appendix d: landscape character assessment results · mature trees and woodland frame the boundary...
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Appendix D: Landscape Character Assessment Results
Appendix D Contents
Page
Landscape Assessment Results Tables: Original Cells 2
Landscape Assessment Results Tables: Consultation Sites 36
Landscape Assessment Results Maps: Original Cells 49
Landscape Assessment Results Maps: Consultation Sites 64
Landscape Character Area Description for Launceston 70
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 1
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Character Area: CA26 East Cornwall & Tamar Moorland Fringe LDU No: 312
Landscape Description
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Predominately flat to the west sloping toward the A30 but increasingly steeper towards the east
Vegetation cover/ trees
Predominately clipped hedgerows with many scattered mature trees. Some clumps particularly along the A30 boundary framing fields of pasture
Field pattern/ boundary type
Standard field patterns and sizes
Land use
Pasture
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
N/A
Water bodies/ courses
N/A
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Linear settlement feel on urban edge of town and A30
Distinctive manmade features
Power lines
Distinctive historic or cultural features
N/A
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Standard hedges
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other ‘Other’ road cuts through the east of the cell (NW-SE) Railways None Farm/ Private tracks Farm/Private track cutting through the cell at Lower Tresmarrow (N-S) Cycleways None PROW None Informal paths None
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
Med/High Sensitivity (4)
7 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Open views to the south
Intermittent (medium)
From the A30 and the lane
Limited (low)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Large agricultural but with increasingly residential development to the east
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Strongly affected by the views and noise of the A30 and Pennygillam Industrial Estate
How is the landscape experienced?
Mundane, windswept, exposed, cut off due to position between the A30 and the lane
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
A30, Pennygillam Industrial Estate Potentially smells coming from nearby tip/recycling centre but none experienced whilst at location
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Cell 2 has been considered as 3 sub-cells. Sub-cell 2C adjoins this cell and shares similar characteristics and topography
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 2C
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Character Area: CA31 Upper Tamar and Ottery Valleys LDU No: 214
Landscape Description
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Shallow valley bottom falling from Under Lane to the River Kensey
Vegetation cover/ trees
Excellent range of mature trees
Field pattern/ boundary type
Tall hedgerows along road boundary with some very mature trees
Land use
Pasture, boggy in places
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Mature trees along Under Lane
Water bodies/ courses
River Kensey and leat
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Borders urban fringe on the eastern boundary, otherwise very rural in character
Distinctive manmade features
Scrapyard, Pylon (E-W) – 2 lines therefore not very dominant. Adjacent railway line, leat
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Railway line forming northern boundary leat running through the cell
High
Moderate
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Traditional range of hedges
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Under Lane cuts through Sub-cell 2A (E-W) Railways Launceston Steam Railway forms the northern boundary to the sub-cell Farm/ Private tracks None Cycleways None PROW None Informal paths None
High
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/High (4)
9 (Red)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Limited longer view along valley bottom
Intermittent (medium)
Along valley bottom (E-W) broken up largely by tree cover
Limited (low)
Along lanes, across fields where trees and hedges restrict views
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Largely complete other than the intrusion of the scrap yard
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Generally high other than traffic from Under Lane Railway will affect area during the tourist season Noise from A30
How is the landscape experienced?
Generally an intimate, enclosed, sheltered corridor with a diverse range of vistas due to tree cover
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Sheltered in valley bottom
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 2B
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Character Area: CA31 Upper Tamar and Ottery Valleys LDU No: 316
Landscape Description
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Land drops sharply to Under Lane and is very steep in places
Vegetation cover/ trees
Mixtures of woodland, pasture within hedgerows of predominantly mature trees
Field pattern/ boundary type
Fields predominantly small to the east but larger to the west with mature trees creating a greater sense of enclosure
Land use
Pasture and woodland
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Mature trees along Under Lane creating a very intimate and attractive feature
Water bodies/ courses
Springs
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Farm and a few agricultural buildings – not dominant
Distinctive manmade features
Timber telegraph poles – 2 lines of electricity
Distinctive historic or cultural features
None
High
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Standard local hedges/gates
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other None Railways None Farm/ Private tracks Farm/Private tracks to Landrends Cycleways None PROW None Informal paths None
High
Landscape Sensitivity
High (5)
10 (Red)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Highly from across the valley
Intermittent (medium)
Valley bottom to due to extensive tree cover
Limited (low)
From boundary of cell from west, south and east
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
A mixed landscape of woodland and pasture with woodland predominantly in the east
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Very tranquil apart from affect of Under Lane and railway – both fairly minimal
How is the landscape experienced?
Remote, sheltered, intimate – overall interesting and attractive
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
A30 and Under Lane/Railway (very limited)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 2A
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Gently sloping towards the north from the lane.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Largely pasture with limited nature in hedgerows and in fields.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Normal mix of field sizes, mix of clipped hedges with some mature trees scattered within them.
Land use
Pasture
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
N/A
Water bodies/ courses
N/A
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Hamlet at Trebursye Oak at western end and at the eastern end Chapel creates a predominantly suburban feel
Distinctive manmade features
Power Lines
Distinctive historic or cultural features
N/A
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Nothing Distinctive
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/High (4)
7 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
(Check distant views again)
Intermittent (medium)
Limited (low)
Few view points from lane and scattered housing.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Scattered housing and large agricultural/industrial operations. Telegraph poles reduce the agricultural /rural character.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) More strongly affected by A30 noise and (more) regular use of lane.
how is the landscape experienced?
Windswept, rather bland and uncared for.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
A30 and Lane
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 3
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Grounds fall increasingly sharply towards north and east.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Pasture with fairly well treed hedgerows
Field pattern/ boundary type
Standard size and type of hedgerows
Land use
Pasture well maintained
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
None on site but intimate views of castle dominate the cell
Water bodies/ courses
N/A
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Although close to town, the agricultural nature of the cell predominates.
Distinctive manmade features
Telegraph poles but only a few
Distinctive historic or cultural features
As above
High
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
N/A
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
High
8 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Highly visible from the N/E and the town
Intermittent (medium)
Limited (low)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Complete agricultural, pastural feel.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Quite high but proximity of roads to the west has some impact
how is the landscape experienced?
Exposed to the NE and the town. Interesting view point to the town, castle and landscape beyond.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Is exposed to noise of the town i.e. schools periodically
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 4 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Gently sloping from New Churches Lane in the North to valley bottom in the south.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Quite heavily managed with few mature trees
Field pattern/ boundary type
Mainly tightly clipped, uniform in appearance hedges with the exception of the boundary along New Churches Lane where there is a good length of mature trees (oak)
Land use
Pasture – well managed
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Nothing especially distinctive
Water bodies/ courses
Stream? To North East. River Kensey at valley bottom. Springs along/through valley.
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Extremely rural
Distinctive manmade features
N/A
Distinctive historic or cultural features
N/A
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Traditional hedges
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
High
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/High (4)
9 (Red)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Big open views across valley
Intermittent (medium)
Along Lane to New Church farm
Limited (low)
Very Limited from Castle area of town.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Complete
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) High – limited disturbance from A30 and railway
how is the landscape experienced?
Remote. Limited experience by users of lane. Seen as part of part of valley landscape.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
A30/railway
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 5
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Slopes away gently from N-S
Vegetation cover/ trees
Generally hedgerows clipped and very well managed but some have good mature trees with denser tree cover on the folds of the valley.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Traditional spread
Land use
Pasture well managed
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Water bodies/ courses
Springs and streams
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Rural with one main road boundary to the North
Distinctive manmade features
N/A
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Holy Well to N.E of cell disused quarry to the N.
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
High
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/High (4)
9 (Red)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Highly visible across valley E-W and from North West Edge of town.
Intermittent (medium)
Along New Church access lane and from railway and Under Lane.
Limited (low)
Limited views along Egloskerry Road. Very Limited from Castle area of town.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
A complete rural landscape mix of pasture and mature trees.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) High levels of visual and sensory tranquillity with the exception of Egloskerry Road.
how is the landscape experienced?
Quite remote despite visual link to castle. A quiet cared for traditional Cornish landscape.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Noise from Egloskerry Road, only intrusion.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 6
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Namely gently undulating landform typical of golf course.
Vegetation cover/ trees
A broad mixture of specimen parkland, trees set within a highly managed manicured grassland setting with mature trees forming a screen on the boundaries to the cell and woodland on the northern edge.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Mature trees and woodland frame the boundary of the cell from most view points open flowing landscape of a parkland type within it.
Land use
Predominantly highly managed parkland type landscape
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
The well tree’d boundaries enclose much of the cell from the surrounding landscape and from roads.
Water bodies/ courses
N/A
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
The S. Eastern edge abuts the town whilst the southern boundary is adjacent to a main road, nether the less the cell is in a rural landscape giving it a predominantly rural character
Distinctive manmade features
The parkland setting and highly managed landscape is clearly man made
Distinctive historic or cultural features
N/A
Moderate
Low
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Nothing especially distinctive
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/Low (2)
5 (Yellow)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Intermittent (medium)
Limited (low)
The cell is only visible from a restricted number of openings around the boundaries
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
The parkland style landscape gives the cell a uniform characteristic throughout.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Visually and audibly the cell is of medium level of tranquillity when the golf course in use but at other times it would be more tranquil still
how is the landscape experienced?
The cell is an artificial manicured landscape in a predominantly rural setting but with a very private secretive inward facing nature.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Some noise intrusion from surrounding roads. Particularly the main access points to and from Launceston.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 7A ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Rolling, flowing slopes, high ground mainly centrally located no very steep slopes but all in an elevated position.
Vegetation cover/ trees
7A rolling field with substantial tree cover through most of the hedges creating a distinct landscape. Small tree plantations within cell and substantial woodland adjoining north. 7B A highly managed character dominates most of the cell. Rough pasture to 7C (south).
Field pattern/ boundary type
7A special quality created by mature hedges. 7B mainly clipped hedgerows with some mature character. 7C – mixture of clipped hedges and some extensive and mature, both along roadside/within fields.
Land use
Predominantly pasture with small tree plantations in and around the cell. Small portions of 7B arable.
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
N/A
Water bodies/ courses
N/A
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Urban edge of South West with isolated farm buildings
Distinctive manmade features
Mast in cell C and power lines scattered throughout. Shooting range in dug out of 7B
Distinctive historic or cultural features
N/A
7A: High
7B: Moderate 7C: Moderate
7A: Low 7B: High 7C: High
7A: 8 (Amber)
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Some limited stone faced hedges farm outbuilding and farmsteads.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
7A: High 7B: High 7C: Low
Landscape Sensitivity
7A: Moderate (3)
7B: Medium/High (4) 7C: Medium/High (4)
7B: 9 (Red)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
7A Largely enclosed 7B Open/exposed especially from N/W. The ridge line being visible from town. 7C Very visible from town and forms a visual barrier to the town from the north.
Intermittent (medium)
From roadway into 7A and B
Limited (low)
From St Stephens
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Residential home in 7C form an urban intrusion in an otherwise largely attractive diverse landscape character
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Largely tranquil in particular 7A. 7B tranquil other than along roadway and urban edge. 7C not tranquil due to proximity to the edge of highway.
how is the landscape experienced?
7A – sheltered and enclosed/tranquil 7B – Open and windswept/tranquil other than by highways 7C – Open/exposed more noisy due to proximity of road and outer fringe of town.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Highways
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
7C: 5 (Yellow)
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 8 ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Undulating land form with small areas of steeper slopes which give way again to flatter areas on the valley bottom and on the northern border.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Scattered copses around northern fringe. Arboretum style tree planting around Homeleigh. Further linear tree cover along eastern boundary alongside river.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Traditional field boundaries with some mature trees but managed clipped hedgerows predominate.
Land use
Pasture in good condition.
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
N/A
Water bodies/ courses
Tamar on eastern border
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Predominantly rural with isolated farms but the ever expanding Homeleigh site adjacent to the A388 creates a harder urban edge to the western edge of the cell.
Distinctive manmade features
Large industrial units, car parks, lakes and arboretum affect around Homeleigh.
Distinctive historic or cultural features
N/A
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Nothing especially distinctive
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/High (4)
7 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Very open with the exception of the north east boundary
Intermittent (medium)
From surrounding lanes.
Limited (low)
Part of northern section of A388 (Homeleigh – Launceston not visible) visible from public footpath.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
The Homeleigh development creates a substantial manmade intrusion affecting the character of the landscape which outside of this area is picturesque and rural in keeping with the surrounding landscape.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Busy around Homeleigh and on surrounding Highways, but fields windswept and tranquil.
how is the landscape experienced?
Windswept due to open nature of cell
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Noise from Highways and Homeleigh, sewage treatment plant on the South East border is a visual intrusion and periodically offensively smelly.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 10
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Very steep along western boundary giving way to a gentler slope towards to the east
Vegetation cover/ trees
Dense cover of trees, pastures bordering the A39. Some substantial clumps of trees within hedgerows which are well maintained.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Traditional local hedgerows, some stone walling visible along the boundary of the old A30
Land use
Pasture- well maintained. Caravan storage at eastern edge and holiday cottages at Higher Banham
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Nothing especially distinctive
Water bodies/ courses
N/A
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Towns boundary with residential area to the west of cell. A30 to south old A30 to N. Broad to the East and Tavistock Road to West.
Distinctive manmade features
N/A
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Scattered traditional farm buildings
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Traditional local hedge with granite posts in some instances
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/High (4)
7 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Very open to the North and East.
Intermittent (medium)
Very exposed from specific locations along the western boundary
Limited (low)
Very limited from southern boundary. A30 provides visual screen.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Distinctly agricultural throughout.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Affected by proximity of roads. Both visually and audibly but an overall comfortable feel to the cell.
how is the landscape experienced?
Windy due to levels of exposure and lacking privacy due to being overlooked by roads and town but still pleasant countryside.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Windy as described above and suffers from vehicular noise due to proximity of roads.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
42-27
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 11
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Increasing gradient from the southern edge of the cell to the northern boundary. Particularly on the eastern side alongside the lane. More gently sloping from the western side of cell.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Mixture of clipped hedgerows and those with mature trees within the cell. Predominantly along roadsides.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Normal traditional sizes and style.
Land use
Pasture in good condition
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
N/A
Water bodies/ courses
N/A but check O.S
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Predominantly rural but part of western edge at joins. New residential extension to Launceston.
Distinctive manmade features
Distinctive historic or cultural features
N/A
11A: Moderate 11B: Moderate
11A: High 11B: High
11A: 5 (Yellow)
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Nothing especially distinctive beyond traditional local hedgerow.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
11A: Low 11B: Low
Landscape Sensitivity
11A: Medium/High (4) 11B: Medium/High (4)
11B: 5 (yellow)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Highly visible from the north and east (A30) and western boundary from adjoining residential.
Intermittent (medium)
Very limited but at gateway from the south/west
Limited (low)
From the southern edge
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
2 distinct parcels of land created by the dividing roadway. Other rural in character- pasture with grazing cattle.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) North and Western edge of cell affected by proximity to housing/urban edge and A30. Remaining part of cell tranquil particularly further away from diving lane.
how is the landscape experienced?
Open, windswept on higher ground towards the north and western boundaries, more sheltered and tranquil on lower ground/(valley) of the south east.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
A30 traffic noise affecting the north and impact of residential along North West boundary
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
48
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 12
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Shallow, gently falling towards the east, forming a ridgeline on the west of the cell.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Limited to hedgerow field and round boundaries where there’s a mixture of low clipped hedges and some with mature tree cover.
Field pattern/ boundary type
In the local context very large open fields with little tree cover.
Land use Arable. Distinctive landscape/ historic features
The open, exposed nature of the land, visible at a considerable distance to the east.
Water bodies/ courses N/A Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type Predominantly rural.
Distinctive manmade features
Telegraph poles – forming 2 lines across the landscape.
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Nothing adding character to the cell.
Low
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Traditional, but unexceptional hedges.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Low
Landscape Sensitivity
Moderate (3)
4 (Light Green)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Highly visible along Eastern boundary
Intermittent (medium)
Along western boundary
Limited (low)
Along northern boundary
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Generally tranquil except where there is limited traffic noise from minor roads.
how is the landscape experienced?
Exposed, windswept industrial agricultural character harming cells distinctive local and rural characteristics.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Windswept and minor traffic noise.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 13
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Valley from north west to south east with mature trees. Shallow, flat along western edge but a more gently undulating elsewhere.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Hedgerow made up with many mature trees within the cell valley bottoms and south but clipped low hedgerow from Newton Farm/ across to Launceston/urban fringe.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Vegetated Cornish hedges in a traditional layout
Land use
Pasture
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Nothing exceptional except the low hedgerow along roadside (A388) giving open aspect to urban fringe.
Water bodies/ courses
Check O.S for the stream in valley.
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Northern fringe forms the urban boundary
Distinctive manmade features
2-3 lines of timber telegraph poles carrying electric services across valley to Badash and beyond east – west line.
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Newton farm building
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Nothing exceptional
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/High (4)
7 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Open views across the N.E corner of the site towards residential and industrial edge of town.
Intermittent (medium)
Along the edge from Broadland A388.
Limited (low)
Very limited along road to Hurdon Farm and A30
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Complete rural envelope
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Only South West edge of cell has tranquil setting. Other areas are dominated by edge of roads and town.
how is the landscape experienced?
Quite noisy, largely exposed to affects of the proximity to town and roads except from the southern side of Newton Farm.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
As above
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
70s
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 14
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Gently undulating to the east getting progressively steeper to the south and becoming steep on the western boundary.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Pasture with a mixture of clipped hedgerows and dense hedgerows with mature tree particularly from urban fringe.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Largely standard field patterns within the cell with mature trees but clipped tall hedgerows along old lanes/roads and low hedge with avenue of trees along town boundary.
Land use
Pasture in good condition.
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Tall hedgerows along old roadways and distinct rural character within a short distance of the town fringe.
Water bodies/ courses
Stream at the western end of the cell within a shallow valley.
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Urban edge.
Distinctive manmade features
Few in general but a line of timber telegraph style power lines along northern edge of urban fringe.
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Listed building at Badash.
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Distinctive tall hedges along old roadways.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/High (4)
7 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Open along southern boundary views to Kit Hill (SE) and South Petherwin (SW, from North of cell. From North East open views to Bodmin Moor.
Intermittent (medium)
N/A
Limited (low)
On the northern urban fringe views of cell are very limited by avenue of trees and hedgerows. East/West edge views limited by high hedgerows.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Uniform, managed pasture in good condition. Hedgerows well maintained.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Northern edge affected by proximity to busy road, industrial noises and lighting noise but further south tranquil rural feel.
how is the landscape experienced?
As above with roads and proximity to industrial urban fringe affecting character to North but strong, increasingly remote rural character to the south.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Noise from proximity of link road and B3254; Pennygillam and waste tip – a constant impact affecting northern industrial fringe.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
80-70
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 15
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Shallow sloping to undulating land in general with steeper slopes on shallow valley. Ridgeline running through centre of cell with land falling down to southern boundary.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Pasture with some woodland (check) Scattered areas of well tree’d hedgerows throughout.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Generally some longer fields particularly within the central portion of the cell, and along northern edge to A30.
Land use
Predominantly pasture with some arable.
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Mature avenue of trees along driveway to Trebursye Manor and mature tall hedgerows well tree’d along south boundary. Some large mature trees on hedges/ boundaries within fields off the southern boundary.
Water bodies/ courses
Stream in part covered over creating boggy areas in field.
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Urban fringe on northern boundary and eastern boundary by daw’s House but agricultural along southern boundary.
Distinctive manmade features
Telegraph poles scattered throughout, extensive use of post wire fencing.
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Estate gate houses, Trebursye Manor and Avenue to Manor.
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Local stone style to footpath on southern boundary but post wire/barbed wire fencing along field edge.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
Medium/High (4)
7 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Along boundary of A30 and footpath
Intermittent (medium)
Medium distance views from North and South broken up by ridge and trees.
Limited (low)
Along southern boundary lane and town slip road to Trebursye and scattered buildings.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Generally, predominantly complete, particularly to the South West but with the south east cover affected by scattered industrial building (infrastructure) and odd collection of buildings at Trebursye.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Strongly affected by noise for A30 particularly along northern boundary but southern boundary quite tranquil.
how is the landscape experienced?
Exposed, noisy, windy overall other than South West Corner which has a quite tranquil feel but still affected by traffic in the lane.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
A30, any industrial noise (Tip)
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; 16
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 9th February 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Generally flat throughout
Vegetation cover/ trees
Boundaries with mature trees presence of some of the original field layout with mature vegetation.
Field pattern/ boundary type
As above
Land use
Playing fields- well managed grounds
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Little remains of historic layout other than field hedgerow cutting across centre of site.
Water bodies/ courses
None
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Small single storey buildings- associated with playing fields/school.
Distinctive manmade features
Astro turf, sealed surface tennis, gravel hockey pitch and floodlights.
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Cornish hedge with mature trees very distinctive.
Moderate
High
Vernacular (use of local materials)
None of significance.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Moderate
Landscape Sensitivity
Moderate/High (4)
7 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
None of any significance due to the dominance of the well tree’d boundaries and flat topography
Intermittent (medium)
Small number of views glimpsed from adjacent link road to south and A30 to the north.
Limited (low)
Open views to site from nearby nursing home /access road/medical centre.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Good condition throughout but presence of man made playing surfaces.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Affected by noise of adjacent main roads but the visual quality of the space is calming.
how is the landscape experienced?
Well sheltered, enclosed space with mature trees creates a parkland feel. Simple but attractive and private.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Dominated by affects of the noise of the adjacent roads
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Upper 60’s
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE; KUE1: Kennards House
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 14th March 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Largely flat or very gently sloping.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Low vegetation on hedgerows but some mature trees within them.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Random medium/large fields.
Land use
Pasture, well managed
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Cricket pitch.
Water bodies/ courses
None
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Rural
Distinctive manmade features
Cricket pitch
Distinctive historic or cultural features
None
Moderate (3)
High (4)
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Nothing distinctive.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Medium (3)
Landscape Sensitivity
Med/High Sensitivity (4)
7 (Amber)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Intermittent (medium)
Limited views around fringes of cell but open across field.
Limited (low)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Complete rural landscape with a cricket pitch
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Medium. A30 and surrounding minor roads and lanes reduce the otherwise quiet setting.
how is the landscape experienced?
From intermittent views from surrounding roads and lanes
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
A30 and junction to Kennards House
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REF; KUE2: West of Pennygillam
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 14th March 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Shallow sloping land falling mainly to the valley bottom on the southern edge of the cell.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Well wooded valley bottom to the south and mature, large hedgerow along the western boundary.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Random field pattern of medium to large size.
Land use
Predominantly pasture but some woodland.
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Well treed southern boundary and Trebursye Manor and tree lined avenue along driveway.
Water bodies/ courses
Watercourse along southern boundary.
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Urban fringe
Distinctive manmade features
Trebursye Manor.
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Trebursye manor and avenue of mature trees.
Moderate (3)
Moderate (3)
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Local materials used in Trebursye Manor.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Medium (3)
Landscape Sensitivity
Moderate (3)
6 (Yellow)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Intermittent (medium)
Northern half of cell open and visible from short distances.
Limited (low)
Southern end of cell screened by mature trees.
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Rather mixed. Affected by the proximity of the A30 and industrial estate.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Low
how is the landscape experienced?
Mainly from surrounding roads and Trebursye Manor, it is visually accessible but no public access.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
A30 and industrial estate.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; KUE3: South of the Link Road
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 14th March 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Largely level ground but falls away towards the southern boundary and in the south west corner.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Mainly clipped hedges and hedgerows but with mature trees in the valley the south west corner of the cell.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Normal field pattern of average to large size.
Land use
Pasture.
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Mature trees in valley bottom in the south west.
Water bodies/ courses
Some streams along valley bottom in south west of cell.
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Rural but northern and western boundaries adjacent to industrial fringe of town.
Distinctive manmade features
Farm and associated buildings, some redundant.
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Old farm buildings.
Moderate (3) Moderate (3)
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Local stone in farm buildings.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW
Medium (3)
Landscape Sensitivity
Moderate (3)
Yellow (6)
Informal paths Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Distant views towards Bodmin Moor, Kit Hill and generally towards the south with little tree cover breaking the view.
Intermittent (medium)
Limited (low)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Rural pastureland although its open nature, lack of established trees and proximity to Launceston gives it a semi-rural character.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Medium. how is the landscape experienced?
From surrounding main roads, urban fringe and dwellings to the south.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
As above.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; KUE4: South of the A388
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 14th March 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Fairly level throughout most of cell but the ground falls away quite steeply to the valley that cuts across from west to east to the north of the cell.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Mainly clipped hedgerows with some mature trees with more established tree cover to the south.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Evidence of regular linear field pattern particularly clear across the south and western portions of the cell.
Land use
Pasture.
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Field boundary layout.
Water bodies/ courses
None.
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Rural; better screened from the edge of town than the adjacent cell UE3.
Distinctive manmade features
Field layout.
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Farm buildings.
Moderate (3) Moderate (3)
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Local stone used in construction of farm buildings.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Medium (3)
Landscape Sensitivity
Moderate (3)
Yellow (6)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Big open views towards the distant south. From the higher ground along the northern boundary.
Intermittent (medium)
From surrounding main road especially approaching from Callington.
Limited (low)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Complete.
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Medium-Low. how is the landscape experienced?
Mainly from the surrounding roads and dwellings.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
As above.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE NUMBER; KUE5: Stourscombe
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 14th March 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Land slopes down from south to north/north east increasingly steeply
Vegetation cover/ trees
Predominantly clipped hedgerows with scattered mature trees within them
Field pattern/ boundary type
Standard, average size, random configuration
Land use
Pasture
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Northing distinctive
Water bodies/ courses
None
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Semi-rural
Distinctive manmade features
Some over head cables
Distinctive historic or cultural features
None other than hedgerows
Moderate (3) Moderate (3)
Vernacular (use of local materials)
None
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW Informal paths
Medium (3)
Landscape Sensitivity
Moderate (3)
6 (Yellow)
Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Visible from the north and east (A30) and southern/western boundaries adjacent to Stourscombe
Intermittent (medium)
Limited (low)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Complete rural
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Medium how is the landscape experienced?
Mainly from surrounding roads and housing
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
As above
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
LAUNCESTON CELL REFERENCE; KUE6: St Stephens
ASSESSOR; Peter Sainsbury DATE; 14th March 2011
Landscape Survey Information Landscape Value Landscape Sensitivity
Overall Landscape Assessment
Landscape Description Record descriptive information for each survey sub heading listed
Landscape Character Sensitivity
Visual Sensitivity
Final Cell Judgement
Natural Landscape Features Topography/ landform
Slopes North to South, most gently in the North.
Vegetation cover/ trees
Clipped hedgerows with some good mature trees – best established hedgerow runs along western boundary.
Field pattern/ boundary type
Cornish hedges form the boundaries to fields of small- medium to large sizes.
Land use
Well managed pasture.
Distinctive landscape/ historic features
Holy well.
Water bodies/ courses
Springs and streams.
Settlement/ Built Features Settlement type
Rural but bordering urban fringe.
Distinctive manmade features
Holy Well
Distinctive historic or cultural features
Holy Well
Moderate (3)
Moderate (3)
Vernacular (use of local materials)
Traditional hedges and stone and slate in the construction of holy well.
Transport Pattern A Road/ B Road/ other Railways Farm/ Private tracks Cycleways PROW
Medium (3)
Landscape Sensitivity
Moderate (3)
6 (Yellow)
Informal paths Visual Prominence (tick appropriate) Open/ long distance (high)
Open view across and Down valley and adjacent to urban fringe.
Intermittent (medium)
Limited (low)
Landscape Condition Integrity and unity of landscape
Complete- rural
Aesthetic & Sensory
Tranquillity (H/ M/ L) Medium- inevitably affected by urban fringe to some extent
how is the landscape experienced?
No direct physical links other than New Churches Lane. Most visible from across the valley.
Key sources / visual or noise (both within and outside the cell)
Urban fringe and New churches lane.
Cell to Cell relationship What is the key information relating to adjacent cell?
Photograph numbers
Other Information
Launceston Character Area Description Description The historic town of Launceston sits in the strategically important location overlooking the Devon border and is centrally placed between the north and south coasts. The ‘old’ town is situated on a small plateau which had for long been an important cross roads for transport links for the counties of Devon and Cornwall. There are main road links to Callington, Saltash and Plymouth to the south. Bodmin to the west, Okehampton and Exeter to the east and Holsworthy and Bude to the north. These roads are all busy and congestion, particularly from the road leading to Bude and Holsworthy is normal for the residents of this otherwise attractive town which still retains an agricultural setting to the castle from a number of viewpoints. Prominent though the castle and surrounding ‘old’ townscape is, much of the town is only visible close by along access roads or public rights of way as it is well screened by the high ground surrounding it and by established tree cover. In general, the landscape is a mixture of rolling pasture to the north and south with a steeper sided green valley running through the town from east to west, where, in this more sheltered location, there are many fine mature trees and a diverse range of habitats and wildlife. The mix of a well established, mature pastoral landscape, interspersed with significant areas of mixed woodland and the focal point of the historic castle and the surrounding diverse architecture of the old town has produced a unique quality to Launceston which is quite different to most other towns in the south west. It is still an attractive town set within a diverse but rural landscape with good road links to the surrounding towns in both Devon & Cornwall.
Launceston Key Characteristics
◊ Gently rolling landscape surrounds the approach to the historic town particularly from the South and North with a steeper sided valley running East to West strongly influencing Launceston’s layout and character.
◊ Castle and architecturally diverse and visually interesting town centre located
on high ground overlooking the Devon border and beyond to Dartmoor.
◊ Field sizes generally of medium size with the occasional large one scattered throughout the cells but most commonly to the north or south west.
◊ Field boundary of typical Cornish hedge construction but with some lines of
post and wire or post and rail most likely where original hedge have been removed.
◊ Tree cover particularly strong along the water courses of the East-West valley
bottom and south facing slopes on hedges. Many good sized mature species and diverse in type. Low tightly clipped hedges form the boundary to fields particularly to the north of the town and south east, sometimes with the occasional mature tree left standing.
◊ Mixed broadleaf and coniferous woodland forms part of the northern fringe of
the town.
◊ Land use predominantly pasture with some arable woodland to the north and pockets to the south. Manicured golf course, largely self contained on the northern boundary adjacent to the main block of woodland.
◊ Main source of vernacular building style and use of local materials to be seen
in a range of good quality farm buildings scattered around the countryside surrounding the town and the historic town centre of Launceston and its castle.
◊ Whilst the historic town centre has extensive views in places in an easterly
and northerly direction, much of the rest of the town is hidden from distant views by the surrounding hilly topography with the recent exception of Stourscombe estate.
◊ Whilst well positioned for access to the A30, many of the roads and lanes
elsewhere are narrow and twisting often bordered by quite high Cornish hedges.
◊ Limited range of public rights of way providing access across the countryside.
◊ Launceston Steam Railway runs through the western valley bottom to near
the town centre along the old Launceston-Padstow line.