kent to the east. Scroggs Wood, immediately to the north, naturally limits the SW edge of Kendal. A group of trees is established to the south on lower ground (Young Spring Wood). Clusters of converted farm buildings at Helsington Laithes and Watercrook Farm form discrete developments to the NW and NE respectively, with Helsington Mills, a mixed industrial complex adjacent to the River Kent to the east. The site comprises two large fields of open improved pasture sub‐divided by an immature hedgerow. A limestone wall defines the western boundary, with a broad roadside verge adjacent to the A6. The northern field is gently undulating and slopes down eastward from the A6 towards the River Kent. Land within the southern field is generally higher and has a more undulating, hummocky character. Outside of the site, a public footpath runs parallel to the eastern site boundary close to the River Kent, and a further footpath runs through Scroggs Wood to the north. • Undulating, hummocky landform General Site Character Key Landscape Features Key Views of the site: Sensitive receptors Heritage features Access Analysis of site weaknesses or constraints Analysis of site strengths and opportunities Recommended Mitigation Site Name: Site Ref: + Area (Ha.) Land adjacent to Scroggs Wood and A6, south of Kendal Key views from the A6, from the A591 (elevated on embankments to the west) and from footpaths within the River Kent corridor. Views also from Natland village and Natland Road to the east of the River Kent and from rising land to the NW & W. Nearby residents, footpath users, passing road users, setting of Roman Fort SAM Scroggs Wood to N– Public Open space (Woodland Trust site ‐ nature conservation value) Watercrook Roman fort to NE – Scheduled Ancient Monument Helsington Mills and Helsington Laithes Manor – Listed Buildings No public access within site • Exposure in views from A6, the main approach to Kendal from south, and in elevated views from the A591 to the north‐west and west of the site (incl. from Scout Scar in LDNP) • Exposure in views of sensitive receptors including passing road users A6/A591, local footpath users, residents at Watercrook Farm and Natland and footpath users on elevated land within the LDNP, • A general absence of landscape features within site that could help to accommodate development; • Opportunity to provide green infrastructure/links between on‐site and off‐site vegetation; • Naturally undulating landform will help to limit views of development on the site • Utilise and/or extend naturally undulating landform or create new landform of a similar scale and character to help to mitigate effects and create an appropriate setting for B1, B2, B8 development. • Structure planting in groups and belts to interrupt views of new development in views from the A6 and riverside footpath, and strategically located on hummocks to emphasise/enhance landform; • Create new green infrastructure /open space within site to link with off‐site tree belts/scrub, naturally subdivide the site into ‘zones’ and provide biodiversity benefits • Provide buffer planting (woodland & woodland edge species) to protect and enhance Scroggs Wood • Take opportunities to extend local network of pedestrian/cycle access with new links Key:
Existing vegetation
Existing right of way
Provide buffer planting (woodland &
woodland edge species) to protect
and enhance Scroggs Wood
Potential for;
Structure planting/Green Infrastructure
New pedestrian/Cycle link
Open space
New landscape feature
Amenity buffer zone
Structure planting in groups and belts to limit
views of new development in views from the A6
Utilise and/or extend natural undulating landform
or create new landform of a similar scale and
character to help to mitigate effects and create an
appropriate setting for B1, B2, B8 development .
Create new green infrastructure /open
space within site to link with off-site tree
belts/scrub, naturally subdivide the site
into 'zones' and provide biodiversity
benefits
Take opportunities to extend local
network of pedestrian/cycle
access with new links
Strategically located structure planting in
groups and belts to filter views of new
development and emphasise/enhance
undulating landform
Drawing No:
Scale:
Date:
Drawn By:
Checked By:
642.A.01.02
1:2000@ A3
15/12/2011
Project:
Landscape Mitigation Advice on Proposed Development Site Allocations in South Lakeland District
for South Lakeland District Council
Land Adjacent to A6, South of Kendal - E4M
CW
SD
Undulating land is more
sensitive to development
Poorly drained land provides
opportunity to create new
landscape feature (wetland)