This Chapter presents the
findings of the landscape and visual assessment of the proposed route options.
This assessment is based
on a review of the Constraints Report and site survey undertaken in May and
November 2001 that identified Landscape Character Zones and assessed the impact
of the route options under consideration.
Visual and landscape
impact assessments involve an element of subjective judgement. Accordingly, regard to community perception
of the particular landscape features and visual amenity is taken into account
in the following chapter. Reference has been made to the Guidelines for
Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment prepared by the Institute of
Environmental Assessment and the Landscape Institute. In addition the recommendations included within the Design Manual
for roads and Bridges have been taken in to account.
A distinction has been
made between landscape and visual impacts.
The impacts of the scheme
upon the landscape can broadly be defined as physical changes in the fabric,
character and quality of the landscape as a result of the development. The existing landscape character has been
described in section 5.2 and assessed according to its aesthetic and cultural
characteristics. The quality of the
landscape character has been assessed on the following five point scale in
accordance with DMRB guidance: highest quality, very attractive, good
landscape, ordinary landscape and poor landscape.
Assessment of the impact
on the landscape was determined by assessing the magnitude of change, which the
scheme makes to the landscape and how sensitive the landscape is to
change. Sensitivity of the landscape
takes in to account the quality, character and importance, and how tolerant of
change the landscape is. The magnitude
of change deals with the size, extent and duration of the impact. Impacts can be beneficial or adverse. Information on the ecological, historical
and cultural components of the landscape contained within this report have been
taken into account when considering the character and quality of the landscape.
The magnitude of change is
defined as:
· Very High: Substantial changes in the landscape
characteristics over an extensive area.
· High: Notable change in landscape characteristics
over a large area ranging to very intensive change over a more limited area.
· Medium: Moderate change in landscape
characteristics over a local area
· Low: Virtually imperceptible change in any
components
The sensitivity of change
is defined as:
· Very High: Important landscapes of particularly
distinctive character and highest quality, which are susceptible to any
changes. Areas designated for their
Regional and National Landscape Value.
· High: Important components or landscapes of
distinctive character and County designated landscapes, which are susceptible
to relatively small changes.
· Medium: Landscapes of moderately valued
characteristics reasonably tolerant of changes.
· Low: Unimportant landscapes, the nature of which is
potentially tolerant of substantial change.
The visual impact relates
to changes in available views of the landscape and the effects of those changes
on people. Assessment of the visual
impact involves identifying individual visual receptors such as residents and
users of local roads and footpaths. The
effect on visual receptors is assessed without mitigation during the daytime. Lighting is not included in the proposals and
the night time impact has therefore not been considered. As with landscape impacts the visual impact
can be assessed according to the visibility or magnitude of the impact from a
given viewpoint as combined with the sensitivity of the receptors. The impact on certain receptors may be
beneficial or detrimental.
The visibility or
magnitude of the impact can be classified as follows:
· Very High: Majority of visual receptors affected
with a substantial change in the view.
· High: Major change in the existing view and affect
a large number of visual receptors.
· Medium: Noticeable or moderate change in the
existing view for a limited number of visual receptors.
· Low: Very slight change in existing view to very
few visual receptors
The sensitivity of the
visual receptor depends on the receptor type
· Very High: Densely populated residential areas.
Views from whole of scenic route affected
· High: For example residential areas and public
rights of way. Affects views from long sections of scenic route
· Medium: For example scattered residential
properties, offices, sporting and recreational facilities. Affects some views
from scenic routes
· Low: For example road users and industrial and
commercial premises
The overall impact
significance on both landscape and visual receptors is then categorised as
follows.
|
Magnitude |
Sensitivity |
|||
|
|
Low |
Medium |
High |
Very High |
|
Very High |
Moderate |
Major |
Severe |
Severe |
|
High |
Moderate impact |
Major impact |
Major impact |
Severe |
|
Medium |
Minor impact |
Moderate impact |
Major impact |
Major |
|
Low |
Minor impact |
Minor impact |
Moderate impact |
Moderate |
There are a number of
areas of landscape importance designated within the study area. These are described in Chapter 11 Planning
and include the Lee River Valley Area of Scenic Importance, and a large area
north of The Gearagh. There are also designated scenic routes throughout the
area, including part of the N22 and R618 and also designated views to be
maintained at Clondrohid.
The majority of the Study
Area comprises an undulating and well managed rural landscape containing
predominantly pastureland with small pockets of woodland and arable land. The Lee River corridor and associated water
features and River Bride corridor form low lying areas traversing the study
area from east to west. The remaining
Landscape Character Zones with varying levels of exposure and elevation provide
diversity within the Study Area. The
zones and the types of landscape they include are presented in Figure 4.1 and are summarised as follows
Representing the majority
of the study area, this zone consists of undulating agricultural land divided
into medium sized fields by mature hedgerows and stone walls. The agricultural land is generally well
managed and is a mixture of arable and pasture.
There is a scattering of
residential and farm properties within the area. Properties form ribbon development along the narrow rural roads,
which are generally lined with grass mounding and hedgerows, which restrict
views. Mature hedgerow trees are also a
consistent feature and provide visual containment to the immediate
locality. Distant views are visible
through breaks in the hedgerows and from elevated locations within the
vicinity. The landform is gently
undulating although the area rising north of the N22 between Crookstown and
Ovens is a distinct back-bone feature in the landscape that is clearly visible
from all views from the south, and particularly to road users of the existing
N22.
The landscape is not
designated but nevertheless could be classed as very attractive in terms of
landscape character. Sensitivity of the
landscape has been assessed as medium given that the landscape is moderately
valued and reasonably tolerant of change.
Consisting of gently
undulating higher ground rising away to the north and east from Macroom, this
zone has a well managed appearance. The
topography does allow some distant views from the more elevated locations. However a strong sense of enclosure is
created by the mature hedgerows, which form the field boundaries and blocks of
woodland. The woodland is predominantly
mixed broadleaf and provides some variety to the landscape patterns.
Although intense, the
agricultural activity appears to be restricted to grazing for cattle; fields
are generally medium in size and edged by managed hedgerows or stone
walls. Apart from a few properties,
which form ribbon development along the rural roads, this zone has few man made
structures.
Despite its managed
appearance the area has comfortable, pleasant and verdant characteristics,
which classes the landscape quality as very attractive. The sensitivity to change can be classed as
medium.
Located to the south of
Macroom, in a narrow band from west to east, this area covers the water bodies
south and east of Macroom and the areas surrounding the Toon and Lee
Rivers. The area includes The Gearagh,
designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC). The water bodies are large with no
intermediary boundaries thus permitting distant views across them. In addition to The Gearagh cSAC, the Innishcara
Reservoir is located within the Area of Scenic Importance that extends between
Carrigadrohid and Ovens. Scenic views
across the water bodies are enhanced by blocks of broadleaf woodland which
extend along the waters edge. The
landscape quality can therefore be described as very attractive and in some
locations of the highest quality.
Sensitivity to change therefore has been assessed as high, given that it
is a landscape of distinctive character which is susceptible to small changes.
The land predominantly to
the south of the existing N22 west of Macroom consists of unimproved pasture
and woodland. The topography is
generally more rugged than other character areas with landform varying between more
undulating ground and some steeper slopes.
Another feature of the zone is the large quantity of limestone rock
outcrops, some of which occur in steep grass slopes.
The vegetation of the zone
comprises mainly grass but the area also contains gorse and a few mature
trees. There are few hedgerows, field
boundaries generally being delineated with post and wire fencing. Field patterns are generally less prominent
with the landscape having a much less managed appearance than other areas. Agricultural activity appears to be confined
to sheep grazing.
There are extensive views
of the area from the existing N22. The
quality of the landscape is categorised as good and the sensitivity of change
medium, given the unspoilt nature of the landscape with few manmade structures.
This area covers the
settlements of Ballyvourney, Ballymakeery, Macroom and Coachford. Ballyvourney, Ballymakeery and Coachford are
all considerably smaller than Macroom.
Retail businesses and facilities are somewhat restricted by the limited
number of residential properties which form the bulk of these settlements.
Macroom is the largest
town in the area and serves as a regional centre. More extensive residential
areas are supported by significant commercial activity in the form of retail,
light industrial and other commercial businesses.
The existing N22 passes
through the centre of the town comprising a fairly wide main street with
numerous old buildings including a castle, which create an interesting and
historic quality.
The low-lying flatter
ground to the south of the N22 consists of fertile agricultural land with a
mixed use of pasture and arable crops.
The area is bounded by the N22 to the north and a local road to the
south. The River Bride and its tributaries
traverse the area. Agricultural usage
is intense and fields are generally medium in size and edged by managed
hedgerows. The topography coupled with
boundaries in the form of hedgerows restricts distant views and creates a sense
of enclosure. Crookstown at the western
boundary is the largest settlement within the area. Other development includes the small settlements of Ovens,
Killumney, Aherla and Farran as well as ribbon development of residential properties
along roads. At the far eastern section
of the character area there are some industrial land uses as well as quarrying
activities.
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: The landscape quality has been classified as
good with a medium sensitivity to change.
There would be some loss of existing woodland as a result of the
construction of the route. There would
be a moderate change to a moderately valued, undesignated landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: Proposals
may be visible to a few properties on the opposite side of the valley and from
the existing N22, resulting in a noticeable deterioration in existing views for
a limited number of visual receptors.
The sensitivity of the visual receptors falls in to the category of
medium to low. Moderate
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route
crosses the scenic route A25 and crosses an area designated in the Local Plan
as Scenic. The landscape quality has
been classed as very attractive and the impact will be high. Major
Visual Impact: Woodland
between the route and the properties in Ballyvourney should provide some degree
of screening of the route, such that any deterioration in existing views is
minimal. However the route is slightly
elevated making it visible from some minor roads within the vicinity. The sensitivity of the visual receptors is
assessed as medium to low and the impact magnitude medium, given that there
would be a noticeable or moderate change in the existing view for a limited
number of receptors. Moderate
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: There would be
a moderate change over a local area within a moderately valued, undesignated
landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: The route would
be visible from the Ballymakeery/Clondrohid road as it crosses and runs
parallel to it. Scattered properties in
the Dangansallagh valley would also have distant views, which would result in a
noticeable deterioration in existing views.
The sensitivity of the visual receptors can be classed as medium
resulting in a Moderate impact.
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The sensitivity
of the landscape has been assessed as medium and there would be a moderate
change in landscape characteristics over a local area. Moderate
Visual Impact: Residential
properties within the village of Clondrohid would view the route from within
close proximity resulting in a major change in the existing view. The route also crosses in front of a designated
view in Clondrohid and would be visible from many minor roads. This would be
expected to cause a significant deterioration in existing views. Major
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route
traverses predominantly the higher ground north of Macroom which has been
classed as very attractive, although undesignated and moderately valued. The magnitude of change has been assessed as
medium. Moderate
Visual Impact: The route
would be visible from minor roads within the vicinity and scattered residential
properties. The sensitivity of the
visual receptors is medium and the magnitude of change classed as medium, given
that there would be a noticeable change in the view. Moderate
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route
continues on higher ground north of Coachford before crossing the Lee Valley
area of Scenic Importance. The river
corridor has been classed as very attractive with some areas being of the
highest landscape quality. The
magnitude of change for this valued and designated landscape would be high as
there would be a notable change in landscape character as a result of the
proposals. Major
Visual Impact: Noticeable
change to the views from some scattered properties. Possibility of slight deterioration in existing view from
Coachford. As the route crosses the Lee
River valley it would be visible within a very attractive scenic area creating
a major change in the existing view, although visible to very few visual
receptors. Moderate
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: The landscape
towards the eastern end of the route has been assessed as moderately valued
although undesignated. The magnitude of
change would also be medium resulting in an impact, which is Moderate.
Visual Impact: Views from
residential and commercial properties in Ovens would experience only slight
changes in their views as the existing N22 already passes through the
area. The impact magnitude has been
assessed as low and the sensitivity of the visual receptors is medium resulting
in a Minor impact.
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: The landscape
sensitivity and quality has been assessed as medium given the unspoilt
character. The impact on this section of
the character area will however be minimised given that the existing N22 passes
close to the proposed route. Minor
Visual Impact: The route
may be visible to a few properties on the opposite side of the valley and
within the outskirts of Ballyvourney. There would also be views from the existing N22, resulting in a
noticeable deterioration in existing views. Moderate
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route
crosses the scenic route A25 and crosses an area designated in the Local Plan
as Scenic. This would result in a high
impact magnitude given that there would be a notable change in landscape
character. Major
Visual Impact: Woodland
between the route and the properties in Ballyvourney should provide some degree
of screening of the route, such that any deterioration in existing views is
minimal. However the route is slightly
elevated making it visible from some minor roads within the vicinity. The sensitivity of the visual receptors is
assessed as medium to low and the impact magnitude medium, given that there
would be a noticeable or moderate change in the existing view for a limited
number of receptors. Moderate
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: Although the landscape
character of the area has been valued as medium this section of the route
passes close to the settlement of Balleymakeery, which is more developed and
therefore more tolerant of change. In
addition the existing N22 passes through the area meaning that there would be a
moderate change to a moderately valued, undesignated landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: Some
properties in Ballymakeery would have views of the route at close quarters
resulting in a significant deterioration in their existing views. The sensitivity of the visual receptors is
also classed as high resulting in a Major
impact.
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route runs
along a similar alignment to the existing N22 resulting in minimal changes to
the existing landscape character. The
very end of this section would cross an area to the west of Macroom designated
in the Local Plan as a ‘Scenic Area’. Overall the impact on the landscape would
be moderate. Moderate
Visual Impact: There would
be a slight deterioration in views from scattered properties located along the
existing N22, given that their existing view includes the road. The route would however be visible from long
sections of the existing road (designated scenic route A26), resulting in a
noticeable deterioration in the existing view for highly sensitive visual
receptors. Major
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: A very short
stretch at the western end of this route section would pass through a ‘Scenic
Area’ designated in the Local Plan. Overall the impact on the landscape for
this section would be moderate. Moderate
Visual Impact: The route
would pass close to residential areas in Macroom. Although the majority of properties will not have direct views of
the proposals a number of houses would have a significant deterioration in
their existing views. The sensitivity
of the visual receptors is classed as high and the impact magnitude has also
been assessed as high. Major
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: There would be
a moderate change to a moderately valued, undesignated landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: There may
be a significant change to the views from residential and commercial areas to
the north of Macroom. Impact magnitude
has been assessed as high and the sensitivity of the visual receptors is also
classed as high resulting in a Major
impact.
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The landscape
character has been assessed as medium and the impact magnitude would also been
medium resulting in moderate impact. Moderate
Visual Impact: There may
be a significant change to the views from residential and commercial areas to
the south east of Macroom and views from the existing N22. Major
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: As the route
runs parallel with the existing alignment of the N22 the landscape is more
tolerant of change. However the route
runs through the sensitive and valued landscape of the Lee valley and crosses
the Carrigadrohid Reservoir. Therefore
the changes to the landscape character would be minimal but, bearing in mind
the high sensitivity of the landscape the overall impact has been assessed as
moderate. Moderate
Visual Impact: The route
would be visible from scattered properties located along the existing N22 and
other minor roads. Part of this route
follows a ridgeline increasing its visibility, however existing views from
these properties include the existing roads minimising the impact. The impact magnitude can therefore be
assessed as medium with a medium sensitivity. Moderate
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route runs
close to the existing N22 corridor, minimising changes to landscape
character. There would be a moderate
change to a moderately valued landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: The route
passes close to properties and commercial premises located along the existing
N22. The route is slightly elevated as
it passes to the south of these properties making it more dominant in the
view. This will result in a major change
in views from these properties, although, roads are already a feature of the
landscape in this area. The route is
also likely to be visible from the existing N22. Major
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: For much of the
route it runs within the existing N22 corridor minimising changes in landscape
character. There would be a moderate
change to a moderately valued, undesignated landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: There may
be a slight change in views from Farnanes, however, the views from this village
are already dominated by the existing N22, so that there is unlikely to be a
deterioration in views. Minor/Moderate.
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route
passes through the attractive River Bride Valley resulting in a notable change
in landscape character within an important and valued landscape. Major
Visual Impact: There would
be a noticeable change in views from scattered properties and local roads. Moderate
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: This section of
the route passes through an area of commercial premises and industrial estates
where the landscape quality can be assessed as low. The existence of the N22 within the zone means that changes in
the landscape character will be minimal. Minor
Visual Impact: There would
be a noticeable change in views from the commercial premises on the industrial
estate, and some scattered residential properties. Moderate
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: There may be
some loss of existing coniferous woodland and the route passes close to the
River Lee valley. There would be a
moderate change to a moderately valued, undesignated landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: There would
be significant changes in view to the scattered residential properties to the
south east of Macroom. Major
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route
passes crosses the Clondrohid Reservoir, passing through the attractive and
high value landscape area of the Lee Valley. Major
Visual Impact: There would
be a deterioration in views from a long section of the Scenic Route A38
(R618). In addition the introduction of
the road and the crossing of the River Lee may compromise the existing scenic
views from scattered residential properties. Major
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: There would be
a moderate change to a moderately valued, undesignated landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: The route
passes close to many scattered residential properties and there would be a
noticeable change to views from long sections of Scenic route A39. There would be a major change in the
existing views for a large number of visual receptors. The visual receptors are also classed as
high resulting in a Major impact.
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route
crosses the Carrigadrohid Reservoir, part of the Lee Valley, a high value
landscape. In addition the construction
of the route may necessitate the removal of existing woodland within the vicinity. The sensitivity of the landscape is high and
there will be a notable change in landscape characteristics. Major
Visual Impact: There would
be a noticeable change in view from scattered properties, local roads, and from
the village of Lissardagh. Moderate/Major
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: There would be
a moderate change to a moderately valued, undesignated landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: The
topography of this area limits the visibility of the route although there may
be glimpsed views from scattered residential properties the existing N22 and
local roads. Minor/Moderate
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route
passes through the attractive and high value landscape of the Bride Valley. Major
Visual Impact: The route
passes close to the villages of Crookstown, Cloughduv and Aherla, and would
result in a significant deterioration in views from these villages. In addition the route would be visible from
local roads within the area which have elevated views over the alignment. Major
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The western
section of the route passes through the attractive and high value landscape of
the Bride Valley passing close to the watercourse and small settlements. At the eastern end of the route the impact
is likely to be less detrimental as the area already has some commercial and
industrial land uses. Moderate/Major
Visual Impact: There are
residential properties located along local roads and within the village of
Killumney, which will have views of the route.
There will be a noticeable deterioration in their existing views. Moderate/Major
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: The very
eastern end of this section passes though an area designated in the Local Plan
as a ‘Scenic Area’, although overall the impact from this section would be
moderate. Moderate
Visual Impact: Views from
local roads and a few scattered properties may be noticeably affected. Moderate
Major Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route
crosses the Inishcarra Reservoir, and the Lee Valley Area of Scenic Importance,
an attractive and important local landscape. Major
Visual Impact: Views from
scattered residential properties and from short sections of the Scenic Route
A38 (R618) may be affected. Moderate
Moderate/Major Adverse
Impact
Landscape: There would be
a moderate change to a moderately valued, undesignated landscape. Moderate
Visual Impact: Views from
scattered residential properties, and from the village of Lissardagh would be
affected. Moderate/Major
Moderate Adverse Impact
Landscape: The route would
have a moderate change to the attractive and valuable landscape of the Bride
River Valley. Moderate
Visual Impact: Views from
scattered residential properties would be affected. Moderate
Landscape design proposals
will be developed in conjunction with the engineering design to ensure that the
proposals integrate successfully with the surrounding landscape character. Thorough site survey would be undertaken at
the onset of the project to establish a good understanding of the character,
quality, landform and vegetation types.
Input to the earthworks design from a Landscape Architect should be
considered to help ensure that slope profiles were sympathetic to the natural
landform of the area.
The design of the
landscape would take into account the function of the proposed landscape. For instance, where the visual assessment
has identified a deterioration in existing views for visual receptors, the
landscape function will be screening.
Other areas may be designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape,
for example by grading out embankments and returning them to agriculture.
Tree and shrub planting
would be designed to create visual interest, be indigenous to the location and
also provide visual continuity, screening and ecological links with surrounding
hedgerows and trees.
The impact to the
landscape west of Macroom would be very similar from each of the routes, Green,
Yellow and Green/Link/Yellow. All of the routes would pass through the Scenic
Area to the north of Ballyvourney, and would also slightly affect the scenic
area to the east of Macroom. However
the yellow route would have marginally less impact on the landscape as it runs
close to the existing alignment of the N22.
The landscape quality within the immediate vicinity of the existing road
corridor is more tolerant of change than the less developed areas, which the
green route traverses.
In terms of visual impact,
the Yellow route would be the least preferred, as it would affect views from
two residential areas, Ballyvourney and Macroom, whereas the Green and
Green/Link/Yellow routes would influence the views from one residential area
only (Clondrohid, and Macroom respectively).
In addition the route would be visible from properties located along the
N22 and motorists using the existing route.
Overall the preferred
route would be Green or Green/Link/Yellow and the least preferred would be
Yellow.
All of the routes pass
through the Lee Valley, a valuable landscape area. Only part of the Lee Valley
is designated in the Local Plan as an Area of Scenic Importance. Two of the
routes pass through this designated area, the Green route, and the
Green/Link/Red route. Both the Green
and Red routes run closest to the landscape character zone 3 which is the most
valued area in terms of landscape quality and character.
The yellow route crosses
the Lee valley in the vicinity of the existing N22 where the landscape is more
tolerant to change with some commercial and industrial land uses located along
the corridor. In addition further east
the route runs parallel to the N22 minimising the landscape impact.
The Blue route, in
addition to passing through the Lee Valley also passes through the Bride
Valley, which although not designated, is also a valuable landscape area. The
routes, in terms of landscape are listed below, in order of preference:
· Yellow
· Yellow/Link6/Blue
· Yellow/Link 4/Blue – passes through Lee Valley and
some of Bride Valley
· Red – Passes through Lee Valley and affects views
from long sections of designated scenic routes
· Blue – passes through Lee Valley and much of Bride
Valley
· Green and Green/Link/Red – Passes through the Lee
Valley Area of Scenic Importance
The routes that would take
the proposed new road closest to residential areas would have the greatest
visual impact. The Blue and the Yellow/Link4/Blue routes, in addition to
passing close to residential areas of Macroom, also passes close to the
villages of Crookstown, Cloughduv, Aherla and Killumney having the greatest
visual impact and would hence be the least preferred route.
The Green route would have
the least visual impact, as it does not pass close to residential areas, but is
visible mainly from scattered residential properties and local roads. The Green
route would therefore be the preferred route in terms of visual impact. The
routes, in terms of visual impact are listed below, in order of preference:
· Green – would affect views from short sections of
scenic routes.
· Green/Link/Red – would affect views from long sections
of scenic routes
· Yellow – Passes close to Macroom
· Yellow/Link6/Blue – Passes close to Macroom,
Farnanes and Killumney
· Red – Passes close to Macroom and would affect
views from long sections of scenic routes
· Blue and Yellow/Link4/Blue – passes close to
Macroom, Lissardagh, Aherla, Cloughduv and Killumney
Overall, east of Macroom,
the preferred route would be Yellow, and the least preferred route would be
Blue, as it would affect the views of many residential areas, and pass through
the Lee and Bride Valleys. The routes in overall order of preference are listed
below:
Yellow
Yellow/Link6/Blue
Green
Red and Green/Link/Red
Yellow/Link4/Blue
Blue