Landscape Character Type - Coalfi eld Farmlands€¦ · Doncaster Landscape Character & Capacity Study Part 4 - Page 9 of 199 Landscape Value and Quality This simple, intact historic

Part 4 - Page 6 of 199Doncaster Landscape Character & Capacity Study

Landscape Character Type - Coalfi eld FarmlandsThe Coalfi eld Farmlands landscape character type is located on the western edge of Doncaster Borough adjacent to the Borough of Barnsley. The landscape type is underlain by coal measures giving rise to relatively poor soils traditionally farmed as pasture but which has been subject to intensifi cation to arable crops. The landform is complex, undulating and in places cut by streams. The land rises to the east as a wooded steep escarpment to the limestone plateau. The small to medium scale irregular patchwork of mixed farming is dominated by arable crops and contains occasional horse pastures. The fi eld pattern is well defi ned by thick mixed species hedgerows with many mature trees especially ash and sycamore creating a series of human scale pastoral scenes. Settlements include historic nucleated stone-built villages along with scattered farmsteads. Tree cover is variable with most trees found in the north as scattered small to medium woodland. There are historic estates with associated parkland particularly towards the north. There are many public rights of way and farm tracks and a network of minor public roads except in the south which has an absence of public roads except on its edges. There is some minor disturbance from occasional major transport corridors and views to urban areas outside the character type.

The Coalfi eld Farmlands are physically divided into three discreet LCAs by the Don and Dearne River Valley Floors:

A1 – Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands

A2 – Mexborough Coalfi eld Farmlands

A3 – Barnborough to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlands

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Key Characteristics

Underlain by coal measures.

Complex undulating topography cut by many small streams.

Landform rises up as an escarpment to the limestone plateau immediately to the east.

Arable farmland with some pasture including horse grazing in an irregular patchwork of medium scale fi elds.

Thick mixed hedgerows with mature trees on fi eld boundaries.

No settlements but the large settlement of Conisborough is immediately to the north.

Scattered red brick farmsteads.

Trees along streams and dismantled railway and occasional small blocks of woodland.

No public road access with only farm tracks and public rights of way.

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Landscape DescriptionThis area is defi ned by its slightly elevated landform and the underlying coal measures which cover the far western edge of the Borough. The complex undulating topography is dissected by several small tree-lined brooks. The landform is particularly prominent to the east where it rises up as a steep escarpment to the adjacent limestone plateau. This rural area which is a historic estate, Conisborough Parks, is predominately arable farmland with some pasture including horse grazing. The medium scale fi elds divided by thick hedgerows with mature trees form an irregular patchwork. There are no settlements within this area, but there are scattered farmsteads and the edge of the large settlement of Conisborough is immediately to the north. There are no public roads in the area with access being via the frequent public rights of way and tracks leading to farmsteads. Tree cover is mostly alongside the watercourses, but there are also other occasional small areas of mixed deciduous woodland and an area of willow biomass planting. A dismantled railway with a footpath along much of its length and lined with trees runs through the LCA. The area has a strongly distinctive rural character which is disturbed on its edges by some modern intrusive elements such as mobile phone masts and the M18 motorway. The undulating topography creates both open and enclosed views and there are views to the wooded upper slopes on the limestone escarpment to the east. Cooling towers are also visible in the distance towards the north east.

Recent Landscape ImpactsThe M18 motorway on the south eastern boundary intrudes on the tranquillity of this area.

Recent years have seen the introduction of mobile phone masts.

Some loss of character due to farm clutter in fi elds and fences replacing hedgerows.

Biomass planting has been introduced as a new crop on farmland.

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Landscape Value and QualityThis simple, intact historic landscape is designated as an Area of Special Landscape Value. It is a strongly rural and in places tranquil landscape due in part to the lack of roads. There are some long views to urban areas, but overall the landscape value and quality are considered to be high.

The landscape strategy for A1 - Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands is to Conserve.

ViewersSensitive viewers in this landscape include residents on the elevated urban edges of Conisborough immediately to the north, residents in the villages on the edge of the limestone plateau to the east, residents of the scattered farmsteads and users of the network of public rights of way users. Less sensitive viewers include those using the roads just outside the LCA.


Broad Landscape Capacity for Housing DevelopmentThis type of development would not fi t with the rural, undeveloped character of this high quality and high value landscape. It would not fi t with the scale of the farmsteads and would increase the diversity of the landscape. There are no existing public roads within the LCA and the creation of any new access roads or upgrading of farm tracks associated with such a development would detract from the existing landscape character. Visual impacts are could be high as there are many sensitive viewers, but this is dependent on its location with respect to existing hedges, trees and landform which may provide some screening.

The potential for mitigation is moderate and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Development to be on a much smaller scale which is similar to existing farmsteads.

Locate so that existing landscape elements such as hollows, woodland or thick hedges provide screening.

Minimise the construction of new access roads and upgrading of farm tracks.

Replace lost hedges and plant additional trees in keeping with the scale and pattern of existing trees and woodland blocks.

Outline of the development to follow the landform.

Use characteristic local materials such as red brick.

Avoid extending settlements along the skyline.

Retain or divert public rights of way.

The landscape capacity for housing development in A1 - Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Detailed Housing Survey for Conisborough Western and Southern EdgesConisborough is a historic hilltop settlement that expanded rapidly as a mining town. The southern edge of the settlement is neatly contained by the A630 road, although it looks harsh as it has no screening along much of its length. However, further east on the same road the edge is softened by mature trees and hedges. The landscape adjacent to this edge is typical of the LCA with undulating topography, farmland with medium sized fi elds and hedges with hedgerow trees on fi eld boundaries. This housing edge consists mainly of red brick semi-detached houses with grey or red roof tiles. The western edge of Conisborough consists of an employment site with large offi ces that is largely screened by the undulating topography and small wooded areas.

Housing development to the south of Conisborough would be in keeping with the scale of the settlement but would be too large for the scale of the fi elds. It could detract from the hilltop character of the settlement if it extended onto lower ground. It would encroach into a currently undeveloped and rural area of landscape. Visual impacts are dependant on the exact location of the development but are likely to be moderate to high with many sensitive viewers on the public rights of way in the countryside to the south and some longer distance views from the higher ground to the east. It would not be appropriate to locate housing development beyond the employment site to the west of Conisborough as the existing edge is well contained and there is limited space

The potential for mitigation is considered moderate and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Smaller scale development to fi t with the scale of adjacent fi elds.

Outline of development area to be sympathetic to existing landform and where possible located where hidden by localised undulations in landform and existing mature trees and hedges.

Integrate into surrounding landscape by planting trees and hedges characteristic of the area as currently found on the south eastern edge of the settlement.

Don’t extend the settlement further along the skyline.

Retain are the hilltop nature of the settlement by limiting the spread onto lower ground.

Create a clear cut edge to the adjacent landscape as is found on the existing edge.


The landscape capacity for housing development on the western and southern edges of Conisborough in this LCA is judged to be low to none.

The northern and south eastern edges of Conisborough are adjacent to LCAs A2 and C1 and are assessed separately within those LCAs.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Strategic EmploymentStrategic employment development would not be in keeping with the character of this rural and undeveloped landscape. A small scale industrial site currently exists on the edge of Conisborough but it is well screened. It would not fi t with the scale of the farmsteads and would increase the diversity of the landscape. There are no existing public roads within the LCA and the creation of any new access roads or upgrading of farm tracks associated with such a development would detract from the existing landscape character and reduce the sense of tranquillity. Strategic employment development is likely to have a high visual impact with large changes in the nature of views for many sensitive viewers. Screening by large scale tree planting could change the character of the area as the existing tree cover is limited and mostly follows existing landscape features such as watercourses and fi eld boundaries.

The potential for mitigation is considered low and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Development to be on a much smaller scale.


Locate where the development would be partially screened by landform and existing vegetation.


Allow the existing hedges grow and small scale additional tree planting that is characteristic of the area.

Use green roofs to integrate the development into the landscape and help to create a sustainable image for Doncaster Borough.


The landscape capacity for strategic employment in A1 - Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Mineral WorkingsThis type of development would not fi t with the rural, undeveloped character of this high quality and high value landscape. It would increase the diversity of the landscape and reduce the sense of tranquillity. There are no existing public roads within the LCA and the creation of any new access roads or upgrading of farm tracks associated with such a development would detract from the existing landscape character. Additional tree planting for screening purposes could alter the character of the area as existing tree cover is limited and mostly follows existing landscape features such as watercourses and fi eld boundaries. Depending on its location the development could be highly visible to a number of sensitive viewers.







Restore to farmland or an ecological habitat that links into the surrounding landscape elements.

The landscape capacity for mineral workings in A1 - Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for LandraisingThis type of development would not fi t with the rural, undeveloped character of this high quality and high value landscape. It would increase the diversity of the landscape and reduce the sense of tranquillity. There are no existing public roads within the LCA and the creation of any new access roads or upgrading of farm tracks associated with such a development would detract from the existing landscape character. Additional tree planting for screening purposes could alter the character of the area as existing tree cover is limited and mostly follows existing landscape features such as watercourses and fi eld boundaries. Depending on its location the development could be highly visible to a number of sensitive viewers.




Profi le of development landform to fi t with complex undulating topography of surrounding landscape.




Restore to an appropriate ecological habitat that links into the surrounding landscape elements.

In view of the above the landscape capacity for Landraising in A1 - Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for WindpowerThis type of development could disrupt a landscape of high value and quality landscape which has relatively few modern man-made intrusions. The scale of such a development would be too large for this relatively small LCA and the medium scale fi elds. It could also be too close to several settlements. The simple form of wind turbines may fi t with the simplicity of the landscape, but the movement of the blades may induce a further loss of tranquillity. Visual impacts would be high both across the LCA and outside of the LCA due to the size of the turbines.

There is low potential for mitigation and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Construct a smaller scale wind farm with fewer smaller turbines to fi t with the scale of the landscape.

Reduce visual impacts of the lower parts of the turbines by locating so that landform and existing trees provide some screening.

Locate where there is already signifi cant manmade intrusion or disturbed areas such as next to the motorway.

Locate away from settlements.

Avoid constructing roads or upgrading existing farm tracks for installation and management access.

The landscape capacity for Windpower in A1 - Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Compost Facilities on FarmsThe landscape capacity for compost facilities is largely driven by location relative to major roads and the character of the individual farm rather than by landscape character area. There are farms scattered across the LCA, but only a few on the edges of the area have access to wider busy roads outside the LCA via short farm tracks. In such cases landscape and visual impacts would be minimal, with negligible changes causing little or no impacts on landscape character, aesthetics or changes in views. However if changes to many or long sections of farm tracks were necessary, then there may be impacts on landscape character including impacts on the scale, pattern and sense of movement in the landscape. Landscape capacity is likely to be higher where the landscape is already disturbed, diverse, larger scale and modern in character; where the agricultural barns and associated farm buildings are medium to large scale and modern not historic in character; and where the farm yard and access roads are well screened.

In addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document, mitigation could be achieved by the following:

Screen any roads with obviously increased levels of traffi c

Screen yards to visual movement and some noise

Use existing roads for access to reduce loss of character area

Replace any hedges trees and ditches removed for road widening

Locate facilities on modern large scale farms.

The landscape capacity for compost facilities in A1 - Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be dependant on the factors described above. Each proposed facility should be judged individually against these criteria.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for BiomassA small area of willow biomass planting is already present within a small valley in the LCA but an increase in willow biomass planting may be detrimental to landscape character as it would not fi t with the scale of the existing landscape and would increase the diversity. It would be ecologically in keeping with the small valleys, but not the drier more elevated areas. It would not aff ect long distance viewers, but it may aff ect other closer users by increasing enclosure on public rights of way. It could also reduce the pattern of fi elds by hiding hedges. Introduction of incinerators and chimneys would not be appropriate in this rural landscape.


Using existing taller hedges and trees to screen

Avoid enclosing existing open views.

Planting in the valleys where it is more ecologically in keeping and less visible and less disruptive to the existing landscape pattern.

Avoid losing the existing pattern of crop and land use by not planting in adjacent fi elds or in a greater proportion than other crops or pasture.

Plant away from public rights of way and lanes to reduce the eff ects of enclosure where views presently exist.

Plant on a scale which fi t the existing fi eld pattern, that is not in adjacent fi elds

The landscape capacity for Biomass planting in A1 - Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Large Scale ForestryTree cover in this LCA is deciduous and consists mostly of hedgerow trees, strips along streams and the dismantled railway with only occasional very small blocks of woodland. Large scale forestry would not be in keeping with the character or scale of the existing tree cover. It would signifi cantly increase enclosure, resulting in loss of views particularly along the public rights of way

The potential for mitigation is low and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Mixed species planting especially around the edges to blend with existing trees and hedges.

Locate away from existing public rights of way.

Plant on a scale and pattern to fi t with the existing tree cover.

The landscape capacity for large scale forestry in A1 - Conisborough and Denaby Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Key Characteristics


Undulating landform raised between the confl uence of the Rivers Don and Dearne

Arable farmland with some pasture including horse grazing in an irregular patchwork of medium to large fi elds.

Missing and fragmented mature hedgerows on fi eld boundaries.

Some views to wooded slopes on limestone scarp to the east.

Small stone-built hamlet with adjacent farmstead.

Adjacent to mining settlement of Mexborough and areas of recent suburban expansion

Long views to urban and industrial areas and spoil heaps in various stages of restoration on the surrounding lower ground of the Dearne Valley outside the LCA.

Limited tree cover is found on fi eld boundaries and around the hamlet.

Minor roads linking settlements.

Several public rights of way including along former lanes.

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Landscape DescriptionThis is a very small area to the north of the hilltop settlement of Mexborough, raised between the confl uence of the Rivers Dearne and Don. It is defi ned by its slightly elevated landform and the underlying coal measures which cover the far western edge of the Borough. The undulating topography slopes away to the north, east and west giving open views to urban and industrial areas and spoil heaps in various stages of restoration on the surrounding lower ground of the Dearne Valley outside the LCA. These views infl uence the character and feel of this small area which remains slightly distanced due to its elevation above them. It is a remaining rural pocket with an irregular pattern of mostly arable medium to large fi elds, with fragmented hedgerows and trees on fi eld boundaries. Some areas are used for horse pasture with timber post and rail fencing. There are localised degraded areas due to burnt out car remains and litter. There is a stone built nucleated settlement with an adjacent farm within the LCA and the larger mining settlement of Mexborough is located immediately to the south. Minor roads cut through the area linking settlements and there are several public rights of way including routes along former lanes. There is limited tree cover in the LCA with trees found on some fi eld boundaries and adjacent to the settlements.

Recent Landscape ImpactsThe presence of burnt out cars and litter in some places has resulted in localised degradation.

Fragmentation and loss of hedges due to changing farming practices.

Ongoing development of the adjacent Dearne valley is changing the views from this elevated area.

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Landscape Value and QualityThis area of landscape is small but relatively intact and moderately distinctive with some localised tipping and is considered to have a moderate landscape quality. There are few designated sites and its tranquillity and remoteness are strongly infl uenced by the urban and industrial areas in the Dearne Valley to the west outside the LCA. In view of this the landscape value for this area is considered to be moderate.

The landscape strategy for A2 - Mexborough Coalfi eld Farmlands is to Conserve and Strengthen.

ViewersThere are many sensitive residents on the elevated urban edges of Mexborough overlooking the LCA, the residents of Adwick upon Dearne and the public rights of way users. Further away outside the LCA are many viewers in the urban areas of the Dearne Valley and also on the other side of the valley at Barnburgh. Other less sensitive viewers are those travelling through or past the area on the roads.



Locate adjacent to the urban edge of Mexborough.

Avoid merging Mexborough with Adwick upon Dearne.

Development to be confi ned to the hilltop in keeping with existing settlement character.

Smaller scale development to ensure that some undeveloped areas remain within this LCA.

Development outline to fi t with existing landform.

Soften the development edge by using tree and hedge planting as found on the existing northern edges of Mexborough.


The landscape capacity for housing developments on the northern and eastern edges of Mexborough is judged to be moderate.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Housing Development & Detailed Survey for Northern and Eastern Edges of MexboroughDue to the small size of this LCA which abuts the northern edge of the settlement of Mexborough, the broad survey for landscape capacity for housing and the detailed survey of Mexborough housing edge were combined.

The larger mining settlement of Mexborough is located on the hilltop immediately to the south of the LCA. Mexborough was a traditional agricultural settlement which expanded in the 19th century rapidly as a mining village. Its urban edge is neatly contained and softened by mature planting of suburban garden trees and hedges. There are views over the Dearne valley and the unspoilt agricultural landscape runs right up to the housing edges. Residences on the edge are semi-detached houses and bungalows with a mixture of rendered and red brick walls with red or grey roofs. There are also a school, allotments and sewage works. Within the LCA there is the stone-built nucleated settlement of Adwick upon Dearne with an adjacent farmstead.

Housing development would not fi t with the scale or character of the hamlet of Adwick-upon Dearne. However, it would fi t with the scale and building character of the larger settlement of Mexborough. Development would encroach onto an intact area of farmland. Such a development is likely to be highly visible due to its location on the side of a valley, but visual impacts are likely to be lower if it were located on the edge of Mexborough and viewed against the existing urban edge.


Broad Landscape Capacity for Mineral WorkingsThis type of development is not currently found within the LCA although it is evident in the adjacent Dearne valley in the form of spoil heaps which are in various states of restoration. This is a small areas and such a development could erase or fragment the pattern of the landscape. It would result in a further loss of tranquillity and alter the characteristic undulating landform. It would be visible to many sensitive viewers on the edges of Mexborough, the Dearne Valley and the opposite side of the valley to the north. Screening by additional tree planting could also change the character of the area as there is little existing tree cover in the landscape.

The potential for mitigation is considered low and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of in this document it could be achieved by the following:


Replace missing and fragmented hedges and plant more trees on fi eld boundaries to help reduce visual impacts.


Restore to farmland or a suitable ecological habitat.

The landscape capacity for mineral workings in A2 - Mexborough Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Strategic EmploymentStrategic employment development would not be in keeping with the character in this LCA which is relatively undeveloped and rural, although such character is visible in the Dearne Valley in the adjacent Borough of Barnsley. The LCA is small and such a development would erase or disrupt the pattern of this landscape. Visual impacts would be high as the landscape is open and it would be visible from the edges of Mexborough, the Dearne Valley and the opposite side of the valley to the north. Screening by additional tree planting could also change the character of the area as there is little existing tree cover in the landscape.


Build on a much smaller scale.

Locate adjacent to existing large settlements to limit fragmentation of the landscape.

Locate near existing major roads to avoid creating new roads or upgrading minor roads.


Careful selection of colour to integrate into the background for long distance viewers such as greens and browns colours against fi eld or whites and greys when set against skylines.



The landscape capacity for strategic employment in A2 - Mexborough Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Compost FacilitiesThe landscape capacity for compost facilities is largely driven by location relative to major roads and the character of the individual farm rather than by landscape character area. There is only one farm in this LCA, which is accessed through Adwick-upon-Dearne a small village with minor roads. If this access was upgraded and traffi c increased it would aff ect the character of the village and reduce the tranquillity. Creating an alternative access road would alter the landscape setting for the hamletmpacts on landscape character including impacts on the scale, pattern and sense of movement in the landscape. The potential for mitigation is considered to be none.

In view of the above landscape capacity for compost facilities in A2 - Mexborough Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

Broad Landscape Capacity for LandraisingThis type of development or landform is not currently found within the LCA although a similar landform is evident in the adjacent Dearne valley in the form of a spoil heap to the east. This is a small areas and such a development could erase or fragment the pattern of the landscape. It would result in a further loss of tranquillity and alter the characteristic undulating landform. It would be visible to many sensitive viewers on the edges of Mexborough, the Dearne Valley and the opposite side of the valley to the north. Screening by additional tree planting could also change the character of the area as there is little existing tree cover in the landscape.






Restore to a suitable ecological habitat that links into the surrounding landscape elements.

The landscape capacity for landraising in A2 - Mexborough Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for WindpowerThe scale of such a development would be too large for this relatively small LCA and the medium scale fi elds. It could also be too close to several settlements. This would reduce the imposing eff ects but not the reduction and fragmentation of a very small LCA which is already experiencing many diverse urban infl uences. The simple form of wind turbines may fi t with the simplicity of the landscape, but the movement of the blades may induce a further loss of tranquillity. Visual impacts would be high both across the LCA and outside of the LCA due to the size of the turbines.


Construct a smaller scale wind farm.

Locate so that existing hedgerows provide some screening for the lower parts of the turbines.

Replace missing and fragmented hedges to provide some additional screening for the lower parts of the turbines.


Layout of turbines to fi t with landform.

Avoid constructing new roads or upgrading existing farm tracks for installation and management access.

In view of the above landscape capacity for windpower in A2 - Mexborough Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for BiomassWillow biomass is not currently grown in this area and the landscape is currently very open. It would not fi t with the scale of the existing landscape and would increase its diversity. Its use would not visually aff ect long distance viewers in the Dearne valley or on the opposite valley sides, but it may aff ect other local users by increasing enclosure and restricting views on public rights of way and reducing the pattern of fi elds by hiding hedges. The introduction of incinerators and chimneys would not be appropriate as it would introduce more urban elements into this rural pocket.


Using existing taller hedges and trees to screen and prevent enclosing existing open views.

Planting at the bottom of the slopes towards the valley fl oors where it is more ecologically in keeping and less obtrusive.


Plant away from public rights of way and lanes to reduce the eff ects of enclosure where views presently exist.

The landscape capacity for willow biomass planting in A2 - Mexborough Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Large Scale ForestryThere is limited tree cover in the LCA with deciduous trees found on some fi eld boundaries and adjacent to the settlements. Large scale forestry would not be in keeping with the character or scale of the existing tree cover. Visual impacts would be high as the landscape is currently open and located on the side of a valley. It would signifi cantly increase enclosure, resulting in loss of views particularly along the public rights of way.

There is limited potential for mitigation and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Mixed species planting especially around the edges to blend with existing trees and hedges.


Plant on a scale and pattern to fi t with the existing tree cover.

The landscape capacity for large scale forestry in A2 - Mexborough Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Key Characteristics


Complex undulating topography cut by many small streams arising from springs.

Landform rises up as an escarpment to the limestone plateau immediately to the east.

Irregular patchwork of arable fi elds and pasture.

Small to medium fi elds bounded by mature hedgerows and trees.

Compact historic stone built settlements.

Scattered farmsteads.

Historic estates with associated halls, woodland, ponds and pasture.

Small and medium mixed woodland including ancient woodland scattered across the area.

Some woodland on limestone escarpment in the east.

Many public rights of way and farm tracks.

Network of minor roads.

Occasional major transport corridors including railway and main roads.

Some views to urban areas to the east and west outside the LCA.

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Landscape DescriptionThis area is defi ned by its elevated landform and the underlying coal measures which cover the far western edge of the Borough. The complex undulating topography is dissected by many small streams some of which are fed by springs. In the east the landform rises up steeply to the adjacent limestone plateau. This is a rural and historic area with arable farming and pasture in an irregular patchwork of small to medium fi elds bounded by mature hedgerows and trees. Compact historic stone-built villages on high ground, including Clayton, Hickleton and Barnburgh, and farmsteads are scattered across the landscape. There are several historic estates including Hicketon Park, Frickley Park and Barnburgh Park with associated halls, woodland, ponds and pasture. Access to the area is via a network of minor roads, public rights of way and tracks leading to occasional farmsteads. Major transport corridors cross the area including two tree lined railway lines and two short sections of major roads. A dismantled railway with a line of trees running along part of it runs through the northern part of the LCA. Small and medium mixed woodland is scattered across the area and some such as Barnburgh Cliff Wood are associated with the escarpment on the edge of the limestone plateau. There are also some ancient woodlands such as Howell Wood. The undulating topography and woodland creates both open and enclosed views. The area has a strongly distinctive rural character which is disturbed only slightly by views to urban areas to the east and west outside the LCA.

Recent Landscape Impacts

Loss of hedges including replacement with fencing.

Development in the urban areas outside the LCA has aff ected long distance views.

Fly tipping in fi eld entrances restricts access and creates a degraded appearance.

Farmstead shelter belts using ornamental conifers which are not charcteristic of most tree cover in the landscape.

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Landscape Value and QualityThis is a high landscape quality, intact and historic rural landscape with limited intrusions. In the more rural areas there is a sense of tranquillity and remoteness. The high landscape value is refl ected in its numerous designations including an Area of Special Landscape Value covering most of the LCA, Conservation Areas within most of the settlements, several sizeable nature sites including ancient woodlands, and several registered park of special historic interest.

The landscape strategy for A3 – Barnburgh to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlands is to Conserve.

ViewersThe residents of the compact villages and farmsteads and the public rights of way users are very sensitive viewers. Residents on distant urban edges outside of the LCA and travellers on the roads are less sensitive viewers..


Broad Landscape Capacity for Housing DevelopmentHousing development would not be in keeping with the historic character and scale of the existing rural settlements and farmsteads. It would disrupt the existing landscape pattern and reduce the level of tranquility. The settlements are located on higher ground, so such a development would be highly visible to many sensitive viewers.

There is limited potential for mitigation and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Reduce scale of development to fi t with existing rural settlements.

Locate so that existing woodland or hedges will screen the development and reduce visual impacts for sensitive viewers.

Retain the hilltop character of the settlements.

Use characteristic local materials such as limestone and red pantile roofs.

Avoid historic features and areas and designated nature sites.

Any additional screen planting should fi t with the pattern and species of the existing tree cover and woodland in the landscape.

The landscape capacity for housing developments on the edges of existing settlements in A3 – Barnburgh to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Strategic EmploymentLarge scale industrial development is not in keeping with the rural and historic character, the scale of the settlements or the pattern of the landscape in this LCA. Associated access roads would not be in keeping with the existing character of the minor road network. Any such development is likely to be highly visible to a large number of sensitive viewers.


Smaller development to fi t with the scale, style and character of the existing buildings.

Avoid fragmenting the rural landscape by locating on the edges of existing settlements.

Avoid historic features and areas and designated nature sites.

Screen from sensitive viewers where possible using existing landform, hedges and woodland.

Use traditional building materials that are characteristic of the area such as limestone.

Careful selection of colour to integrate into the background for long distance viewers such as natural colours for fi eld and woodlands or whites and greys when set against skylines.



Avoid creating new roads or changing minor roads by using existing main roads for access.

The landscape capacity for strategic employment in A3 – Barnburgh to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Mineral WorkingsThis type of development is not evident in this LCA and would increase the diversity and disrupt the pattern of this high landscape quality and value landscape. It would result in a loss of tranquillity due to quarry noise and increased traffi c movement of large lorries. Associated access roads would not be in keeping with the existing character of the minor road network. Visual impacts would be dependant on the relationship of the development to the existing screening in the landscape such as woodland and landform. In some locations it could be visible for some distance due to its raised elevation.


Screen from sensitive viewers, where possible use existing landform and or trees, hedges and woodland.

Do not site on or near designated nature or historic sites.

Do not fragment the landscape between historic settlements.


Fit with existing landform i.e. possibly smaller scale



Restore to farmland or an ecological habitat that links into the surrounding landscape elements.

The landscape capacity for Mineral Workings in A3 – Barnburgh to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for LandraisingThis type of development is not evident in this LCA and would increase the diversity and disrupt the pattern of this high landscape quality and value landscape. It would result in a loss of tranquillity due to quarry noise and increased traffi c movement of large lorries. Associated access roads would not be in keeping with the existing character of the minor road network. Visual impacts would be dependant on the relationship of the development to the existing screening in the landscape such as woodland and landform. In some locations it could be visible for some distance due to its raised elevation.


Screen from sensitive viewers, where possible use existing landform and or trees, hedges and woodland.

Do not site on or near designated nature or historic sites.

Do not fragment the landscape between historic settlements.




Restore to an appropriate ecological habitat that links into the surrounding landscape elements.

The landscape capacity for Landraising in A3 – Barnburgh to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Compost FacilitiesThe landscape capacity for compost facilities is largely driven by location relative to major roads and the character of the individual farm rather than by landscape character area. Farmsteads are scattered across this LCA and are accessed either from minor roads or via farm tracks. If changes to many or long sections of minor roads or farm tracks were necessary then there may be impacts on landscape character and some impacts on scale, pattern and sense of movement in the landscape. Another consideration is the scale and the size of the farm, some are very small scale and traditional in construction, and these may not be physically or aesthetically suited to large scale composting facility. Landscape capacity is likely to be higher where the landscape is already disturbed, diverse, larger scale and modern in character; where the agricultural barns and associated farm buildings are medium to large scale and modern not historic in character; and where the farm yard and access roads are well screened.

In addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document, mitigation could be achieved by the following:

Screen any roads with obviously increased levels of traffi c

Screen yards to visual movement and some noise

Use existing roads for access to reduce loss of character area

Replace any hedges trees and ditches removed for road widening

Locate facilities on modern large scale farms.

The landscape capacity for compost facilities in A3 – Barnburgh to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlandsis judged to be dependant on the factors described above. Each proposed facility should be judged individually against these criteria.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for WindpowerWindpower is a new type of development in this area which may disrupt a high quality and value landscape which is strongly rural and relatively undisturbed. The development wouldn’t fi t with the scale of the small to medium fi elds found in this landscape. The simple form of wind turbines may fi t with the simple landscape, but the movement may induce a further loss of tranquillity. The turbines are likely to be visible for some distance particularly if located on the more elevated and open areas of the LCA.


Avoid locating near or fragmenting historic elements and conservation areas.


Locate in hollows in the landform and possibly use existing woodland to screen lower parts.

Use existing landscape elements such as the landform to guide layout of turbines.

Use smaller scale turbines to fi t better with the scale of the landscape and to reduce visual impacts.

Avoid constructing roads or upgrading existing minor roads for installation and management access.

The landscape capacity for Windpower turbines in A3 – Barnburgh to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for BiomassWillow biomass planting may be detrimental to landscape character as it would not fi t with the relatively small scale pattern of the existing landscape and would increase the diversity. It would be ecologically in keeping with the small valleys, but not the drier more elevated areas. It would not aff ect long distance viewers, but it may aff ect other closer users by increasing enclosure on public rights of way. It could also reduce the pattern of fi elds by hiding hedges. Introduction of incinerators and chimneys would not be appropriate in this rural landscape.


Using existing taller hedges and trees to screen

Avoid enclosing existing open views.

Planting in the valleys where it is more ecologically in keeping , less visible and less disruptive to the existing landscape pattern.


Do not enclose existing open views especially on public rights of way.

Plant on a scale which fi t the existing fi eld pattern, that is not in adjacent fi elds

Do not site on designated nature or historic sites.

The landscape capacity for biomass planting in A3 – Barnburgh to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Broad Landscape Capacity for Large Scale ForestrySmall and medium mixed woodland is scattered across the area with some associated with the escarpment on the edge of the limestone plateau. Large scale forestry would not be in keeping with the naturalistic mixed character of much of the tree cover. It would be too large in scale for the scale of the existing small to medium woodlands and fi elds in this landscape. The undulating topography and existing woodland creates both open and enclosed views. It could also increase enclosure and result in loss of views in the more open areas.

The potential for mitigation is low and in addition to the development guidance detailed in part 3 of this document it could be achieved by the following:

Reduce scale where necessary to suit scale of existing woodland and to fi t with existing patterns of woodland.

Plant so that edges follow the landform.

Avoid designated scheduled monuments or nature sites.

Include mixed species planting especially around the edges to blend with existing tree and hedge cover.


The landscape capacity for large scale forestry in A3 – Barnburgh to Hooton Pagnell Coalfi eld Farmlands is judged to be low to none.

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Documents

Landscape Character Type - Coalfi eld Farmlands€¦ · Doncaster Landscape Character & Capacity Study Part 4 - Page 9 of 199 Landscape Value and Quality This simple, intact historic