Landscape and Ecology

Landscape and ecological survey work is currently being carried out to inform the proposals and will be submitted as part of the planning application.  This includes a landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA), an ecological desk study and protected species surveys.

The emerging findings show:

  • No statutory or non-statutory nature conservation or landscape designations apply to the site.

  • The site is dominated by species-poor semi-improved grassland of no more than local interest.  Scattered scrub and early mature trees are located around the site boundaries.  

  • The protected species surveys are in their early stages.  It is not expected that these will identify locally significant effects on protected and notable species, albeit standard approaches to mitigation may be required pending the survey findings.

  • The site is well contained within a low lying valley, with the surrounding built form and undulating topography providing a degree of visual separation from the North Wessex

  • Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which is approximately 400m to the east and approximately 600m to the north west, beyond the Hopton Industrial Estate. 

  • Whilst the site resides within the setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB, it is more influenced by its townscape setting and is not considered to be particularly representative of the more sensitive and tranquil wider landscape designation, containing few landscape features which contribute to the special qualities of the AONB.

The emerging proposals include retention and enhancement of the boundary vegetation where possible (including provision of buffer habitats where appropriate). 

The landscape strategy will include an area of informal open space in the north of the site which will comprise areas of species-rich and rough grassland, native shrub and tree planting.  

There will be an informal pathway through this area accessible from Wellington Drive and the public right of way that crosses the north west corner of the site. 

Additional features to provide new opportunities for wildlife such as bat and bird boxes will be incorporated into the scheme.  This would be expected to enhance the value of the site for these groups. 

As the application will be outline, the detailed design of the landscaping will be a reserved matter for later approval by Wiltshire Council.