bowness and windermere - lakedistrict.gov.uk · orrest head, railway line and a591, although some...

Landscape Capacity Study for Settlement in the Lake District

Bowness and Windermere

LUC

June 2017 of 20

Introduction Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere coalesced in the mid to late 20th century

becoming one large settlement focused around two distinctive town centres on the east side of Lake Windermere. The historical development of the area was focused on Bowness.

Windermere, formerly the hamlet of Birthwaite, only developed after the arrival of the railway in 1847.

Windermere town is set back from the lake, characterised by ornate Victorian hotels, guest houses, terraced shops and houses. The visual relationship between the town and

surrounding landscape is largely limited, with prospect of the wider landscape mainly found from elevated viewpoints and summits outside the town, to the north and east.

Bowness-on-Windermere has its own distinct Victorian character, with Lake Windermere providing the backdrop to the southern part of the town, where more modern buildings at Bowness Bay contrast with the listed buildings overlooking the lakeshore.

Taking account of the large size of this settlement, the study area has been divided into

five landscape zones, as follows, each of which is discussed in turn:

Windermere north-east;

Windermere north-west; Windermere Lakeshore;

Bowness-on-Windermere; and Bowness Lakeshore.

Windermere north-east This landscape zone extends from the Windermere Hotel and the A591 in the north to the

lower westerly slopes of School Knott (232m AOD) in the east, Lickbarrow Road in the south, and New Road to College Road in the west. This north-eastern part of Windermere

town extends largely south-east of the railway station. The nucleated core has a distinct Victorian urban character (comprising a number of listed buildings). East of the town centre built form follows a generally linear layout with neat rows of blue/grey slate

terraced houses and more modern residential development east of Oak Street, and south of the railway line. South and west of the playing fields dividing the neighbourhood of

Heathwaite, settlement pattern follows a similar chronological order with older mainly semi-detached Victorian buildings in the west and more modern residential development

extending east on lower ground adjacent to the minor watercourse Mill Beck.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

1. Approaching Windermere town east along

the A591

2. Looking south towards existing allocated

land, south of the A591

3. Looking south-west from public right of

way north of railway line

4. Looking north-east from public right of

way south of the railway line

5. Looking south towards public right of way

and community woodland from eastern

settlement edge.

6. Looking south-east towards School Knott

from eastern settlement edge, with

community woodland in the foreground

Landscape sensitivity

Landscape

Character

Landscape Character Type: M Lowland Valley

H Upland Valley

Area of Distinctive Character 49: Lower Windermere

Comments

from the LCA

Set back from the immediate lakeshore to the east and west on rising

ground, wooded and open rocky outcrops and knolls;

Windermere town, to the north of Bowness, a unique Victorian

creation following the arrival of the railway in 1847. Imposing and

ornate hotels, in particular the Windermere Hotel, guest houses,

terraces, shops, built in grey slate stone, often with buff sandstone or

limestone dressings and fretted barge boards, produces a distinctive

urban character;

Bustling town of Bowness, a unique Victorian creation following the

arrival of the railway in 1847. Imposing and ornate hotels, in

particular the Windermere Hotel, guest houses, terraces, shops, built

in grey slate stone, often with buff sandstone or limestone dressings

and fretted barge boards, produces a distinctive urban character; and

Once separate settlements, Windermere and Bowness coalesced in

the mid to late 20th century, with the building of large estates and

residential infill of large grounds. However, the town still appears

heavily wooded, when viewed from elevated positions.

Settlement

Landform

Windermere north-east is located on gently undulating landform sloping

gradually south to south-west. The northern settlement edge is defined

by the steep southern slopes of Orrest Head (238m AOD), there is a

slight rise west of the A5074, and to the east the town has expanded on

lower ground.

Surrounding

Landform

To the north landform rises steeply to Orrest Head and Banner Rigg

(256m AOD), north-east. Beyond the north-eastern settlement edge, lies

the Gowan Valley, through which runs the Lakes railway line. To the

south-east past Mill Beck steep uneven landform rises immediately from

the settlement edge to highpoint School Knott.

Landscape

features

The north and eastern settlement edges are contained by rectilinear to

irregular, small to medium sized mainly pastoral fields, bounded by low

stone walls. Scattered large mature trees punctuate the field pattern to

the north-east and blocks of semi-mature community woodland reinforce

the eastern settlement boundary on lower ground between the railway

line in the north and the open western slopes of School Knott in the east.

Landscape

sensitivity

Parts of this area are on lower ground and are contained by landform and

potentially of lower sensitivity, although most of this area is wooded.

Overall landscape sensitivity is judged to be high taking account of

recently planted community woodland located within the transitional

landscape between the settlement and the low fell of School Knott.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Visual Sensitivity

Settlement

Landmarks or

Focal Points

The Windermere Hotel over looks Windermere town, on higher ground at

the northern settlement edge. The busy town centre and main streets

are the main focus of attraction.

Views to and

from

Settlement

Edge

Views out from the north and eastern settlement edge of Windermere

town are largely contained by steep rising landform and foreshortened by

vegetation. Similarly inward views of the settlement edge from high

points such as Orrest Head to the north, and School Knott to the east,

are screened by vegetation within or adjacent to property grounds.

Similar views are experienced entering Windermere town via the A591.

Visibility Windermere town has a limited visual relationship with the surrounding

landscape and is largely contained by steep rising topography to the

north and south-east and screened by vegetation. With the exception of

the area of land, at higher elevation between the A591 and the railway

line which offers stronger intervisibility with the wider settlement and

landscape.

Prospect of the wider landscape is mainly found from elevated viewpoints

and summits outside the town, such as Orrest Head to the north and

School Knott to the east.

Skylines Windermere town is relatively low lying and although some individual

properties are situated at higher elevation they do not interact with

skylines. The partially wooded fells north and east form the skyline and

contain the settlement.

Visual

sensitivity

Although some intervisibility is experienced from the area of land

between the A591 and railway line the visual relationship with the wider

landscape is largely limited. Overall visual sensitivity is therefore judged

to be medium.

Landscape value

Built heritage Conservation Area? Yes/No Windermere Conservation Area includes

the town centre and the area extending

northwards from the Windermere Hotel.

Listed Buildings?

(outside

Conservation Area)

Yes/No One cottage at south-east edge of

the settlement.

Cultural

heritage

No other cultural heritage designations are located within the landscape

zone.

Natural

heritage

High Lickbarrow Mires and Pastures SSSI is located along part of the

south-eastern landscape zone boundary.

Recreation Windermere town is a key tourist attraction, with visitors drawn to its

bustling Victorian town centre, and it is a base for people visiting the

wider area.

National Cycle Route 6 passes through the settlement following the

A5074. Public rights of way to the north and east connect the settlement

with the wider landscape.

Rarity

Public rights of way through the elevated landform north of the railway

line and south of the A591 offer wider views of Bowness/ Windermere,

Lake Windermere and the dramatic backdrop of the central fells.

Tranquillity,

including

noise and

lighting

Bustling main streets and busy transport routes with a constant flow of

vehicle traffic on the A591 and A5074. As a larger settlement,

Windermere displays a lower level of tranquillity than smaller villages in

the park.

CPRE Light Pollution and Dark Skies mapping indicates relatively high

levels of light generated from the settlement and the CPRE Tranquillity

map for Cumbria indicates relatively low levels of tranquillity from within

this part of the settlement.

Landscape

value

The eastern parts of the Windermere conservation area is located within

the landscape zone and contributes to the characteristic Victorian urban

character and is considered of high sensitivity. However overall

landscape value is judged to be medium as although the landscape zone

forms part of the wider setting it is mainly from outside this area that the

landscape is experienced.

Settlement Attributes

Settlement

Form

Nucleated settlement focused along three curving roads that form the

town centre, including the A5074 in the west. More recent mainly high

density housing extends east to south-east from the Victorian core, on

lower ground to the south of the railway line. Tourist facilities are

focused in the west with parking north and south of the railway station

and south of Broad Street.

Pattern: Linear Nucleated Dispersed Planned Organic

Scale: Large Medium Medium-

small

Small

Density: High Medium Low

Settlement

Edge

Condition

The northern settlement edge is well defined by the lower slopes of

Orrest Head, railway line and A591, although some modern commercial

development is located between the railway line and the A591. The

eastern settlement edge is defined by semi-mature community woodland

planting south of the railway. To the south-east, mature trees and

property boundaries form the settlement edge, facing on to small

wooded fields.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Settlement capacity

Allocations Employment and Housing allocations are located south of the A591 and

west of Thwaites Lane, extending the settlement area north of the

railway line.

Constraints The existing robust north-eastern boundary defined by the railway line

has been weakened by the above allocations, offering potential for

further expansion here. However, steep slopes, rising ground and views

from the A591 present constraints.

The eastern boundary, south of the railway line, is constrained by

relatively recent community woodland planting. To the south-east, the

narrow Scout Beck valley and adjacent small wooded fields offer little

scope for development.

Capacity for

development

Some areas of moderate capacity closer to the railway line, including

the existing housing/employment allocation and adjacent areas. For this

area, any development would have to avoid impinging on views from the

A591.

Some limited areas of low capacity for infill within the settlement, and

very low capacity for development across other parts of the landscape

zone, given the higher landscape and visual sensitivities of these areas.

Further detailed analysis of specific sites would be required to determine

the type and scale of development that could be accommodated.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Windermere north-west

This landscape zone includes much of the western part of Windermere town and extends from the southern slopes of the lower fells to the north (along the public right of way and

minor road north-west of the Windermere Hotel), to the A5074 east, the lower ground of Millbeckstock road and Rugby Union Football Ground to the south, and the A592 to the west. The settlement pattern of the western part of Windermere town extends in a more

dispersed lower density layout to that of the eastern part of the town, largely to the north-west and to the south. The area is heavily wooded and despite some areas of more open

higher ground to the west and north, intervisibility with the surrounding landscape is largely limited.

1. Looking east towards playing fields

adjacent to Longlands Road

2. Land north of Longlands Road

3. Land South of Longlands Road 4. Looking north towards

5. Looking south towards parkland from

Birthwaite Road

6. Looking southeast towards mature trees

within parkland south of Birthwaite Road



LUC

June 2017 of 20


Landscape

Character



Comments

from the LCA


ground, wooded and open rocky outcrops and knolls;

Eastern shore dominated by large private houses, villas and hotels,

with nationally important Arts and Crafts buildings, in particular

Broadleys (Voysey) and Blackwell (Baillie Scott). Many house have

their own boathouses and jetties, as well as gardens / grounds laid

out by eminent designers, some with exotic planting and parkland;






urban character; and





Settlement

Landform

The western part of Windermere town is mainly located on landform that

rises gradually west, this reaches a high point of approximately 109m

AOD to the south-west, before sloping down towards the lake shore, and

rolls more gradually down to lower ground to the south. The north and

north-eastern parts of the settlement are defined by the steep western

slopes of Orrest Head.

Surrounding

Landform

To the north the narrow Trout Beck Valley opens between the fells of

Wansfell Pike (482m AOD) to the west and Sour Howes (483m AODD) to

the east. The Gowan Valley runs to the east contained by low fells with

landform rising steeply and irregularly from the valley floor. To the west

landform slopes down abruptly then more gradually to the lakeshore with

the steep banks of Claife Heights rising beyond Lake Windermere. To the

south landform rises gradually from the lakeside then more steeply to

low fells.

Landscape

Features

Properties are situated within a heavily wooded landscape with dense

Rayrigg Wood in the south-western part of the area. Pockets of more

open small rectilinear fields of rough grazing, populated by scattered

large individual mature trees are situated at higher elevation to the north

and west. Fields are delineated by low stone walls post and wire fences,

mature hedge rows and tree lines.

Landscape

sensitivity

Overall landscape sensitivity is judged to be high taking account of the

diverse landform and mixed land use composed of small open pockets of

elevated rough grazing, large individual parkland trees, and dense

ancient woodland.

Visual Sensitivity

Settlement

Landmarks or

Focal Points

Views of the main landmarks and focal points of this area are largely

screened or filtered by mature tree lines and woodland. Built features

such as Elleray School which although situated atop a low hill in the

north of the area, suggesting visual prominence is largely glimpsed

through vegetation from close proximity views in the north-eastern part

of the landscape zone. Similarly other landmark buildings, such as the

listed Church of St Mary, adjacent to the A591 are mainly seen in

localised views from within the landscape zone.

Some views of wooded Claife Heights forming the skyline to the west are

gained from limited areas in the northern and western part of the area.

Views to and

from

Settlement

Edge

Outward views from the north and west are largely contained by

landform, and further foreshortened by built form and screened by

vegetation. Views to the eastern part of Windermere are similarly limited

by buildings and woodland.

Views of the wider landscape are gained from some properties and more

open areas situated near elevated landform in the western part of the

area between Birthwaite Road and Rayrigg Wood, and north of the A591.

Views from these locations are mostly focused to the west and south-

west, with the wooded Claife Heights forming the skyline, and are largely

framed and filtered by mature parkland.

Views inward towards the settlement edge are largely limited to elevated

summits and viewing stations such as Orrest Head to the north and

School Knott to the west. The northern and eastern edge is contained by

landform and most of the western and southern edges are screened by

mature woodland.

Visibility Despite its proximity to Lake Windermere the western part of

Windermere town has a limited visual relationship with the surrounding

landscape, largely contained by landform and vegetation.

Skylines The largely wooded fells north, south, east and west across lake

Windermere form the skyline containing the settlement, and although

some properties are situated at higher elevation they do not interrupt the

skyline.

Visual

sensitivity

Intervisibility between this part of the settlement and the surrounding

landscape is largely limited to some areas near the elevated landform

east of Rayrigg Wood and north of the A591, which are potentially of

higher sensitivity. Overall visual sensitivity is judged to be low.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Landscape value

Built heritage Conservation Area? Yes/No Windermere Conservation Area,

comprising part of the western area,

including the sports ground west of

College Road and the Church of St

Marys.

Listed Buildings?

(outside

Conservation Area)

Yes/No Drinking fountain and villa to the

north, both adjacent to the A591and;

Bowness Bank cottages to the north

of Queen Adelaide’s Hill.

Cultural

heritage


zone.

Natural

heritage

Ancient Woodland Inventory High Hay Wood and Elleray Wood in the

north and Rayrigg Woods in the south-west are also locally designated

Country Wildlife Sites.

Recreation As part of the wider Bowness/Windermere area this is a key tourist

‘honeypot’, with visitors drawn to the picturesque settlement and its

associations with Beatrix Potter. Although the north-western part of

Windermere town has less commercial development, there are a number

of hotels and guesthouse accessed from the main transport routes.

A network of minor roads provides connectivity within the areas south of

the A591 and east of the A5074. Two public rights of way west of

Rayrigg Wood provide access to the lakeside.

Playing fields located west of College Road and on lower ground between

Longlands Road and Lake Road, including the Rugby Union Football

Ground and bowling green.

Rarity

Dense Rayrigg Wood, limited open pastoral fields with scattered parkland

trees and rocky exposed outcrops are characteristic of the area.

Tranquillity,

including

noise and

lighting

Busy transport routes with a constant flow of vehicle traffic on the A591

to the north and the A5073 to the east.

CPRE Light Pollution and dark skies mapping indicates relatively high

levels of light generated from the more densely populated eastern and

southern side of the area, decreasing in intensity towards the lakeshore

in the east. CRPE tranquillity mapping indicates a similar pattern with

increasing tranquillity to the west and north-west away from the

settlement.

Landscape

value

The western part of the Windermere conservation area is located within

the landscape zone and contributes to its distinctive Victorian character.

Much of the western part of the landscape is covered with ancient

woodland, with Rayrigg Wood providing an important recreational

resource, which all contributes to a high landscape value.


Settlement

Form

The western part of Windermere town is heavily wooded and follows a

more dispersed medium to low density layout. Built form predominantly

comprises large well-spaced mainly detached residences with extensive

gardens, located close to the main transport routes, with limited to no

development on the steep western slopes leading toward the lakeside.

The northern part of the area contains a mix of Victorian and more

modern development branching from the A591 on lower ground south of

the road and higher ground to the north. The eastern area adjacent to

the A5073 contains larger individual properties located near the high

ground east of Rayrigg Wood. Car parking is limited mainly to street side

locations.



small

Small


Settlement

Edge

Condition

The steep rising landform to the north and north-east forms a firm

boundary, reinforced by field boundaries, small blocks of woodland and

large individual trees to the north of the A5921 and east of the A592.

Landform sloping down to the lakeside defines the western boundary

strengthened by dense Rayrigg Wood. The southern part of this area is

defined by the property boundaries of buildings north of the A5074

buffered by treelines and individual trees.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Settlement capacity

Allocations A small area located between Birthwaite Road to the north and New Road

to the west is allocated for housing.

Constraints Steep terrain to the north and north-east, and steep wooded terrain to

the west present little opportunity for future development. Much of the

area is heavily wooded with Rayrigg Wood designated as Ancient

Woodland and locally as a Country Wildlife Site.

More open areas of pastoral farmland are considered of higher visual

sensitivity with intervisibility experienced between these areas and the

wider landscape. These open areas also contain highly sensitive

landscape features including characteristic rocky outcrops and large

mature parkland trees.

Capacity for

development

An area of moderate capacity is identified within the narrow lightly

undulating fields situated on lower ground adjacent to Longlands Road,

between Rayrigg Wood and the Rugby Union Football Ground. This area

is contained by landform and woodland to the north and east, and

screened by tree lines to the south, and is considered to be of low visual

sensitivity.

Any new development within this area would have to avoid negatively

impacting sensitive landscape features including large mature individual

trees, exposed rocky outcrops and Rayrigg Wood to the north, as well as

views from the south.

Taking account of the highly sensitive landscape, landscape features and

areas of higher visual sensitivity overall capacity for development across

most of the area is judged to be low to very low. Areas of low capacity

include pockets of open land surrounded by trees that could theoretically

absorb development, depending on mitigation, as well as areas of

existing built development where infill may be possible.





LUC

June 2017 of 20

Bowness-on-Windermere

This landscape zone extends from Lickbarrow Road and Millbeckstock Road to the north, to the A5074 east, and to the B5284 and Lickbarrow road to the south and west. This area

includes the busy main street. Much of Bowness-on-Windermere has a stronger visual relationship with the surrounding landscape than Windermere town. The lake provides a

backdrop to the south and views of the higher fells are possible from elevated areas to the east and south-east. Outside the town to the south and east viewpoints and summits, such as Brant Fell provide often dramatic, panoramic elevated views of the wider

landscape.

1. Looking north towards Matson Ground

from public right of way

2. Parkland west of Brant Fell

3. Looking north towards Brant Fell from the

B5284

4. Looking north-east towards Brant Fell

from Lickbarrow Road

5. Looking towards public right of way from

Lickbarrow Road

6. Looking east towards Brant Fell from

Bowness Bay



LUC

June 2017 of 20


Landscape

Character



Comments

from the LCA






urban character;





and fretted barge boards, produces a distinctive urban character;

Mixture of Victorian and more modern buildings within Bowness on

Windermere, overlooking the lake, with a cluster of buildings at the

lakeshore, associated with Windermere lake steamers; and





Settlement

Landform:

This part of Bowness-on-Windermere is located on landform that slopes

gradually south-west down towards Lake Windermere, flanked by

elevated landform to the north and more steeply rising landform to the

east and south prominent with rocky Brant Fell (192m AOD) to the

south.

Surrounding

Landform

To the north landform rises steeply to Orrest Head and Banner Rigg,

north-east. Beyond the north-eastern settlement edge, lies the Gowan

Valley. To the east and south-east steep uneven landform rises

immediately from the settlement edge with popular hills School Knott,

east of Windermere and Brant Fell south-west of Bowness-on-

Windermere. To the west wooded Belle Isle features in views across Lake

Windermere from Bowness-on Windermere, contained by the sheer

afforested eastern face of Claife Heights. Immediately north-west of

Windermere lays the mouth of the Troutbeck valley opening onto Lake

Windermere contained by the dramatic background summits and ridges

of the central fells.

Landscape

Features

Brant Fell to the south is surrounded by a patchwork land use of mainly

pastoral fields and small blocks of mixed woodland bound within a tight

irregular field pattern defined mainly by low stone walls, and post and

wire fences. Exposed, often very large rocks are found within the

undulating landscape.

Landscape

sensitivity

The distinctive complex, strongly undulating and uneven landform rising

steeply to the south and east is judged to be of high sensitivity.

Visual Sensitivity

Settlement

Landmarks or

Focal Points

Topography, built form, and vegetation limit visibility of landmark

buildings, such as the Hydro seen in localised views from within the area

with the main focus on the bustling high street.

Views of Claife Heights forming the skyline in views looking west are

gained from elevated areas to the south and east.

Views to and

from

Settlement

Edge:

Outward views to the north are largely contained by built form and

screened by vegetation. Views to the south and east are restricted by the

partially wooded, western and northern slopes of Brantfell. From the

eastern elevated settlement edge views out towards the wider landscape

are gained. These feature Claife Heights to the west and the more distant

central fells to the north-west.

Inward views looking towards the eastern settlement edge are similarly

limited by landform and vegetation, with intervisibility largely gained

from viewing stations and summits, including School Knott to the north-

east, Brant Fell to the south and elevated areas beyond Lake

Windermere to the west.

Visibility Intervisibility with the surrounding landscape is largely limited to the

higher eastern side of the settlement with some views towards Lake

Windermere gained from the lower western side. From higher elevations,

particularly near Brant Fell panoramic views of the wider landscape are

possible, featuring Lake Windermere and the summits and ridges of the

central fells beyond.

Skylines This part of the settlement is relatively low lying and although some

individual properties are situated at higher elevation they do not interact

with skylines.

Visual

sensitivity

Visual sensitivity across much of the built up area is low, however from

more elevated areas to the south and east there is potential for higher

sensitivity. Overall visual sensitivity is judged to be medium.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Landscape value

Built heritage Conservation Area? Yes/No Bowness-on-Windermere, including part

of the town centre and the area

extending to the north-east.

Listed Buildings?

(outside

Conservation Area)

Yes/No The Old Bath House north of Craig

Walk;

Helm Farm, to the east; and

Maston House and Grounds to the

east of the area.

Cultural

heritage


zone.

Natural

heritage

Helm Farm Wood designated as Ancient Woodland and locally designated

as a Countryside Wildlife Site.

Recreation As part of the wider Bowness/Windermere area this is a key tourist

‘honeypot’, with visitors drawn to bustling main street and associations

with Beatrix Potter.

National Cycle Route 6 passes through the settlement following the

A5074.

A network of public rights of way provides access to the wider landscape

accessed from Brantfell Road, Meadow Road and Lickbarrow Road.

Rarity

An attractive composition of elevated geological forms and mixed land

use, south-east of the built up area.

Tranquillity,

including

noise and

lighting

Bustling main streets and busy transport routes with a constant flow of

vehicle traffic on the A5074.


levels of light generated from the settlement decreasing in intensity

towards the high ground in the south and east. CPRE tranquillity

mapping indicates a similar pattern with higher levels of tranquillity

identified east of the settlement.

Landscape

value

The north-eastern part of the Bowness-on-Windermere conservation area

is located within the landscape zone and contributing to the distinctive

Victorian urban character. Overall landscape value is judged to be high

taking account of the networks of paths through the landscape to the

south-east and distinctive elevated landform of Brant Fell providing

framed to more open panoramic views of the wider landscape.


Settlement

Form:

Dense linear layout in the northern part of the landscape zone becoming

more organic and dispersed towards higher ground to the south and

east. The western part of the area has a distinctive Victorian character

with terraced shops, houses and large hotels. More modern residential

development comprising semi-detached residences are situated to the

north-east and detached residences to the south.



small

Small


Settlement

Edge

Condition:

The northern edge of the area is defined by field and boundaries

comprising stone walls, tree lines, and post and wire fencing, east of

Millbeckstock Road and the A5074, providing a strong boundary edge.

The robust eastern and southern settlement edges are defined by steep

rising uneven ground reinforced by field boundaries, small blocks of

woodland, individual trees and rocky outcrops. The western part of the

area is defined by the A592 with Lake Windermere further west.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Settlement capacity

Allocations Housing allocations within this area include a small area west of Biskey

Howe Road in the eastern part of the area, and a small area east of

Brackenfield and west of Postknott Plantation to the south.

Constraints The strong boundaries around the eastern and southern part of the area

leave little to no opportunity for development taking account of the steep

rising landform and intricate pattern of land use.

Capacity for

development

Capacity for development across this landscape zone is limited, given the

high landscape sensitivity and value, and the higher visual sensitivity of

the elevated areas to the south and east. Within the settlement there is

some low capacity for infill. The south-eastern part of the landscape

zone containing Brant Fell includes areas of high visual prominence and

is an important recreational resource, this area has a very low capacity

to accommodate new development.





LUC

June 2017 of 20

Windermere Lakeshore This landscape zone lies outside of Bowness/Windermere and extends from the

watercourse Trout Beck to the north, the A591 and A592 road to the east, Fallowbarrow Park to the south and to the eastern shore of Lake Windermere to the west. The

settlement pattern is largely dispersed with some nucleated development adjacent to Old Hall Road near the lake shore and west of the A591 at Troutbeck Bridge.

1. Looking north-east towards land east of

Troutbeck Bridge

2. Looking south-west towards Calgarth Hall

3. Looking south from Queen Adelaide’s Hill 4. Looking south-east towards Troutbeck

Bridge from A591

5. Looking towards Lake Windermere from

viewpoint adjacent to A592

6. Looking towards lower farmland and Lake

Windermere from viewpoint adjacent to

A592



LUC

June 2017 of 20


Landscape

Character


Area of Distinctive Character 39: Upper Windermere


Comments

from the LCA

Area of Distinctive Character 39: Upper Windermere:

Broad Windermere Lake (the colour of which changes with seasonal

weather and light, with frequent mist inversions) surrounded by a

soft and accessible foreshore, and well wooded along the western

shore;

Strong sense of openness at the lakeshore, with dramatic views to

the High Fell setting of Fairfield Horseshoe to the north and Langdale

Pikes to the north west;

Sense of business within the landscape, as a result of the popularity

of this area as a visitor attraction;

Mix of woodland, parkland and pasture fields follows the lakeshore,

interspersed with mature ornamental exotic trees;

Upright slate and flag walls - formed from Brathay flags;

Cultural connections with early tourism industry, including

Picturesque viewing stations such as Queens Adelaide’s Hill; and

A591 on the eastern shore and associated traffic noise.

Area of Distinctive Character 49: Lower Windermere:

Southern half of Windermere Lake, with its extensive ancient semi-

natural woodland right down to the lake shores, punctuated by

scattered large residences, provides a strong sense of enclosure;


ground, wooded and open rocky outcrops and knolls; and

Predominantly a tranquil valley away from Bowness/ Windermere,

Ferry Nab and Lakeside Piers and A590 and A592 due to the

perceived naturalness of the landscape, and the relative absence of

dwellings and settlements.

Settlement

Landform

Between low lying ground to the north near the mouth of the Troutbeck

Valley and inlet Rayrigg Wyke to the south landform rises gradually east

from the lake shore becoming increasingly steep in some locations, such

as at Queen Adelaide’s Hill (82m AOD).

Surrounding

Landform

To the west Lake Windermere is contained by the steep wooded slopes of

Claife Heights, and to the north-west by the dramatic background

summits and ridges of the central fells. South of the Troutbeck valley to

the north and east the landscape zone is contained by steep landform

east of the A592.

Landscape

Features

Queen Adelaide’s Hill, a small rounded hill east of the A592 provides

panoramic views. Rectilinear mainly pastoral fields at the lakeshore are

bound by characteristic stone walls, much of the roadside is similarly

defined, and a number of wooden jetties protrude into the lake.

Landscape

sensitivity

The northern part of the area is on lower ground contained by landform,

woodland and the lakeshore. Land use comprises playing fields south of

the school and paddocks near Calgarth Hall with generally lower

sensitivity. Otherwise overall landscape sensitivity is judged to be high

taking account of the more complex landform and mix of open and

wooded areas.

Visual Sensitivity

Settlement

Landmarks or

Focal Points

The main landmark listed buildings and large non-listed hotel north-east

of the A591. Although within the landscape zone they are mainly

perceptible in localised views near Troutbeck Bridge as longer distance

views are contained by landform and screened and filtered by vegetation.

Views to and

from

Settlement

Edge:

Views across Lake Windermere to the wider landscape are gained from

some individual properties situated close to the lakeshore, including a

small number of large detached residences accessed from Old Hall Road.

Outward views looking north and east are largely contained by steep

rising landform, particularly from eastern settlement edge adjacent to

Troutbeck Bridge.

Inward views from north and the east are contained by topography and

screened by vegetation. Views from open water and higher ground west

of Lake Windermere are filtered and screened by mixed woodland and

vegetation within property grounds.

Visibility Troutbeck Bridge located on low ground at the mouth of the Troutbeck

valley has a limited visual relationship with the surrounding landscape,

contained by steep rising fells to the north and east, including Wansfell

Pike (488m AOD) and the lower Orrest Head (238m AOD). Views south

and west are screened and filtered by dense woodland. Longer distance

views to the south and west across Lake Windermere to the backdrop

high fells are experienced from the lake shore and more panoramic views

are found from the higher ground of Queen Adelaide’s Hill and the

viewpoint to the south-west of the crossroads between the A591 and the

A592.

Skylines Skylines are uninterrupted by built form.

Visual

sensitivity

Overall visual sensitivity is judged to be medium, with areas of higher

visual sensitivity beside the lake shore, particularly areas seen from

elevated viewpoints.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Landscape value

Built heritage Conservation Area? Yes/No

Listed Buildings?

(outside

Conservation Area)

Yes/No Calgarth Hall overlooking Lake

Windermere south of Trout Beck;

Cluster of four listed building

including the Post Office between the

A591 and Brook Street;

The Priory south-west of the

crossroads between the A591 and the

A592;

Two cottages north of Queen

Adelaide’s Hill; and

Rayrigg Hall and Rayrigg Farm north

of Rayrigg Wyke.

Cultural

heritage


zone.

Natural

heritage

Ancient Woodland Inventory Woodland also designated locally as Country

Wildlife Sites that include Trout Beck Wood and Beckisland Wood north-

west of the school, Hodgehowe Wood west of the crossroads between the

A591 and the A592, and Rayrigg Woods west of Queen Adelaide’s Hill.

Recreation A public right of way links the A592 and Lake Windermere passing

through Rayrigg Woods.

Rarity

Lakeside and elevated views of Lake Windermere featuring the dramatic

backdrop of the central fells.

Tranquillity,

including

noise and

lighting

Busy transport routes with a constant flow of vehicle traffic on the A591

and A592.


levels of light generated from the A591 and the A592 crossroads and

lower levels indicated towards the lakeshore. Similarly relatively low

levels of tranquillity are shown near the A591 and the A592 crossroads

within increasing tranquillity indicated by the lakeshore.

Landscape

value

Overall landscape value is judged to be high taking account of the

valued lakeside and historic viewpoint of Queen Adelaide’s Hill.


Settlement

Form

Settlement within this area is focused around two small nucleated

clusters on lower ground; the tight high density layout of Trout Bridge to

the north, and the organic lower density, large detached housing at

Hodgehowe near the lakeshore. Beyond these core residential areas

development is more dispersed with two rows of detached housing

located at lower elevation to the A591 to the east, and a number of

scattered individual properties south of the A591 and A592 crossroads.



small

Small


Settlement

Edge

Condition

The settlement edge is largely robust defined by the Trout Beck river in

the north-west reinforced by areas of mature woodland and although

development hugs both sides of the A591 to the north-east, steep rising

topography limits further development. The A592 borders the less

developed eastern side shielded by steep rising woodland east of the

road, the western side of the area is bound by Lake Windermere.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Settlement capacity

Allocations An area west of Ambleside Road and north of Old Hall Road, adjacent to

existing semi-detached residences is allocated for housing.

Constraints The main constraints of the area include steep complex landform, mixed

land use and high scenic value of the southern part of the area. The

north part of the area is constrained by the strong boundary features of

the Trout Beck river, steep topography to the east and pockets of mature

woodland including the Ancient Woodland and Country Wildlife Sites

Trout Beck Wood and Beckisland Wood south of the river.

New development should protect the character and setting of the Ancient

Woodland and Country Wildlife Sites, and listed buildings, particularly

those dispersed through the largely undeveloped area west of the A592.

Capacity for

development

An areas of moderate capacity for new development is identified in the

north-western part of the landscape zone, directly north-west of the

school. Any development within this area would need to avoid impacts on

the Ancient Woodland and locally designated County Wildlife Sites.

Areas of low capacity are identified in relation to infill within existing

areas of settlement, as well as the visually contained area around the

school. Given the higher sensitivities of other areas within the landscape

zone, particularly along the lakeshore and areas overlooked by key

viewpoints, capacity for new development is judged to be very low.





LUC

June 2017 of 20

Bowness-on-Windermere Lakeshore

This landscape zone contains the south western part of Bowness-on-Windermere and Bowness Bay, and extends from Fallowbarrow Park Caravan Park to the north, the A592

and the A5074 to the east, Middle Entrance Drive to the south and Lake Windermere to the west.

1. Looking north-west towards lakeshore

facilities from Glebe Road

2. Looking north towards Lake Windermere

from Bowness Bay

3. Looking north-east towards Bowness

from Bowness Bay

4. Looking north towards Bowness from

Bowness Bay

5. Looking south-west towards farmland

from Glebe Road

6. Looking towards land south of the A592



LUC

June 2017 of 20


Landscape

Character



Comments

from the LCA

Area of Distinctive Character 49: Lower Windermere:

Southern half of Windermere Lake, with its extensive ancient semi-

natural woodland right down to the lake shores, punctuated by

scattered large residences, provides a strong sense of enclosure;

Eastern shore dominated by large private houses, villas and hotels,

with nationally important Arts and Crafts buildings, in particular

Broadleys (Voysey) and Blackwell (Baillie Scott). Many houses have

their own boathouses and jetties, as well as gardens / grounds laid

out by eminent designers, some with exotic planting and parkland.

Distinctive Belle Isle, with its iconic late 18th century round house,

epitomising the picturesque ideals sits in a woodland setting to the

west of Bowness on Windermere and punctuates open views across

the lake;

The Belsfield, largest and finest Italianate building in the Lake

District, built in 1840 with its smooth rendered walls and crisp

detailing, is the dominant feature overlooking Bowness Bay;

Mixture of Victorian and more modern buildings within Bowness on

Windermere, overlooking the lake, with a cluster of buildings at the

lakeshore, associated with Windermere lake steamers; Colourful

steamers and yachts punctuate views across the lake; and





and fretted barge boards, produces a distinctive urban character.

Settlement

Landform

Settlement within this area is located on landform that slopes gradually

down to the lakeshore in the west. The relatively flat landform of

Bowness Bay curves outward into the lake, with Cockshott Point

protruding out towards Belle Isle. South of Bowness Bay lays a more

complex shore line containing Windermere Marina Village.

Surrounding

Landform

The western side of the area is defined by Lake Windermere and Belle

Isle contained by the high wooded slopes of Claife Heights further west.

North-west lie the background summits and ridges of the central fells, to

the south and east landform rises gradually then more steeply to low

wooded fells.

Landscape

Features

The active lakeshore and Bowness Bay with a mix of land uses including

golf, parkland and arable fields bound by tree lines and post and wire

fencing. Piers and jetties along the north-western part of Bowness Bay

and deeply incised marina to the south.

Landscape

sensitivity

Much of the landscape in the northern part of this area is developed,

such as the active lakeshore and potentially of lower sensitivity to the

more complex landscape to the south. Overall landscape sensitivity is

judged to be medium.

Visual Sensitivity

Settlement

Landmarks or

Focal Points

The main focal points within the area include the listed buildings of town

centre, the Belsfield Hotel situated on slightly higher ground to the south

overlooking Lake Windermere, and the angular modern buildings

adjacent to Bowness Bay, prominent in views towards the lake, south of

Bowness-on-Windermere.

Wooded Belle Isle is a focal point in views to the west with higher fells

forming the skyline beyond.

Views to and

from

Settlement

Edge:

Views across Lake Windermere and to the surrounding central fells are

gained from the south-western settlement edge of Bowness-on-

Windermere and Bowness Bay. Views to the north, east and south are

largely contained by landform, buildings, and screened and filtered by

mature trees.

From the southern part of the landscape zone, between Smithy Lane in

the north and Middle Entrance Drive in the south, outward and inward

views are largely limited by woodland and vegetation.

Inward views towards the western settlement edge of Bowness-on-

Windermere are gained from the open waters of Lake Windermere, from

the shores of Belle Island, and from the elevated fells containing the area

across the lake to the west, including Claife Heights. Views into the wider

settlement are also possible from local hill tops including Brant Fell to the

east.

Visibility From the lake shore and much of this part of Bowness-on-Windermere

Lake Windermere and Belle Island are the main focus to the west, with

longer distance views of the wider landscape across the lake to the

dramatic backdrop of the central fells.

Elevated landform to the north and east contain the settlement and inter

visibility with the wider landscape is limited by vegetation to the south.

Skylines This area is low lying and does not interact with skylines.

Visual

sensitivity

Some areas on lower ground within southern parts of the zone between

the A592 and A5074 are largely contained by woodland and tree lines

and are potentially of lower sensitivity. However taking account of the

high levels of intervisibility with the surrounding landscape from much of

the area overall visual sensitivity is judged to be high.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Landscape value

Built heritage Conservation Area? Yes/No Bowness-on-Windermere Conservation

Area includes part of the town centre

and the area that extends south to

include the Belsfield Hotel.

Listed Buildings?

(outside

Conservation Area)

Yes/No From north to south listed building

outside the Conservation Area include:

Greenhouse Farm and associated

barn;

Fallowbarrow Hall and Lodge

building;

St Martin’s Rectory;

Ferny Cross;

Bordriggs Farmhouse and associated

buildings; and

Braithwaite Fold.

Cultural

heritage


zone.

Natural

heritage

Locally designated Country Wildlife Site; Windermere borders the zone to

the west.

Recreation As part of the wider settlement Bowness-on-Windermere is a key tourist

attraction, with visitors drawn to its historic Victorian town centre and

associations with Beatrix Potter, and used as a base by people exploring

the wider area.

Popular Bowness Bay and other lakeshore facilities including Windermere

Ferry and further ferry routes.

National Cycle Network Route 6 passes through the town centre to the

Windermere Ferry.

Public rights of way connect Glebe Road and Rectory Road to Cockshott

Point, the southern shore of Bowness Bay and the B5285 leading to the

Windermere Boat Ferry.

Rarity

Combination of bustling Victorian town, active shore front and variety of

recreational activities.

Tranquillity,

including

noise and

lighting

Bustling town centre and busy transport routes with a constant flow of

vehicle traffic on the A592 and A5074. Busy lakeshore with vessels of

varying type and size providing access to the open water from jetties and

piers in the north and south.

CPRE Light Pollution and dark skies mapping indicates high levels of light

generated from the town centre and Bowness Bay, with lower levels

indicated from the south of the area. Similarly relatively low levels of

tranquillity are shown from areas indicating high light levels and from the

busy A592.

Landscape

value

Overall landscape value is judged to be high taking account of the

popular recreational lakeshore facilities, historic town centre and valued

views.


Settlement

Form

This part of the settlement is focused around the nucleated, organic town

centre extending in a largely linear layout to the south on the A592 and

A5074, where development becomes increasingly dispersed further

south. Near the town centre buildings have mainly of distinct Victorian

character, with a mix of more modern detached and semi-detached

residences to the west and large well-spaced character properties to the

south. The modern, often inconsistent lakeside development at Bowness

Bay conflicts with the picturesque character of the town centre.

Extensive car parking facilities are located at Bowness Bay.



small

Small


Settlement

Edge

Condition

Lake Windermere provides a definite boundary to the west, and to the

south-east steep rising landform gives a robust boundary rereinforced by

field boundaries, small blocks of woodland, treeline and rocky outcrops.

To the north the settlement edge is well defined by mature tree and

shrub planting north of Fallowbarrow, the southern settlement edge is

similarly well defined by a field boundary comprising hedgerows, tree

lines and post and wire fencing.



LUC

June 2017 of 20

Settlement capacity

Allocations Bowness Bay is allocated for regeneration.

Constraints Current construction works associated with Bowness Pier north of

Fallowbarrow Park. The steeply rising and heavily wooded land to the

east offers little or no opportunity for new development and to the west

Bowness Bay falls within an existing allocation.

Capacity for

development

Some areas of moderate capacity are located to the south between the

A592 and the A5074, where some urbanising features occur between the

two roads. Existing built features include a number of very large well-

spaced detached residences with extensive gardens. This area offers

potential for further expansion, although consideration would need to be

given to highly sensitive landscape features, including large mature

trees, small pockets of woodland and exposed rocky outcrops.

Taking account of the active waterfront and mature wooded areas, other

parts of the landscape zone are judged to have very low capacity for

new development, with the exception of existing settlement areas, where

low capacity is identified for potential infill development.



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