Appendix 6Appendix 6Appendix 6Appendix 6

Visual Impact Assessment

Landscape and Visual Assessment.C

In respect of land at:

Pont-y-Gafel Farm, Glandwr, Pembrokeshire.

Carried out on behalf of:

Lammas Low Impact Initiatives Ltd,

22 Holtsfield, Murton, Swansea, SA33AQ

Contents:

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS.

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Assessment Methodology

1.3 Planning Context

1.4 Site Location and Context

1.5 Landscape Character Assessment

1.6 Existing Views

1.7 Mitigation

1.8 Landscape Impact Assessment

Appendix 1 photographs of viewpoints from visual receptors

Appendix 2 The Visual Impact schedules

Appendix 3 Receptor and Viewpoint Location Plan

Appendix 4 Landscape Character Plan

Appendix 5 Visual Appraisal plan.

All photo's copyright Mark Pickthall.

1. Landscape and Visual Effects.

1.1 Introduction.

1.1.1 This report is prepared on behalf of Lammas Low Impact Initiatives Ltd as part

of their planning application in respect of a site of 76 Acres at Pont -y-Gafel on the

edge of the settlement of Glandwr in Pembrokeshire.

1.1.2 The report appraises the existing landscape context; existing features of the

landscape and views as well as any potential impacts of the proposed development on

the surrounding landscape and views.

1.2 Assessment Methodology.

The assessment has considered so far as available the Landmap exercise covering the

area. It has considered the various landscapes of which the site is a part and the

various view points from which the site is visible including both private and public

viewpoints. It has looked at the landscapes in terms of their quality, their value and

their capacity to accommodate change. Finally where impacts will occur which

impinge on the landscapes ability to accommodate change the report considers

mitigation measures intended to minimise those effects.

1.3 Planning context.

1.3.1 The proposed development lies within Pembrokeshire approximately 2 Km

outside and to the East of the National Park. It also lies close to the County border

with Carmarthenshire.

1.3.2 The existing statutory Development Plan is the JUDP adopted by Pembroke

shire County Council on the 13th

of July 2006. As a result of the sites proximity to

Carmarthenshire however regard has also been had to the Carmarthenshire UDP

adopted on the 19th of July 2006 in so far as any aspect of the development could

impinge on landscape within that county.

1.3.3 No specific landscape policies apply to the site. No tree preservation orders are

located on the site. To the west of the site lies an area designated as "historic

landscape" and a quarry site but both are some distance (i.e. 3.25 Km and 2.75 Km

respectively) from the site.

1.3.4 In policy terms the land is agricultural land outside of the settlement of Glandwr

the nearest boundary of which lies some 120 metres from the closest point of the site.

1.3.5 The proposed development falls to be considered under policy 52 of the JUDP.

1.4 Site Description and Context.

1.4.1 The site lies immediately to the North East of Glandwr and some 12 Km due

north of the settlement of Whitland. The site is accessed off the unclassified county

road which connects Glandwr to the A478 to the west and to the neighbouring

settlement of Llanfyrnach to the North East. The surrounding landscape is rural and

agricultural. The site extends in all to some 28.5 Hectares. The site is located on the

side of a valley at the bottom of which runs the Afon Taf which forms the county

boundary with Carmarthenshire. To the west of the site the land falls away down a

wooded slope (coniferous) to the Afon Gafel which runs north south and joins the

Afon Taf in the valley bottom.

1.4.2 The site is located on sloping ground and rises from approximately 120 m at its

lowest point (southernmost) to approximately 200 metres at it's highest (northern

most). It is characterised by irregularly shaped fields that are defined by mixed

species hedgerows (see Ecological assessment for details). In the middle of the site

lies a pond of approximately 1400 m2. A footpath runs across the site south west to

north east. The boundaries of the site are hedged.

1.4.3 The landscape context is farmland defined by field boundaries made up of

broadleaf trees and hedgerows. The extent of the tree cover increases lower down

while the upper slopes appear more open. The land rises from approximately 100m at

the valley floor to approx. 260m.

1.4.4 Beyond the immediate confines of the site views reach across to the television

mast at Bryngwyn (350m) to the west and across the valley into Carmarthenshire

where the land rises to approx. 200m .

1.4.5 While physically proximate to the site the village of Glandwr is screened from

the site by the lie of the land.

1.5 Landscape Character Assessment.

1.5.1 A baseline Landscape character Assessment is available for the site through the

Landmap exercise. The Landmap exercise includes the site within a much larger

landscape area (Mynydd Crogwy) and is undertaken at a high level of generality. The

site is located at the Southern most edge of the Aspect Area which ends at the County

Boundary. The exercise assesses the value of the overall landscape of which the site

forms a part as "'moderate" and defines the aspect area as an upland area of rolling

farmland with a mosaic field pattern in muted colours with a medium texture and a

similar texture throughout. The exercise defines a need to avoid large unattractive

farm buildings, to conserve field boundaries and woodlands and the upland grazed

character of the Aspect area.

1.5.2 More specifically the site is located within a landscape which comprises 4

Landscape areas.

Landscape area one.

1.5.3 Landscape area I comprises the vista formed to the North West by the ridge of

the Preselis running North/south and the valley side below the ridge line. This is

generally a longer distance view and comprises the A478 which runs parallel to the

ridge and below it. The unclassified county road joining Glandwr to the A478 runs up

the side of the valley and has a number of detached dwellings randomly spaced along

the road. Above the A478 the edge of the National park is visible while on either side

of the road are further detached dwellings at random intervals. This aspect is

dominated by the Preseli Television mast. The area is composed of upland fields with

mixed hedgerows and occasional woodland. A footpath crosses the area parallel to

the ridge and close to the skyline (PP44/5).

1.5.4 In terms of the landscape Quality the value is assessed to be moderate overall

not withstanding the thin sliver of the national Park to the west of the A478. The

landscape value is assessed to be moderate to low given that as a type the landscape

is not uncommon within Pembroke shire and that save for the land comprising the

National Park which is very much in the minority the landscape comprised in this

area is not recognised either nationally or locally. In terms of the landscapes capacity

to accommodate change this is assessed as limited. This reflects the fact that

significant change would lead to substantial change to the character of the landscape

given its open aspect.

Landscape Quality: Moderate

Landscape value: Moderate to low

Landscape Capacity: Limited

Landscape Area 2.

1.5.5 Landscape area 2 is defined to the South East by the ridge of hills whose

principle feature is the wind farm to the south east of Blaendyflin. This landscape is

more sparsely populated than area 1 with only very occasional dwellings. Limited

Landmap data is available for this area which lies across the county boundary in

Carmarthenshire. This describes the landscape as part of a much larger aspect area

(Llanboidy 11352 ha). The area is described as being sparsely populated (2%

buildings) and as being of moderate value. More generally it is described as being

largely comprised of improved grassland. In terms of character the landscape is

similar to area I both in the elements it contains and in the distance from the site at

the ridge. The lower reaches of this landscape are cut off from the site by the lie of

the land and views of the site from the road which runs along the bottom of the valley

are generally non-existent save for the occasional field gate onto the lower reaches of

the site.

1.5.6 The landscape quality is assessed as moderate in line with the Landmap

conclusions while the landscape value is assessed to be moderate to low given its

prevalence throughout the area. The landscape capacity is limited.

Landscape Quality: Moderate

Landscape value: Moderate to low

Landscape Capacity: Limited

Landscape area 3.

1.5.7 Landscape area 3 encloses the site and is formed by the brow of the hillside on

which the development is located. To the north the near view bisects the longer view

at the western end of plot 7 with the ridge of the hillside coming round to intersect

with the long view to the south east. To the South East the near view occludes the

lower reaches of the opposite valley side so shielding the development from those

view points. To the West the site is entirely protected from views of Glandwr by the

side of the valley of the Afon Gafel which falls away down to Glandwr. The precise

interaction between these views alters within the site depending on the specific

location. Again the landscape quality is moderate while the value of the landscape is

assessed to be low given the prevalence of landscape of this type. The landscape

capacity is limited as a result of its close proximity to the site. Development of the

site could lead to significant change to the landscape area given the limited extent of

the area and its close proximity.

Landscape Quality: Moderate

Landscape value: Moderate to low

Landscape Capacity: Limited

1.6 Existing Views.

Refer to Appendix 1 for photographs

Refer to Appendix 2 for the visual impact schedule

Refer to Appendix 3 for Receptor and Viewpoint Location Plan

Refer to Appendix 4 for Landscape Character Plan

Refer to Appendix 5 for Visual Appraisal plan.

1.6.1 This section covers the existing views from the proposed development to the

surrounding landscape and the corresponding views into the site from adjacent and

outlying areas. This includes the visual envelope (the extent of main views to

ridgelines etc), views from public rights of way, views from other locations and night

time views.

1.6.2 Visual envelope: the site of the proposed development is contained between the

western slopes of the Afon Gafel valley rising to the ridgeline of the Preselis at the

boundary of the National Park, the south eastern slope of the valley across the county

border and the brow of the hill on which the proposed development will sit. (See

Appendix 3)

1.6.3 Views from Public rights of way: there are 2 views of the proposed

development from public footpaths being first the views from path number PP44/26

which passes through the site and second those from path number PP44/5 which runs

just below the ridge of the Preselis and just within the National Park. In the later case

the views are unlikely to prove significant due to the distance involved the nature of

the proposed development and the lie of the land which means that not all of the site

is visible from this receptor. There are also limited views of the site from the A478.

1.6.4 Views from Residential receptors: The majority of houses which overlook the

proposed development lie within landscape area 1 with only limited reception in area

2 of which the view from receptor 10 is indicative. There are no receptors within area

3 save for very limited views from the grounds of Pont-y-gafel farmhouse and

equally limited views from PP44126 after it leaves the site.

1.6.5 Night time views: The proposed site is presently a dark landscape at night

being given over to fields.

Principal Views/visual receptors.

1.6.6 Receptors 13 to 15

All receptors are 2 story detached dwellings on the sides of the unclassified county

road linking Glandwr to the A478. These properties have direct views of the

proposed development although the orientation of the properties on a south

west/north east access and their views of the site being on an easterly access mean

that the views are less obtrusive than they might otherwise have been. The extent of

views into the site will vary both with elevation (it being assumed that upstairs views

will be clearer) and with specific location with some views being filtered through

trees/hedges.

1.6.7 Receptor Bridleway PP44/5

The photograph from viewpoint 12 which lies on the Bridleway gives a fair

indication of the views from this receptor. The receptor offers a panoramic view of

the valley within which the proposed development will sit. The site itself to the extent

that it is visible within the valley forms only a small part of the overall view.

1.6.8 Receptors 1 to 6 Footpath PP44/26

Path 26 passes through the middle of the development and as such the proposed

development will have a significant effect on views from this receptor although this

may be mitigated by the limited use presently made of this route.

1.6.9 Receptors 11 and 12

These receptors are indicative of views from the main A478 road and the properties

to either side of the road most of which are 2 story detached properties with

occasional bungalows. These properties lie at a distance of approximately 2km from

the proposed development which is comprised within a panoramic landscape. In the

locality of the development site the most prominent feature within the landscape are

the 2 modem agricultural buildings which fit readily within the description of

"unattractive" ascribed to such structures in the Landmap exercise.

1 .7 Mitigation.

1.7.1 The purpose of mitigation is to primarily avoid any significant negative or

adverse effects on the landscape arising from the proposed development. Where this

is not possible reduction or remedy to offset the impact of the proposed development

may be required.

Overall measures.

1.7.2 By its very nature the development is likely to have only a limited impact on

landscape perception. The main buildings on the site will largely be constructed from

natural materials already on site and will be very much designed to form a part of the

landscape.

1.7.3 Vegetation. Wherever possible existing field boundaries will be retained and

additional wildlife corridors will be created using an indigenous mix of types to

preserve and enhance visual diversity. Additional woodland buffer planting around

the boundary of the site will also be used to reduce views into the site. Mitigation

planting will be carried out in the early stages of the development to ensure early

establishment and screening. This will result in the early maturation of the site into a

natural part of the overall landscape. It is intended that this process will be

substantially complete by year 5 of the development.

1.7.3 Lighting: Given the intention to create a low impact development running on

renewable sources of energy it is not intended to create any sources of light external

to the buildings. Within the dwellings light sources are likely to be low energy and

directed rather than high energy and general. The majority of the dwellings will be

south facing to take advantage of passive solar gain with limited openings to the

north. Since the majority of residential receptors are to the north and North West

there are unlikely to be significant levels of light visible from the site after dark.

Specific Mitigation measures by Plot.

So far as is consistent with the design requirements of each dwelling (e.g. passive

solar gain etc) all buildings have been sited within their plots so as to minimise their

visual impact. Additional measures as set out below will further reduce impact.

Plots 1 to 4.

Proposed structures: Terrace

The Terrace itself is covered in a turf roof which slopes to the North and South so

shielding views from those directions. The terrace will be surrounded by gardens and

plots, all of which contain new plant trees, orchards and hedgerows, so screening the

building from views from path PP44/26.

Plot l.

Proposed structures: Barn, Arbour, 2 polytunnels and Greenhouse.

To the North-east of plot 1 will be a short rotation coppice plantation. The North-

western edge of the plot will be planted with orchard/ coppice and nut trees, thus

providing a visual screen from that sector. The South-eastern boundary of the plot is

an existing hedgerow line with well-established mature trees. The South-western plot

boundary (bordering plot 2) will be planted with a new-plant hedge and blackberry

and raspberry cultivars.

Within the plot there will be an additional new-plant thorn hedgerow boundary

around the animal enclosure

The Polytunnels have been sited to maximise use of the Short Rotation Coppice

screen.

The Arbour and Barn will both have turf roofs. The Arbour walls will be woven hazel

and the Barn walls will be finished in a pigment of natural hue.

Plot 2.

Proposed Structures: Barn/workshop, Polytunnel

The plot boundary to the South-east is an existing earth bank/ hedgerow line which

will be managed to increase its thickness with a view to creating both a livestock

boundary and screen. The plot boundary to the North (with plot 1) will be a new-

plant native hedgerow line. The plot boundary to the West (with the new permissive

footpath) will be a new-plant native hedge.

There will also be an orchard within the plot.

The Barn/workshop will have a turf roof and walls of a natural finish.

Plot 3.

Proposed structures: Arbour, 3 polytunnels, Barn/workshop, Compost toilet.

The South-western plot boundary is an existing hedgerow line which will be

managed as a traditional laid hedge with standards. This combined with the new plot

boundaries (predominantly new-plant hedges) between plot 2 and the neighbouring

plots 3 and 4 will all help to screen the buildings.

The three polytunnels will be situated next to the hedgerow boundary with plot 4, in

effect screening them to a degree from the public footpath. The barn/ workshop will

be finished in natural pigments and have a turfed roof. The arbour will also have a

turfed roof.

The southern corner of the plot will be planted with an orchard.

Plot 4.

Proposed structures: 2 Polytunnels

The North-western boundary is an existing hedgerow line with many mature standard

trees. This will be maintained as such. The Northern section of the plot will be

planted as a forest garden. The South-western end of the plot will be planted with

hazel/elder coppice.

One of the Polytunnels will be sited in the middle of the forest garden, thus screening

it completely from any views. The other Polytunnel will be sited just east of the

existing mature hedgerow boundary. Additional screening from the nearby footpath

will be provided by alder and bamboo plantings.

Plot 5.

Proposed structures: House, Barn, 2 Polytunnels

The plot is overlooked from the North-west to the West-south-west from higher

ground. Additionally it is overlooked from footpath PP44/26 which runs to the South-

east of the plot along its boundary.

The plot is surrounded on all four sides by existing hedgerow lines. To the North and

East these contain many mature standard trees. The Southern hedgerow line contains

some mature trees.

House and barn roofs will be turf covered and once matured will appear as part of the

living landscape. Walls will be obscured with climbers and hedging will be planted to

further obscure the buildings and blend them into the landscape.

The polytunnels have been sited fairly central to the plot. To mitigate the visual

impact of the poly tunnels, they have been sited them to the west and east of the

barn/workshop, thus reducing the number of receptors.

Hedging along the southern boundary of the plot will be thickened to mitigate views

into the plot from the public footpath and where necessary the existing bank will be

repaired prior to planting.

Plot 6.

Proposed Structures: House, Barn, Polytunnel, Root cellar

The plot is bordered to the East and West by well-established existing hedges with

occasional standards.

Both the house and the barn will have living roofs and views of the house will be

obscured by climbing plants particularly the southern elevation of the building. There

is one area of slate roof on the house (the outbuildings) and this has been sited close

to a line of existing mature trees (to the east) to obscure any possible views from that

sector. On all other sides the building will be enclosed by new-plant coppice.

The Polytunnel and Barn have been sited to take advantage of the established

hedgerow to the west which screens it from views in that direction and to the north.

The root cellar is earth-sheltered.

Plot 7.

Proposed structures: Housex2, Workshop, Polytunnel, Barn

The earth sheltered design of the dwellings and their location to the east of the plot

ensure a very high degree of visual insulation from most receptors. The plot will be

additionally screened by the planting of short rotation coppiced willow around the

edges of the east field which will be harvested so as to ensure a continuous visual

barrier. The willow are expected to grow to a height of 3 metres by the end of the first

year after planting and are expected to offer a complete visual barrier by the end of

the following year. The workshop will have a lean to shed under a turf roof obscuring

the west wall so blending the structure into the landscape when seen from that

direction. Other walls will be painted in neutral/natural shades and climbing plants

established to offer additional cover.

Views of the polytunnel from the west are obscured by the ridge of the hill while

views to the south will be obscured by new plant trees.

The sheep barn located in the western field will have a turf roof and is located

adjacent to the existing woodland into which it will blend so mitigating impact from

the west and south west.

Plot 8.

Proposed structures: House, Workshop, Barn, Greenhouse x 2, windturbine

The house will have a living roof which will significantly reduce its visual impact as

will the use of natural muted colours in painting the exterior walls. All views of the

house to the west and east of the house will be screened by new plant trees and

hedgerow while to the south silver birch will be planted which will reduce impact

particularly during the summer months.

The windturbine is small (6m to hub) and sited behind the house.

Both the barn and workshop will have turf roofs and will be less overlooked as a

consequence of their lower position on the hillside.

A shelter-belt will be planted around the perimeter of the plot.

Plot 9.

Proposed structures: House, Workshop, Barn, Polytunnel, Animal housing

The plot benefits from an existing bank and hedgerow line to the West. The plot

boundary to the South and East will be planted as mixed woodland to include both

fast and slower growing species to provide both short and longer term cover for the

plot. To the North (boundary with plot 8), there is an existing hedgerow line

(currently in disrepair). This will be reinstated.

The House and Workshop will be located to the North-west of the plot to take

advantage of the existing tree line on the western boundary of the plot. The structure

will have a sedum roof so as to blend the structure into the landscape.

Any views of both the Barn and Animal housing will be partly mitigated with the use

of sedum roofs and natural finishes. The polytunnel has been positioned to minimise

any adverse visual impact.

The Hub Building.

The design of the hub building involves an extended earth bank which rises from the

southern side of path PP44/26. The bank becomes the roof of the building which is

open to the south. New plant woodland will be positioned to the north of the building

to filter views from that direction while a new plant hedge line to the south of the

building running parallel to the path will screen the camping area and views of the

hub building from approaches to the south.

The Welcome-Point Building

This small turfed roof structure will be positioned next to an existing mature

hedgerow line (to the east) and screened from the South by another mature hedgerow

line. To the North of the structure will be a short-rotation coppice area. To the East of

the structure will be a small woodland plantation and occasional trees.

1.8 Landscape Impact Assessment.

1.8.1 The proposed development would have a number of effects on the landscape,

landscape elements and features. The nature of these effects will be similar in each of

the landscape areas given their uniformity while the extent of the effects will vary

with distance and view point. Most of the effects will represent a change of degree

rather than type given that the primary nature of the development will be agricultural.

There will thus be a largely agricultural development within a largely agricultural

landscape. The additional dwellings will blend into the landscape, will not create any

significant levels of light pollution and once they have matured will very much form

a part of the landscape which will be indistinguishable from the existing landscape

when seen from the longer view points. This will also be true of the majority of the

associated agricultural buildings. The exceptions will be the polytunnels. It is

intended to reduce the visual intrusiveness of the polytunnels by using smaller units

defused within the site rather than larger units concentrated within a small area. This

has been addressed within the permaculture design for the site.

Overall it is felt that while the development will have some visual impact this is

unlikely to prove significant in the light both of the nature of the development and the

intended mitigation measures set out in this report.

Appendix 1:photographs of viewpoints from visual receptors

Appendix 2: The Visual Impact schedules

VISUAL IMPACT SCHEDULE DATE: 20/04/07 WEATHER: Fine SURVEYOR: M.Pickthall SHEET NO: 1

Receptor/ Viewpt No

Receptor Receptor type and description Approx. distance from site

Angle of

View

Components of View

1./

Viewpoint

Nos. 1/3

Public

Right

of Way

The receptor is a footpath which passes

through the site. This section of the

path starts at the entrance to the site at

a stile and runs through to the southern

end of the pond.

Entrance to

the site Direct Existing: Travelling north east the first section of the

path from the entrance to the site (1) to the southern end

of the pond is enclosed between stone lined banks with

hedgerow topping the bank allowing only intermittent

views of the site to the north west (2). The land to the

south east of the path does not form part of the site until

the path approaches the pond when views into plots 1 to

4 are effectively screened save for the gate into the plot

(3).

1/Viewpoint 4 Public Right

of Way This section of the path passes along

the side of the pond which continues

in a North Easterly direction with the

pond on its Northern side. The path is

slightly elevated here.

On site. Direct Existing: Due to the slightly elevated position of the

path there are views to the south over the bank into plots

¼ where these are not obscured through hedging

(picture 1). To the North East there are views across the

pond to plot 6 which are filtered through trees (picture

2). To the north are views of plots 8&9 filtered through

Hedging and mature trees (picture 3).

1/ Viewpoint 5 Public Right

of Way This section of the path continues

North East across the site bisecting an

open field.

On site Direct Existing: The path runs diagonally across the field to the

dog leg on the far side of the field leaving the site by a

stile. Looking back towards the pond there are well

obscured views through to plots 1 to 4 (picture 1) while

looking across plot 9 plot 6 is wholly obscured by the

mature hedge line which forms its boundary with plot 9

(picture 2). Looking to the North intermittent views of

plot 8 are received through the broken hedge line while

the eastern end of plot 7 is visible with the majority of

the plot being screened by mature coniferous trees

(picture 3).

VISUAL IMPACT SCHEDULE

DATE: 20/04/07 WEATHER: Fine SURVEYOR: M.Pickthall SHEET NO: 2 Receptor/Viewpt No

Receptor Receptor type and description Approx. distance from site

Angle of

View

Components of View

1./ Viewpoint

No. 6 Public

Right

of Way

This section of the path leaves the site by

a stile in the corner of the field and

progresses on in a North Easterly

direction following the hedge line of the

field through which it passes. The route

rises as it goes.

300metres Direct Looking back towards the site a mature hedge line

shields views into the site on the lower slopes but

affords a limited view of the Eastern end of plot 7

over the hedge.

2/Viewpoint 7 2

story

dwelling

The house is located to the north west of

the site on the side of the afon Gafel

valley. It is a substantial 2 story dwelling

with a garden . The viewpoint is from the

South west corner of the receptor looking

back up the side of the valley in a south

easterly direction towards the site.

300 metres Direct Existing: Looking up and across the side of the

valley the view takes in a field immediately to the

North of plot 5 with obscured views of plot 5

through the hedge line and through mature

broadleaf trees.

3/Viewpoint 8 Public

Right of

Way

Unclassified County road between

Glandwr and Llanfyrnach Running

along

southern

boundary

of the site.

Obliqu

e Viewpoint 8 shows the view through a field gate

onto one of the two bottom fields of the site. Apart

from this view which will remain unaltered (save

from the proposed new access) the whole of the

site is screened from the road by high banking

and well established hedgerows on the boundary

of the site.

4/viewpoint 9 Public right

of Way Unclassified county Road Glandwr to

Aberelwyn just above barely 700m Obliqu

e Existing : the route at this point is in

Carmarthenshire but has a view of the site looking

back across the valley through occasional field

gates. For the most part the route is obscured from

views of the site by the high banks on either side.

VISUAL IMPACT SCHEDULE

DATE: 20/04/07 WEATHER: Fine SURVEYOR: M.Pickthall SHEET NO: 3 Receptor/Viewpt No

Receptor Receptor type and description Approx. distance from site

Angle of

View

Components of View

5/viewpoint

No. 10 Dwelling The dwelling is a bungalow reached

down a track off the unclassified county

rd between Llanglydwen and Blaendyflin

2Km Direct From in front of the dwelling there is a panoramic

view across to the Preseli Hills and the edge of the

national park. In front and to the right of the view

is the hillside on which the site is located with the

lower reaches of the site occluded by the side of

the hillside on which the receptor is set. Within

the view plots 1 to 4 can be seen as can plots 6

and 8. Plot 7 can be seen in part on the eastern

edge of the site.

5 and

6/Viewpoint

11.

Public

Right of

Way and

dwelling.

The receptors here are the main A478

road running parallel to the ridge of the

hills to the North West of the site and to

the boundary of the National Park and the

2 story dwelling at this viewpoint.

2.25Km Direct Existing: Panoramic view looking South east

across to the wind farm above Blaendyflyn. The

view comprises a mosaic of fields interspersed

with areas of woodland. The wooded valley of the

afon Gafel runs across the fore view with behind it

and to the right an unobstructed view of part of

plot 5. The rest of the site is hidden from view

behind the tree cover rising from the valley floor.

8./ Viewpoint

12 Dwelling The receptor here is the 2 story house

known as Bryngwyn to the East of the

TV mast near the ridge and close to the

boundary of the National Park.

2.75 Km Direct Existing: Panoramic view looking west and

showing a mosaic of fields with tree to

foreground. Above the tree there is an open view

of plot 5 and to the left the pond with plot 6 in

front of it. The community hub area/ plot 9 is seen

obscured through trees on the left of the view.

VISUAL IMPACT SCHEDULE

DATE: 20/04/07 WEATHER: Fine SURVEYOR: M.Pickthall SHEET NO: 4 Receptor/Viewpt No

Receptor Receptor type and description Approx. distance from site

Angle of

View

Components of View

9./ Viewpoint

13 Dwelling The receptor is a 2 story house located on

the unclassified County rd leading from

the A478 down to Glandwr.

1 Km Direct Existing: Panoramic view looking east. In the

middle of the view the ridge running from the

south is bisected by the hillside above the site with

the western end of plot 7 visible . The pond can be

seen in the middle of the view but filtered through

trees. From the upper floor of the dwelling the

angle down to the site would be improved.

10/Viewpoint

14 Dwelling The receptor is a 2 story dwelling on the

far side of the unclassified rd leading

down to Glandwr from the A478. The

view is taken from in front of the house

on the top of the bank which screens the

road from the site.

0.85Km Direct Existing: As receptor 9

11./Viewpoint

15. Dwelling The receptor is a 2 story dwelling on the

far side of the unclassified rd leading

down to Glandwr from the A478. The

0.75Km Direct Existing: As receptor 9

view is taken from in front of the house

on the public right of way.

12./Viewpoint

16.

Public

Right of

way

The receptor is an unclassified road

which ends in a private dwelling. The

view selected is taken from a field gate by

the side of the road

0.6Km Direct Existing: Panoramic view looking east. In the

middle of the view the ridge running from the

south is bisected by the hillside above the site with

the western end of plot 7 visible. The pond can be

seen in the middle of the view but filtered through

trees as can plot 6. Plot 5 which slopes towards

the receptor is clearly visible on the right.

Appendix 3: Receptor and Viewpoint Location Plan

Appendix 4: Landscape Character Plan

Appendix 5: Visual Appraisal plan.