A. Dudley

Agent: Planning Prospects Ltd

Representation Summary:

Uffmoor Vale
Executive Summary Landscape, Visual and Green Belt

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Purpose of this Executive Summary 1

2. LANDSCAPE 1

2.1 The landscape of the Site and its context is not considered to be sensitive to sustainable development guided by a landscape-led masterplan 1
2.2 There is an opportunity to improve existing landscape features 2
2.3 There is an opportunity to improve access and provide space for recreation 2
2.4 There are wider landscape improvement opportunities at Coombeswood 2

3. VISUAL 2

3.1 The Site is not considered to be visually sensitive 2

4. GREEN BELT 3

4.1 Green Belt release will be required to meet the housing need of the Black Country 3
4.2 The Site makes a limited contribution to the purposes of the Green Belt 3
4.3 There is an opportunity to retain a strong Green Belt boundary 4
4.4 There is an opportunity to improve access to the Green Belt .4

5. CONCLUSION 5

5.1 The Site has the capacity to support development, based on a truly landscape-led masterplan .. 5

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: GREEN BELT & LANDSCAPE CAPACITY STUDY APPENDIX 2: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of this Executive Summary

1.1.1 Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. (BMD) has been appointed by St. Modwen Developments Ltd. (St.
Modwen) to undertake a Landscape & Visual Baseline Analysis and Green Belt Analysis to inform the iterative design process and the evidence base in consideration of an allocation being promoted for Uffmoor Vale/ land south of Manor Way, Dudley (hereafter referred to as the 'Site').

1.1.2 Opportunities for enhancement of further Green Belt land owned locally by St. Modwen at Coombeswood have also been considered as part of a wider Green Infrastructure Strategy to supplement the potential release of the development Site from the Green Belt.

1.1.3 This Executive Summary provides a concise overview of the key findings in terms of the Landscape, Visual and Green Belt analysis for the Site. For further details refer to full reports BMD.21.025.RP.001C Green Belt & Landscape Capacity Study and BMD.21.025.RP.002A Green Infrastructure Strategy. For ease of reference these documents are attached here at
Appendix 1 & 2.

1.1.4 For further details regarding heritage assets, including built heritage and historic landscapes, refer to separate heritage assessment produced by RPS Group (document reference: JCH01495).

2. LANDSCAPE

2.1 The landscape of the Site and its context is not considered to be sensitive to sustainable development guided by a landscape-led masterplan

2.1.1 The wider LUC Landscape Sensitivity Assessment commissioned by the Black Country Local Authorities assessed strategic land parcel BL18 (within which the Site lies) as having Moderate• High landscape sensitivity. However, this did not fully represent the Site, as the Site forms less than 50% of the total wider strategic land area assessed under parcel BL18.

2.1.2 The wider BL18 area includes a Grade II* and Grade II Listed Building and an area of woodland, all of which lie outside of the Site and contribute to the overall sensitivity of BL18.

2.1.3 The LUC Landscape Sensitivity Assessment is based on the relative sensitivity of each landscape area with respect to "the principle of any development without knowing the location, layout, density, form, quantity or mitigation proposed". Therefore, this acknowledges that the sensitivity of the landscape may differ from the findings of the study, depending on the nature and suitability in the design of the development being proposed, or the precise site to be addressed.

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2.2 There is an opportunity to improve existing landscape features

2.2.1 The River Stour and its tributaries run through the Site and along its boundaries and is designated as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC). Development proposals, as currently formulated, include the creation of new habitats set within a primary blue infrastructure corridor.

2.2.2 Development proposals will also seek to improve the river corridors through introduction of new tree planting and creation of seasonally wet meadows and permanent water as part of a comprehensive Sustainable Drainage Strategy (SuDS).

2.2.3 A large proportion of the southern Site boundary is formed by the Uffmoor Ancient Woodland.
The development proposals would provide a generous offset of 30 metres between the edge of the ancient woodland and the proposed development edge, comprising 15 metres of unmanaged land and 15 metres of public open space. The proposals provide opportunities to enhance the woodland edge through planting of intermediate woodland species and planting new areas of woodland to connect existing, fragmented areas of woodland.

2.3 There is an opportunity to improve access and provide space for recreation

2.3.1 The emerging proposals provide opportunities to improve public access to the Site, including extensive areas of open green space, retaining and integrating existing landscape features of value (including areas for nature conservation within the Site and Uffmoor ancient woodland south of the Site), via a network of green infrastructure links.

2.3.2 There is the opportunity to provide open green space along these links for formal and informal recreation, including natural play spaces, through the delivery of a series of green infrastructure destinations.

2.4 There are wider landscape improvement opportunities at Coombeswood

2.4.1 Coombeswood presents the opportunity to provide improvements to the wider landscape in the context of Halesowen. Suggestions for enhancements at Coombeswood have the potential to improve the health and well being of the existing community as well as providing abundant benefits to biodiversity and wildlife.

3. VISUAL

3.1 The Site is not considered to be visually sensitive

3.1.1 The Site is generally well screened by intervening vegetation, undulating topography and existing built form. A number of viewpoints were discounted during field survey work as it was confirmed that there were no views of the Site from them. For viewpoint locations refer to Figure
7 within Appendix A of the Green Belt and Landscape Capacity Study (BMD.21.025.RP.001C).

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3.1.2 The most open views of the Site are from existing public footpaths within the Site and along the
Site's boundaries.

3.1.3 There are limited views of the Site from elsewhere, and these limited views are not considered to be particularly sensitive due to their nature - for example comprising partial, filtered, glimpsed or fleeting views and, in some cases, experienced in the context of the existing urban area of Halesowen.

3.1.4 There are fleeting views of the Site through gaps in vegetation, whilst travelling on the busy dual carriageway of the A456 - beyond which the Clent Hills, a non-designated landscape feature (at national or local level), are visible in the distance.

3.1.5 There are potential filtered winter views of the Site, through vegetation, from residential properties on the southern edge of Halesowen - located on a ridge above, and overlooking, the dual carriageway of the A456.

3.1.6 From lower ground within the Site, the Clent Hills are not visible as a result of the extent of enclosure provided by intervening vegetation (which includes the Uffmoor Ancient Woodland) and undulating landform.

3.1.7 The Site is not visible from The Leasowes Registered Park and Garden.

3.1.8 From a nearby viewpoint at the Scheduled Monument and Listed Building of St Mary's Abbey ruins, it was confirmed there were also no views of the Site.

3.1.9 The Site is visually well separated from the prevailing countryside due to existing vegetation along the Site boundaries, undulating landform and visually detracting features of the A456 dual carriageway and the settlement edge of Halesowen. The Site is therefore not considered to be visually sensitive.

4. GREEN BELT

4.1 Green Belt release will be required to meet the housing need of the Black
Country

4.1.1 The Council's assessments have determined that the Black Country housing requirement cannot be met through the recycling of derelict land or other land within the urban areas and outside of the Green Belt. As a result, there are exceptional circumstances that justify the release of land from the Green Belt in order to fulfil future housing requirements for the Black Country.

4.2 The Site makes a limited contribution to the purposes of the Green Belt

4.2.1 The Site is bound by permanent defensible natural features, along all boundaries, and a redefined boundary to the Green Belt - excluding the Site -would be clearly defined and defensible.

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4.2.2 The Site does not lie between two towns, and plays no significant role in preventing neighbouring towns from merging into one another.

4.2.3 The Site is heavily influenced by the existing settlement of Halesowen and the dual carriageway of the A456 - removal of the Site from the Green Belt would lead to a limited perception of encroachment into the countryside, as a result of the Site's high degree of visual containment.

4.2.4 Removal of the Site from the Green Belt would not impact upon the existing setting and character of The Leasowes Conservation Area in Halesowen or any of the listed buildings or monuments in the surrounding area, due to the extent of visual and physical separation.

4.2.5 The Black Country Urban Capacity Review (May 2018) concludes that there are not enough urban sites in the region to address a housing shortage. Allocation of the Site need not have a negative impact on recycling derelict and other urban land.

4.3 There is an opportunity to retain a strong Green Belt boundary

4.3.1 There is potential to provide a clear, defensible and permanent new Green Belt boundary along the Site's southern edge, formed by the existing Uffmoor ancient woodland - and along the Site's eastern and western edges formed by the existing watercourses, valley landform and associated vegetation, all of which can be reinforced with additional structural landscape features. All of this can be provided, regardless of the Site lying to the south of the A456 - which is not considered to be the only feature with potential to form a strong defensible edge to the Green Belt.

4.4 There is an opportunity to improve access to the Green Belt

4.4.1 Access to land within the Green Belt from Halesowen is currently severed by the dual carriageway of the A456 which forms a barrier to movement of people and wildlife.

4.4.2 The potential to change the Green Belt boundary, through removal of the Site from the Green Belt, would retain and enhance existing landscape features along the Site's boundaries with new woodland planting, improvements to biodiversity, habitat connectivity, new and enhanced walking and cycling routes and improved access to the Site and countryside beyond.

4.4.3 The development proposals also include the opportunity to enhance other land within the Green Belt at Coombeswood. The suggested enhancements include new recreational routes linking proposed Green Infrastructure destination spaces that would improve accessibility to this Green Belt asset and provide new opportunities for recreation at Coombeswood.

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5. CONCLUSION

5.1 The Site has the capacity to accommodate development, if based on a truly landscape-led masterplan

5.1.1 If designed in a manner sensitive to the landscape context and following the recommendations and mitigation outlined in the Design Recommendations of the Green Belt & Landscape Capacity Study (BMD.21.025.RP.001 B, see Appendix 1 ), it is considered that the Site has the capacity to accommodate development.

5.1.2 Development could be set within a strong and substantial landscape framework and can be accommodated without significant landscape and visual harm to the surrounding context.

5.1.3 The study demonstrates how the Site could be released from the Green Belt without compromise to the purposes and strength of the remaining areas of Green Belt.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: GREEN BELT & LANDSCAPE CAPACITY STUDY APPENDIX 2: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

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1: GREEN BELT & LANDSCAPE CAPACITY STUDY

BMD.21.025.RP.003B Executive Summary October 2021
BMD

UFFMOOR VALE

GREEN BELT & LANDSCAPE CAPACITY STUDY

BMD.21.025.RP.001C DATE: OCTOBER-2021

Uffmoor Vale
Green Belt & Landscape Capacity Study

DOCUMENT HISTORY

Project Number: 21.025 Document Reference: BMD.21.025.RP.001
Revision Purpose of Issue Originated Reviewed Approved Date
- Information EM RW RW 31.05.2021
A DRAFT EM RW RW 26.07.2021
B FINAL EM RW RW 22.09.2021
C Amendments following comments EM RW RW 07.10.2021

Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
6 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane Hatton Warwickshire CV35 8XB

Company No. 7788475

This report is the property of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.

BMD.21.025.RP.001C October 2021

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CONTENTS

1. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.2 EXISTING CONTEXT

1.3 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

1.4 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ANALYSIS

1.5 WIDER LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT

1.6. VISUAL ANALYSIS

2. GREEN BELT ANALYSIS

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.2 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

2.3 WIDER GREEN BELT REVIEWS

2.4 SITES CONTRIBUTION TO GREEN BELT PURPOSES

3. DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

4. CONCLUSION

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURES APPENDIX B: VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
APPENDIX C: GREEN BELT ANALYSIS FIGURES

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1. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. (BMD) has been appointed by St. Modwen Developments Ltd. to undertake a high-level Landscape & Visual Baseline Analysis and Green Belt Analysis to inform the iterative design process and inform the evidence base in consideration of a proposed allocation at Uffmoor Vale/ land south of Manor Way, Dudley (hereafter referred to as the 'Site' as illustrated on Figure 1: Site Location and Study Area at Appendix A) as part of the Black Country Plan review process.

1.1.2 For further details regarding heritage assets referenced in this report, including built heritage and historic landscapes, refer to separate heritage assessment produced by RPS Group (document reference: JCH01495).

1.1.3 A brief appraisal of the following documents has been undertaken to understand, define and record the context, character, setting and sensitivity of the Site (see Appendix A Landscape and Visual Analysis Figures) in order to consider its capacity and that of the surrounding landscape and visual resource to accommodate development:

• Planning policy, guidance and designations affecting the Site of relevance to landscape and visual issues -including: the Black Country Core Strategy adopted in 2011, the Draft Black Country Plan 2039 which is currently at Regulation 18 Public Consultation Stage (16" August
2021 to 5pm 11" October 2021); the Black Country Landscape Sensitivity Assessment September 2019; the Black Country Green Belt Study September 2019; Dudley Borough Development Strategy adopted March 2017; and Bromsgrove District Plan adopted January
2017.

• Key characteristics of the Site Landscape Character Area -identified in the Worcestershire Landscape Character Assessment as Landscape Type (LT) Timbered Plateau Farmlands and in the Historic Landscape Characterisation of the Black Country, Section 5.2 Dudley Character Areas, as Hayley Fields and llley landscape character area DY03.

• Immediately north of the Site lies the existing urban settlement of Halesowen, which is identified in the Historic Landscape Characterisation of the Black Country, Section 5.2 Dudley Character Areas, as Halesowen landscape character area DY02.

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1.1.4 Following the baseline study and on consideration of the findings, a Landscape Constraints & Capacity Plan has been produced (see Figure 9 at Appendix A), which illustrates and summarises the recommendations of this Landscape and Visual Analysis.

1.1.5 Subject to adherence with the requirements of relevant planning policy and guidance, and the recommendations outlined in this report for suitable assimilation of development into the Site, it is considered that this Site has the capacity to accommodate the nature of development proposed.

1.2 EXISTING CONTEXT

1.2.1 The Site covers 66.60 hectares, comprising several arable fields and a small number of agricultural outbuildings and private residences associated with Tack Farm and Uffmoor Farm. There are several small watercourses on Site including the River Stour that runs east-west through the Site, as illustrated on Figure 2: Access and Water (see Appendix A). The Site is bound to the north by the A456 (Manor Way) and Uffmoor ancient woodland to the south.

1.2.2 The eastern boundary of the Site follows quarry lane, off the A456, before loosely following a tributary of the River Stour and associated vegetated corridor that runs in a north-south direction. The Site's western boundary follows Uffmoor Lane, off the A456, before extending further west along the River Stour and wrapping around a field parcel associated with Uffmoor Farm.

1.2.3 The Site features a network of hedgerow and tree field boundaries on its outer edges and internally, which define existing field enclosures. The hedgerow field boundaries also follow a network of internal watercourses located on Site.

1.2.4 Several Public Rights of Way transect the Site including HLS0174 footpath that runs through the northern part of the Site connecting the A456 (Manor Way) to Uffmoor Lane. In the western parcel of the Site, west of Uffmoor Lane, a short length of footpath HLS0181 crosses the Site. North of this area the footpath HLS0173 lies north of the Site's boundary. These two footpaths connect to wider footpath links through Halesowen across the A456 (Manor Way). A longer footpath HLS0183 runs along the Site's southern boundary at the edge of Uffmoor Wood. This connects to footpath HLS0177 southeast of the Site, a footpath that runs broadly north-south along the River Stour tributary connecting Halesowen to open land within the Green Belt to the south.

1.2.5 The Site's local topography falls generally in a northeast direction towards the River Stour Valley, as illustrated on Figure 3: Landform (see Appendix A). The highest point is located to the southwest of the Site (160m AOD), and the lowest point is located to the northeast of the Site along

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the river valley (129m AOD). It is worth noting that the Site's topography rises up towards the A456 (Manor Way) on the northern side of the River Stour valley to 141- 143m AOD.

1.2.6 The Leasowes Registered Park and Garden, Grade I, is a historic landscape and popular Park approximately 3km to the northeast of the Site, off the A458. Confirmed through testing during field work, there is no intervisibility between the Site and The Leasowes due to layers of intervening wooded vegetation and rolling topography.

1.2.7 The elevated slopes of the Clent Hills are located approximately 3km to the southwest of the Site.
Due to layers of intervening wooded vegetation to the south of the Site, including substantial Uffmoor Wood, and the River Stour Valley landform within the Site, the Site is visually well screened. From testing during field work it was confirmed that there are distant, partial, filtered views of the edges of the Site adjacent to the A456 and existing settlement area of Halesowen, from the elevated slopes of the Clent Hills.

1.3 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

1.3.1 This section provides a summary of the local planning policy relevant to landscape and visual issues, as illustrated on Figure 4: Planning Policy Context (see Appendix A).

National Context

1.3.2 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2021) sets out the Government's planning policies for England and provides a framework within which the applicable local council should prepare their local and neighbourhood plans. The NPPF is a material consideration in planning decisions.

1.3.3 The NPPF sets out three overarching objectives (Economic, Social and Environmental) in order to achieve sustainable development. These objectives are interdependent, need to be considered in mutually supportive ways and should be delivered through the preparation and implementation of plans and the application of the policies set out in the NPPF. The NPPF also notes the importance of planning policies and decisions in playing an active role in guiding development towards sustainable solutions - which should respond to local circumstances, reflecting local character, needs and opportunities of each area. Those policies relevant to this Green Belt & Landscape Capacity Study are:

• Chapter 8-Promoting healthy and safe communities;

• Chapter 12 - Achieving well-designed places;

• Chapter 13 - Protecting Green Belt land;

• Chapter 15 - Conserving and enhancing the natural environment.

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Local Planning Policy

1.3.4 The Black Country Core Strategy, adopted in February 2011, provides the strategy for growth of the Black Country to 2026. This document is to be superseded by the emerging Black Country Plan due for public consultation this summer. The Black Country local authorities include Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Walsall Council and Wolverhampton City Council.

1.3.5 The site lies within the administrative boundary of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. The Dudley Borough Development Strategy, adopted in March 2017, is a key document of the Dudley Local Plan and builds on the Black Country Core Strategy, providing greater detail for Dudley Borough. Policies that are of relevance to this Landscape and Visual Analysis are:

Policy S9: Conservation Areas

1.3.6 The Leasowes Conservation Area lies approximately 3km northeast of the Site and is potentially sensitive to development. Policy S9 states that proposals which would be detrimental to the character or setting, or could prejudice views into or out of Conservation Areas, will be resisted.

Policy S13: Areas of High Historic Landscape Value (AHHLV)

1.3.7 The site lies within a wider area of high historic landscape value. Policy S13 states that proposals will not be permitted if they fail to respond adequately to their historic landscape context. The policy also seeks to protect and enhance views into, from or within areas of high historic landscape value.

Policy S14: Registered Parks and Gardens and Designated Landscapes of High Historic Value
(DLHHV)

1.3.8 Leasowes Registered Park and Garden is a historic park approximately 3km northeast of the Site and potentially sensitive to development. Policy S14 states that the Leasowes Park will be preserved and enhanced wherever possible and that the Council will resist any development that would be detrimental to the setting, character, quality and historic integrity of Leasowes Park. Following field survey, we can confirm that there was no intervisibility between Leasowes Park and the Site due to layers of intervening vegetation and rolling topography.

Policy S19: Dudley Borough's Green Network

1.3.9 The Site forms part of Dudley's Green Network, which includes formal and informal green spaces across the Borough including areas of Green Belt and designated nature conservation areas. Policy S19 states that development proposals must comply with the aims and role of the Green Network (provide wildlife corridors, accommodate pedestrian and cycle paths, provide

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opportunities for informal recreation, maintain integrity of water courses and enhance their natural value etc.) and add value to the green network, particularly in providing green infrastructure that would strengthen it.

Policy S21: Nature Conservation Enhancement, Mitigation and Compensation

1.3.10 The River Stour and the Stour Valley within the site forms an area of local importance for nature conservation covered by Policy S21 positively encouraging development where proposals can demonstrate improvements, expansion or increased links to nature conservation sites.

Policy S22: Mature Trees, Woodland and Ancient Woodland

1.3.11 Uffmoor ancient woodland forms the southern boundary of the Site. Policy S22 seeks to protect ancient woodland and states that measures will be taken to restore these areas, and where appropriate expand them with new complementary planting, particularly to encourage linked woodland areas.

Policy S23: Green Belt

1.3.12 The Site sits entirely within the Green Belt, covered by Policy S23, stating that development will not be permitted within the Green Belt except for exceptional circumstances as set out in the NPPF.

Policy S27: River Stour and its Tributaries

1.3.13 The River Stour and its tributaries run through the Site and along its boundaries. Policy S27 states that development proposals alongside or in close proximity to the River Stour and its tributaries are required to enable restoration of the riverbank habitat, create new habitats and retain or create an area of Green Infrastructure either side of the River Stour channel and its tributaries, of at least
10m in width from each riverbank top, unless this can be satisfactorily demonstrated to be unfeasible. Dudley Council will also require creation of a footway and cycleway of a combined width 3.3m minimum within a landscaped setting along at least one side of the watercourse to link in with the wider network of paths and cycleways.

1.4 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ANALYSIS Landscape Character at National Level
1.4.1 Natural England has divided England into 159 distinct natural areas referred to as National
Character Areas (NCAs). The boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape, rather than administrative boundaries and each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural economic activity.

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NCA Profile 97 Arden

1.4.2 The Site falls wholly within NCA 97: Arden. It is considered that, whilst the character assessments provided at national level inform the context for regional, district and local character assessments, they do not provide a sufficient level of detail appropriate to the scale and size of the Site and nature of the proposed development. Therefore, NCA 97: Arden was not considered further as part of this Landscape and Visual Analysis.

Landscape Character at Regional & Local Level

1.4.3 This section provides a summary of the published regional and local level landscape character assessments relevant to the Site, as illustrated on Figure 6: Landscape Character (see Appendix A).

1.4.4 The Site lies on the northern edge of Landscape Type (LT) Timbered Plateau Farmlands, as defined by the Worcestershire Landscape Character Assessment, set against the existing settlement of Halesowen. This landscape is summarised as a landscape of rolling topography dissected by broad wooded valleys and mixed hedgerows with scattered hedgerow oaks. Other key characteristics include ancient woodland character and medium / long distance views. The Site is typical of this landscape character area and presents many of the common characteristics, albeit it is heavily influenced by the adjacent urban area of Halesowen and the busy A456.

1.4.5 The Site lies on the edge Hayley Fields and llley landscape character area DY03, as defined by the Historic Landscape Characterisation of the Black Country. DY3 is characterised almost entirely by fields interspersed with small, scattered settlement, of mostly hamlets and farmhouses. The northern boundary is formed by the intensely residential character area of Halesowen while the southern limit of the area is marked by the boundary with rural parts of Worcestershire.

1.4.6 Immediately north of the Site is the existing urban settlement of Halesowen, landscape character area DY02, as defined by the Historic Landscape Characterisation of the Black Country. Halesowen is described as a large residential area, having an unusually modern landscape in Black Country terms, representing the modern expansion of the metropolitan conurbation south into what was previously a more rural landscape. This landscape character area encompasses small areas of settlement south of the A456 (Manor Way) including an area adjacent to the Site's western boundary, south of Hagley Road.

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1.5 WIDER LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT

1.5.1 As part of the evidence base supporting the emerging Black Country Plan, the City of Wolverhampton and Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall Metropolitan Borough Councils (together comprising the Black Country) commissioned a Landscape Sensitivity Assessment (September
2019) to assess the sensitivity of areas of Green Belt land within the Black Country. The purpose of the study was to provide an assessment of the extent to which the quality and character of the landscape is susceptible to change as a result of introducing built development.

1.5.2 The LUC Landscape Sensitivity Assessment subdivides the study area into landscape assessment areas that share common characteristics and are likely to be broadly consistent in terms of their sensitivity. The overall landscape sensitivity of each landscape assessment area is rated as High, Moderate-High, Moderate, Low-Moderate or Low.

1.5.3 Landscape assessment area BL18 (within which the Site lies) is assessed as having Moderate• High landscape sensitivity. The following definitions are given by the LUC assessment for High and Moderate sensitivity, with Moderate-High landscape sensitivity falling somewhere between the two:

Sensitivity Definition
High The landscape has strong character and qualities with notable features which are highly sensitive to change as a result of introducing built development.
Moderate The landscape has some distinctive characteristics and valued qualities, with some sensitivity to change as a result of introducing built development.

1.5.4 The sensitivity rating is based on an assessment of the landscape areas against a set of landscape sensitivity criteria including scale, landform, landscape pattern, 'natural' character, perceptual aspects, settlement setting, visual prominence and intervisibility with adjacent designated landscapes or promoted viewpoints.

1.5.5 Several landscape assessment areas along the settlement edge of Dudley (BL16-19), including the Site area, are considered to have High or Moderate-High sensitivity. This is summarised as being due to the occurrence of natural features related to the watercourses and woodland (including ancient woodland), designations as Areas of High Historic Landscape Value (AHHLV) and the strong existing settlement edge.

1.5.6 Some of these landscape features and designations characterise the Site - which includes a section of the River Stour and its tributaries, vegetation associated with the watercourses and field

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boundaries. The designation of AHHLV covers a large area, with distinct 'pockets' to the east and west of the Site and a small distinct 'pocket' extending to cover the Site and a little area to the west and south. However, the wider BL18 area stretches further eastwards to include a Grade II* and Grade II Listed Building and an area of woodland, all of which lie outside of the Site and contribute to the overall sensitivity of BL18 (see Figure 5 at Appendix A).

1.5. 7 The Site is 66.60ha in size and sits wholly within landscape assessment area BL18, which itself totals 137.16ha and is comprised entirely of Green Belt land. The Site forms less than half of the wider BL18 area and therefore the findings of the wider BL18 landscape assessment area do not properly represent the landscape sensitivity of the Site alone.

1.5.8 It is also worth noting that the LUC Landscape Sensitivity Assessment is a strategic-level study based on the relative sensitivity of each landscape area with respect to "the principle of any development without knowing the location, layout, density, form, quantity or mitigation proposed". Therefore, the sensitivity of the landscape assessment areas may differ from the findings of the study, depending on the nature and suitability in the design of the development being proposed.

1.6 VISUAL ANALYSIS

1.6.1 This analysis has identified visual receptors that have potential for views of, and are the most sensitive to, the type of development proposed. These receptors, and those that were discounted during field survey, are shown on Figure 6: Viewpoint Location Plan (see Appendix A).

1.6.2 Viewpoint photographs as indicated on Figure 6 can be seen at Appendix B. Findings from the field survey and visual analysis are summarised as follows:

• The most open views of the Site are from internal existing public footpaths within the Site (Ref: HLS0174 & HLS0181) and along the Site's boundaries (Ref: HLS0173, HLS0183 & HLS 0177).

• There are fleeting views of the Site through gaps in vegetation whilst travelling on the A456.

• There are potential filtered winter views of the Site through vegetation from residential properties on the southern edge of Halesowen, which site on a ridge above and overlook the A456.

• There is a glimpsed view of the site from Bromsgrove Road approximately 1km to the east of the Site. From this viewpoint rooftops of agricultural buildings at Tack Farm are visible and a small portion of higher land along the A456 north of the Site is visible in the context of Halesowen (which is seen directly behind).

• The elevated wooded slopes of the Clent Hills are visible in the far distance along the horizon, when seen from higher ground in the north of the Site.

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• There are partial, long distance, filtered views of the Site from a high viewpoint on the Clent Hills to the southwest of the Site. From this elevated viewpoint a small portion of higher land along the A456 to the north of the Site is visible in the context of Halesowen (which is seen directly behind).

• The Site is not visible from The Leasowes Registered Park and Garden or The Leasowes
Conservation Area.

• Elsewhere, beyond the Site's boundaries and their immediate context, the Site is well screened by intervening vegetation, undulating topography and existing built form. A number of viewpoints were therefore discounted during field survey as it was confirmed that there were no views of the Site.

• There is a scheduled monument and listed building at St Mary's Abbey ruins, approximately
2km east of the site, as illustrated on Figure 5: Environmental Designations (see Appendix A). During field survey we were unable to visit the Abbey due to access being closed off to the public. From a nearby viewpoint along the A456, it was confirmed that there were no views to the Site due to intervening rising landform, built form and wooded vegetation.

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2. GREEN BELT ANALYSIS

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.1.1 This section of the report sets out a Green Belt Analysis undertaken by BMD, to inform the iterative design process and form part of the evidence base in consideration of an allocation of the Site.

2.1.2 In September 2019, LUC prepared a Black Country Green Belt Study on behalf of City of Wolverhampton Borough Council, Walsall Borough Council, Sandwell Borough Council and Dudley Borough Council, to inform the future planning strategies for the Draft Black Country Plan. Stage 1 of the Green Belt Study sub-divides the Green Belt into strategic land parcels for assessment against the Green Belt purposes identified within the NPPF. The Site lies within strategic land parcel B71 Uffmoor Lapal.

2.1.3 This Green Belt analysis provides a more fine-grained assessment of the Site against the Green Belt purposes and consideration of the potential capacity to accommodate development, as the LUC Green Belt Study does not fully describe or represent the Site, as it forms only a fraction of the total wider strategic B71 area.

2.1.4 For further details regarding heritage assets referenced in this report, including built heritage and historic landscape, refer to separate heritage assessment produced by RPS Group (document reference: JCH01495).

2.2 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT National Planning Policy
2.2.1 Government policy on Green Belt is set out in Chapter 13 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Paragraph 138 of the NPPF states that Green Belts should serve five purposes as follows:
1. To check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas.
2. To prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another.
3. To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment.
4. To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns.
5. To assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

2.2.2 Paragraph 140 of the NPPF indicates that, "Once established, Green Belt boundaries should only be altered where exceptional circumstances are fully evidenced and justified, through the preparation or updating of plans."

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2.2.3 Paragraph 142 of the NPPF indicates that "when drawing up or reviewing Green Belt boundaries, the need to promote sustainable patterns of development should be taken into account. Strategic policy-making authorities should consider the consequences for sustainable development towards urban areas inside the Green Belt boundary, towards towns and villages inset within the Green Belt or towards locations beyond the outer Green Belt boundary. Where it has been concluded that it is necessary to release Green Belt land for development, plans should give first consideration to land which has been previously developed and I or is well served by public transport. They should also set out ways in which the impact of removing land from the Green Belt can be offset through compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of remaining Green Belt land".

2.2.4 When defining Green Belt boundaries, paragraph 143 of the NPPF states that plans should "define boundaries clearly, using physical features that are readily recognisable and likely to be permanent".

2.2.5 Whilst paragraph 137 of the NPPF is clear that the fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open, paragraph 145 of the NPPF also states that "local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access; to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation; to retain and enhance landscapes, visual amenity and biodiversity; or to improve damaged and derelict land"

The Black Country Core Strategy

2.2.6 The Black Country Core Strategy 2011 sets out the overall strategy for the Black Country until
2026. The Core Strategy does not include a specific Green Belt policy, however references to the Green Belt are identified in policies: CSP2: Development Outside the Growth Network, which states that the Green Belt will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development; policy ENV2: Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, which states that development should protect and promote historic character and local distinctiveness; and policy ENV6: Open Space, Sport and Recreation, which states that local authorities will make more efficient use of land by providing opportunities to increase appropriate open space, sport and recreation use of the Green Belt.

Dudley Borough Development Strategy

2.2.7 Dudley Borough Development Strategy 2017 is a key document of the Dudley Local Plan and builds upon the Black Country Core Strategy, providing much greater detail for Dudley Borough. The policies that are relevant to the Green Belt are S19 Dudley's Green Network and Policy S23
Green Belt, both of which are described in paragraphs 1.3.9 and 1.3.12 as part of the Landscape and Visual Analysis section of this report.

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2.3 WIDER GREEN BELT REVIEWS

2.3.1 As part of the evidence base supporting the emerging Black Country Plan, City of Wolverhampton Borough Council, Walsall Borough Council, Sandwell Borough Council and Dudley Borough Council commissioned a Black Country Green Belt Study (September 2019) to assess the contribution that strategic land parcels have on the five Green Belt Purposes (as defined by the NPPF).

2.3.2 The LUC Black Country Green Belt Study identifies a number of strategic land parcels, then assessed the contribution each parcel makes to the Green Belt purposes as identified within the NPPF. Purpose 5 was omitted from the assessment and reasons for this are explained in paragraph 2.3.8. The contribution of each strategic land parcel is rated as Strong, Moderate or Weak/ No Contribution. Parcel B71 (within which the Site lies) is assessed as follows:

Green Belt purpose 1 2 3 4
as identified in NPPF

Contribution of B71 Strong Moderate Strong Weak/
no contribution

2.3.3 The Site is 66.60ha in size and sits wholly within the western extent of strategic land parcel B71 (see Figure A at Appendix C), which totals 336.60ha of Green Belt land in its entirety. The B71 parcel lies largely to the east of the Site and narrows substantially at the Site's north-east corner. There is a substantial degree of separation between the Site and the wider extent of the parcel, with the Site forming less than 20% of the wider B71 area. Therefore, the findings of the wider B71 area do not properly represent the contribution the Site makes to the purposes of the Green Belt.

2.3.4 It is also worth noting that the LUC Black Country Green Belt Study only assess land parcels that fall within the Black Country local authority boundaries and does not consider the wider Green Belt context that lies beyond this. For example, parcel B17 sits on the southern edge of the Black Country local authority boundary and has only been assessed up to this boundary. However, B17 sits within a much wider area of Green Belt land to the south that falls within Bromsgrove District that has not been considered as part of the Black Country assessment.

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2.3.5 The Bromsgrove Green Belt Review assesses Green Belt strategic land parcels wholistically including the extents that fall beyond Bromsgrove District boundary. The review includes strategic land parcels that also cover the Site area- the Site falls mostly within parcel N6 with a small portion within NW7. The contribution parcel N6 and NW? make to the purposes of the Green Belt were assessed as follows:

Green Belt purpose 1 2 3 4 as identified in NPPF
Contribution of N6 Strong Moderate Moderate N/A

Contribution of NW? Strong Strong Strong N/A

2.3.6 Again, the Site constitutes a small portion of the wider strategic land parcels N6 and NW7, therefore the findings of the Bromsgrove Green Belt review do not properly represent the contribution the Site makes to the purposes of the Green Belt.

2.3.7 The assessment does not consider Purpose 4 'To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns' due to extent of existing settlement between the historic core of Bromsgrove town and the Green Belt, making this purpose irrelevant to the Green Belt assessment.

2.3.8 Purpose 5 was excluded from both the LUC Black Country Green Belt Study and the Bromsgrove Green Belt Review assessment as it was not considered to be possible to determine which areas of Green Belt play a stronger role with respect to assisting in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.

2.3.9 The assessment of the Site's contribution to the purposes of the Green Belt, as set out in this Green Belt & Landscape Capacity Study, is considered alongside the findings for parcel B71 as defined by the Black Country Green Belt Study and parcels N6 & NW? as defined by the Bromsgrove Green Belt Review.

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2.4 SITES CONTRIBUTION TO GREEN BELT PURPOSES

2.4.1 The NPPF (July 2021) sets out the five key purposes for land that lies within the Green Belt. This analysis is based on consideration to remove 60.30ha of land from the Green Belt, as shown on Figure B: Proposed Green Belt Revision at Appendix C, for allocation for development would have the following effects and implications on these five stated purposes:

Green Belt Purpose

1. Check unrestricted Figure A: Existing Green Belt & Historic Context (see Appendix C) sprawl of large built illustrates the broad context of the Green Belt around the Site and the up areas wider area to the south of Halesowen. The existing southern edge of Halesowen is defined by the A456 dual carriageway that runs east-west
north of the Site's boundary. The existing Green Belt boundary is also
defined by the A456.

As illustrated on Figure B: Proposed Green Belt Revision (see Appendix C), the proposed revision to the Green Belt boundary would provide a clearly defined and defensible boundary to the Green Belt in this location. The existing Uffmoor Ancient Woodland would provide a strong, defensible and permanent Green Belt boundary that would be reinforced by a landscape buffer along the Site's southern edge. The Site's eastern and western boundaries follow a tributary of the River Stour. The valley landform and associated vegetation would provide a defensible and permanent Green Belt boundary to the east and west of the Site.

The LUC Black Country Green Belt Study, concludes that area B71 provides strong contribution to checking unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas as it is located adjacent to the large built up area of Halesowen and the A456 currently provides a strong defensible long term boundary to Halesowen.

Whilst the contribution of land parcel B71 to purpose 5 is strong due to proximity to the existing built up area, the Site itself is bound by defensible and permanent natural features along all boundaries. These features contain the Site well within B71 and the proposed Green Belt boundary would be clearly defined and defensible, therefore it is considered that the Site's contribution to this purpose is Weak.

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2. Preventing neighbouring towns from merging into one another
The Site does not occupy a crucial position in the wider Green Belt context. Other parts of the Green Belt in the area surrounding Halesowen and in the wider context are more important in preventing the merging of towns. The Site has no visual interaction with the nearest towns or the suburban edge of Birmingham, with limited visual connectivity with small villages in the surrounding landscape.

The existing distances between the Green Belt boundary surrounding the southern edge of Halesowen and the nearest towns to the south are
approximately as follows:

Halesowen -Bromsgrove
Halesowen - suburban edge of Birmingham at Woodgate
Halesowen - suburban edge of Birmingham at Rubery
9.71km

3.60km

4.55km

As illustrated on Figure B: Proposed Green Belt Boundary (see Appendix C) the proposed Green Belt boundary would reduce the width of Green Belt between: Halesowen and Bromsgrove to the south by approximately 71 Om; Halesowen and the suburban edge of Birmingham at Woodgate to the east by approximately 600m; and Halesowen and the suburban edge of Birmingham at Rubery to the south east by approximately 71 Om.

These settlements would remain a considerable distance apart from Halesowen following the proposed Green Belt revision. There is no visual connection between the Site and these settlements and the open undulating landform, valley character, intervening vegetation (including areas of ancient woodland) and scattered built form (including villages) provide a robust separation between the settlements.

This Green Belt purpose specifically refers to the prevention of towns from merging into one another. However, the Site's relationship to surrounding villages has also been considered as part of this assessment. There are some small scattered villages to the south of Halesowen, including Hunnington and Romsley but these would remain
0.81 km and 1.81 km from the Site respectively. The open undulating
landform, valley character and intervening vegetation between these villages and Halesowen further increases the notion of separation.

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Whilst development would extend Halesowen's urban edge towards Bromsgrove and the suburban edge of Birmingham at Woodgate and Rubery, the separate identity of these respective settlements would not be affected. The removal of the Site from the Green Belt would not prejudice this Green Belt purpose as the Site is not fundamentally important in maintaining separation between the existing settlements.

The LUC Black Country Green Belt Study concludes that area B71 offers moderate contribution to preventing neighbouring towns from merging into one another. This rating is used for land that lies between towns which are near each other, but where there is sufficient physical or visual separation for each town to retain its own distinct setting and is therefore not essential to maintaining a sense of separation between them. The Site does not lie between two towns, as it only forms a small portion of the land parcel B71 and plays no significant role in maintaining the separation between towns. Therefore, it is considered that the Site's
contribution to this purpose is Weak.

3. To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment
The landscape and visual analysis found that, beyond its immediate context, the Site is visually well separated from the prevailing countryside south of Halesowen due to existing vegetation, landform and built form.

The removal of the Site from the Green Belt would lead to a limited perception of encroachment into the countryside because of the Site's high degree of visual containment. Encroachment would be perceivable from some of the existing residential properties along the southern limit of Halesowen, however this could be reduced by sensitive design and mitigation.

From the wider context, partial views of the Site are experienced in the context of Halesowen which can be seen directly behind the Site. For this reason, the perception of encroachment into the countryside would be limited as only a small portion of the Site is visible from considerable distance, seen in the context of the built-up area of Halesowen.

The LUC Black Country Green Belt Study concludes that parcel B71 as a whole offers a strong contribution to assisting in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. This rating is given to land that
contains the characteristics of open countryside (i.e. an absence of built

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or otherwise urbanising uses in Green Belt terms) and which does not have a stronger relationship with the urban areas than with the wider countryside. The area of parcel B71 within which the Site lies (which is detached from 80% of the wider B71 parcel) is heavily influenced by the existing settlement of Halesowen and the busy dual carriageway of the A456. The Site is located in an area disconnected from the wider strategic land parcel B71, and is therefore has a stronger relationship to the urban area relative to the southern extents of B71 that lie deeper within the Green Belt land.

The Bromsgrove Green Belt Review concludes parcel N6 (including majority of the Site area) offers a moderate contribution to assisting in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. This rating is given to land that has a rural sense and exhibits countryside characteristics but there may be some urban features affecting openness.

With regards to the Site, it comprises only a small proportion of both B71 and N6 parcels. It is visually well contained and visual openness is limited due to the cumulative effect of the undulating landform and intervening vegetation around the Site's boundaries and within the surrounding immediate landscape. Furthermore, it is heavily influenced by the urbanising features of Halesowen settlement edge and A456. Therefore, it is determined that the contribution of the Site to this
purpose is Weak.

4. To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns
Halesowen Character Area, as defined in the Black Country Historic Landscape Characterisation (BCHLC), is described as having an unusually modern landscape in Black Country terms with as much as three quarters of its area being mid to late 20" century development. The Parish Church is medieval and there are a few Georgian houses of interest, but much of the modern centre of the town dates from redevelopment in the 1960s.

When describing the historic character of Halesowen, the BCHLC explains that whilst much of the central Black Country was transformed by industrial towns and open cast mining in the 19" century, the landscape of Halesowen was in general one of agriculture, small-scale settlement and industry. Despite this the 20" century growth of housing around the Black Country saw the area's ultimate transformation to a suburban landscape with much in common with the rest of the
conurbation.

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The Site sits within a wider area of land mapped in Dudley Borough Development Strategy as an Area of High Historic Landscape Value (AHHLV), as illustrated on Figure A: Existing Green Belt & Historic Context at Appendix C. This designation is said to demonstrate the importance of the wider landscape elements of the historic environment such as areas of open space, woodland, watercourses, hedgerows, archaeological features and their contribution to the local character and distinctiveness as well as their historic, communal, ecological and aesthetic values. The Site's features including the watercourses, hedgerows and trees may contribute to the historic landscape value of the wider AHHLV.

There are several Areas of High Historic Townscape Value (AHHTV) within Halesowen, the closest of which lies approximately 1km to the north east of the Site, however there is no intervisibility between the AHHTVs and the Site due to built form of Halesowen that lies between them, and therefore it is considered that the Site offers no contribution to the setting of the AHHTVs.

The Leasowes Park is approximately 3km north east of the Site and is designated as a Historic Park. However, the landscape and visual analysis determined that there was no intervisibility between the Site and The Leasowes due to layers of intervening wooded vegetation, undulating topography and built form. Therefore, it is considered that the Site offers no contribution to the setting of The Leasowes Historic Park.

There are several listed buildings within the study area, many of which are in and around the centre of Halesowen. There are two scheduled monuments within the vicinity of the Site including the cross in St John the Baptist's churchyard in the centre of Halesowen and the aforementioned Halesowen Abbey and associated water control features which are approximately 2km east of the Site. However, there is no intervisibility between the Site and the listed buildings and monuments and therefore any impact on these, from the nature of development proposed, would be negligible.

The LUC Black Country Green Belt Study states that area B71 offers weak / no contribution to preserving the setting and special character of historic towns as the land forms little or no part of the setting of an historic town and does not contribute to its special character.

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This assessment considers that the Site offers no contribution to this purpose.

5. To assist in urban The Black Country Urban Capacity Review (May 2018) concludes that regeneration by there are not enough urban sites in the region to address a housing encouraging the shortage, identifying a significant shortfall that has triggered the need recycling of derelict for a review of the Green Belt area within the Black Country.
land and other urban
land With this in mind, urban development should be channelled towards the most sustainable locations adjoining urban areas including around Halesowen, in accordance with paragraph 142 of the NPPF. However, and again in circumstances where there are insufficient urban sites to meet the housing requirement, the allocation of Green Belt land need not have a negative impact on recycling derelict and other urban land.

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3. DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1.1 Following the landscape and visual analysis, and on consideration of findings, Figure 9: Landscape Constraints and Capacity Plan (see Appendix A) has been produced to illustrate the potential development capacity based on the landscape and visual opportunities and constraints. These arise from consideration of existing features, the landscape / visual context, analysis following field work, published guidance documents and the requirements of planning policy.

3.1.2 Following the review of the Site against the five purposes of the Green Belt, and on consideration of findings, Figure C: Landscape Mitigation Plan (see Appendix C) considers mitigation proposals that could reduce the impact of removing the site from the Green Belt and provide a strong, defensible boundary to the revised Green Belt.

3.1.3 In consideration of the above, the following recommendations have been derived to maximise opportunities for assimilating development into the landscape - minimising its impact on the surrounding landscape character and views, and to provide the proposed Green Belt revision with a strong and defensible boundary.

Reducing Adverse Landscape and Visual Effects

3.1.4 Sensitive design, placement within existing landform, suitable development offsets and strengthening of existing vegetation - within the Site and on its boundaries - will be an essential requirement to assimilate any future development proposals.

3.1.5 Existing on Site and boundary trees and vegetation should be retained and incorporated into the development proposals. It is recommended that, should St. Modwen pursue the development of the Site, a suitably qualified Arboricultural consultant should be appointed to survey the Site trees for their long-term landscape and amenity value.

3.1.6 Additional vegetated screening of 10 to 15m width should be implemented around Tack Farm and
Uffmoor Farm to provide a buffer for the existing residential properties.

3.1. 7 Existing landscape features on Site, such as vegetation and river valleys, should be used to divide the Site up into development areas. This will help to reduce any adverse impacts on existing landscape features and would provide a more immediately mature and attractive setting for new development. Parcels should be outward facing, with frontage outlook over open green spaces and green infrastructure links to maximise value.

3.1.8 The northern boundary of the Site is visually sensitive, due to its relatively elevated nature and position with long distance filtered views from the southwest at Clent Hills. This portion of the Site is also exposed to existing edge of Halesowen to the north of the A456. Improvements to Manor

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Way, including reducing speed limit and introduction of a new signalled junction to provide access to the site, are being explored as part of the Site development proposals. Sensitive landscape treatment of this northern boundary using appropriate development offsets and street tree planting will be essential in providing new properties within the development with a positive setting and aid in enhancing the biodiversity value of the Site.

3.1.9 Maximum heights of the proposed built form throughout the Site should be considered, to reduce any potential adverse landscape and visual effects on the surrounding landscape, taking care to minimise the extent that the Proposed Development breaches the skyline (beyond that already apparent by the edge of Halesowen). Mitigation planting along the Site boundaries will help to visually contain the development. Lower building parameters should be proposed on the higher ground to the north and along the Site's woodland and rural facing edges, with taller built form elements situated closer to the centre of the Site on lower ground that is more visually contained by the Site's topography. Proposed height parameters will need to be tested with Accurate Visual Representation wirelines from key viewpoints at the next stage of design to confirm their suitability.

3.1.10 There is the opportunity to provide a formal sports pitch to the western part of the Site, to the west of the existing public right of way that transects this part of the Site in a roughly north-south alignment. This rural edge is an appropriate location for open green space for sport and fitness and is not limited by complex topography and existing retained hedgerows that constrain the south eastern portion of the Site (where pitches have previously been shown by others).

3.1.11 Lighting within the development should be to industry best practice standards to minimise light spill, sky glow and any adverse effects on nocturnal wildlife, with the layout of the development carefully designed to focus activity on the internal areas, minimising the potential for noise and lighting to spill out into the surrounding landscape.

Green Infrastructure and landscape mitigation

3.1.12 Landscape buffers and green infrastructure likely to be associated with any future development on the Site provides the opportunity to increase vegetation cover and enhance the onsite biodiversity value whilst providing appropriate mitigation to potential views of the development and perception of encroachment into the countryside.

3.1.13 Open green spaces should be provided along the proposed Green Belt boundary to complement the rural setting of the Green Belt and provide a transitional landscape setting between the proposed development and the rural edge. Use of appropriate development offsets and boundary planting will help to soften the interface between the development and the proposed Green Belt boundary, including a 30m buffer to the ancient woodland along the southern boundary of the Site.

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3.1.14 The existing hedgerow and hedgerow trees on the Site boundaries are important landscape features and should be retained and incorporated into the design to maintain existing habitats and contribute to wildlife connectivity. Future development proposals should seek to retain and incorporate the Site boundary hedgerow and trees, particularly any 'veteran' trees and vegetation protected by TPO, as part of the landscape framework. Any hedgerow loss must be mitigated with a compensatory habitat as part of the landscape proposals. A survey and assessment of the quality and importance of the existing Site hedgerows must be undertaken, using Hedgerows Regulations 1997, by a qualified ecologist to identify 'important' hedgerows (identified for potential historical/ ecological importance).

3.1.15 Provide a network of Green-Blue Infrastructure links throughout the development, retaining existing habitats, trees and woodland of value and providing links to features in the surrounding landscape. The existing River Stour Valley presents an opportunity to provide a unique landscape character whilst enhancing habitat value and on-Site flood mitigation through introduction of seasonally wet meadows. The NPPF requires net biodiversity gain, for which the Green-Blue Infrastructure network can be designed to achieve, in discussion with the project ecologist. Use landscape and green infrastructure to provide a strong framework within which change can be facilitated in a sustainable way.

3.1.16 Sustainable drainage (SuDS) should be integrated into the landscape strategy where possible, including along the River Stour valley creating a primary blue infrastructure link. SuDS should comprise above ground systems such as ponds and swales (with permanent water designed into ponds), maximising their contribution to biodiversity/ wildlife habitat and the landscape character
/ identity of the development. Introduce new tree planting along watercourses using typical riparian
species such as alder, willow and poplar.

3.1.17 Across the development, plant predominantly native species of local provenance that are appropriate for the location to link with areas of existing vegetation. Planting layouts and densities should be arranged to complement the existing character of the area and fit within the existing landscape.

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Integrating and connecting Public Rights of Way

3.1.18 There is an opportunity to improve the existing public right of way network across the Site that is currently fragmented and lacking overall connectivity. Incorporate existing public right of way footpaths HLS0174, HLS0181, HLS0183 and HLS0177 running through the Site, to ensure their longevity and future use by the local community and as part of a sustainable travel network to support the development. Integrate existing public footpaths, along diverted routes where absolutely necessary, through a diverse network of linked and well landscaped corridors, with subtle mounding provided to enhance their setting within the development. Upgrade these routes to provide cycleways where possible, to maximise sustainable transport benefits.

3.1.19 Key green infrastructure links and green spaces should be located along the existing public rights of way and enhanced pedestrian movement network. Accessible and well-connected green infrastructure will encourage use and add value to the existing public right of way network.

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4. CONCLUSION

4.1.1 This Green Belt & Landscape Capacity Study has considered: relevant planning policy; published landscape character assessments; the existing features and character of the Site; views toward the Site/ potential visibility of development on the Site and, the contribution of the Site to the five purposes of the Green Belt as set out in the NPPF.

4.1.2 In consideration of the above, the analysis has identified opportunities and constraints for the Proposed Development and has outlined a series of Recommendations to maximise these opportunities for assimilating the development into the landscape and minimising its impact on surrounding views.

4.1.3 Based on consideration of the findings, if designed in a manner sensitive to the landscape context and following the recommendations and mitigation outlined in the Design Recommendations, it is considered that the Site has the capacity to support development, set within a strong and substantial landscape framework as illustrated on Figure 9: Landscape Constraints and Capacity Plan (see Appendix A), and can be accommodated without significant landscape and visual harm to the surrounding context.

4.1 .4 The Green Belt Analysis provides a more fine-grained assessment of the Site against the Green Belt purposes and consideration of the potential capacity to accommodate development without compromising the purposes of the Green Belt. The wider Green Belt study commissioned by the Black Country local authorities did not fully represent the Site, as the Site formed less than 20% of the total wider strategic land area assessed under parcel B71 .

4.1.5 The proposed Green Belt boundary would create a permanent landscape buffer, featuring green infrastructure that retains and enhances the existing landscape features along the Site's boundaries in the form of new woodland planting, improvements to biodiversity, habitat connectivity, new and enhanced walking and cycling routes and improved access to the countryside (see Figure C: Landscape Mitigation Plan at Appendix C), in accordance with paragraphs 142 -143 of the NPPF, 2021.

4.1.6 There is the potential to provide a clear defensible and permanent new Green Belt boundary along the Site's southern edge as illustrated in Figure B: Proposed Green Belt Revision (Appendix C), formed by the existing Uffmoor ancient woodland, and along the Site's eastern and western edges formed by the existing watercourses, valley landform and associated vegetation, all of which can be reinforced with additional landscape mitigation (see Figure Cat Appendix C).

4.1 . 7 The Site does not occupy a crucial position in the wider Green Belt context and makes an indiscernible contribution in preventing neighbouring towns from merging into one another.

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4.1.8 The Site is visually well separated from the prevailing countryside due to existing vegetation along the Site boundaries, undulating landform and visually detracting features such as the A456 dual carriageway and the settlement edge of Halesowen.

4.1.9 Removal of 60.30ha of the Site from the Green Belt would not impact upon the existing setting and character of The Leasowes Conservation Area in Halesowen or any of the listed buildings or monuments in the surrounding area, due to the extent of visual and physical separation.

4.1.10 The Council's assessments have determined that the Black Country housing requirement cannot be met through the recycling of derelict land or other land within the urban areas and outside of the Green Belt. As a result, there are exceptional circumstances that justify the release of land from the Green Belt in order to fulfil future housing requirements for the Black Country.

4.1.11 The Black Country local authorities have therefore identified a need to release sites from the Green Belt for development and in terms of candidate sites, the Uffmoor Vale Site makes a limited contribution overall towards all Green Belt purposes. The proposed Green Belt Boundary has demonstrated how the release of the Uffmoor Vale Site from the Green Belt would not compromise the purposes and effectiveness of the remaining areas of Green Belt.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURES APPENDIX B: VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
APPENDIX C: GREEN BELT ANALYSIS FIGURES

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A: LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURES

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This drawing is the pro perty of Bradley M urphy D esign Lt d. Copyright is reserved by them and the drawing is issued on the condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor disclosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part without the consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.

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v Description Date rpose of Issue

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NFORMATION
dley Murphy Design Ltd

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I St. Modwen Properties PLC
1

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alands
is
ye
UFFMOOR VALE
wing Title
FIGURE 1 SITE LOCATION AND STUDY AREA Checked Approved Date
EM RW 30/04/2021
Scale Sheet Size Revision
As Shown A3
A
This drawing is the pro perty of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. Copyright is reserv ed by them and the drawing is issued on the condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor disclosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part without the consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.

OS Crown Copyright 2021 Licence Number 100022432

SITE BOUNDARY

DISTANCE FROM SITE BOUNDARY

PUBLIC BRIDLEWAY

PUBLIC FOOTPATH

LONG DISTANCE ROUTE

WATERCOURSE WATER BODY
DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
PRIMARY ROAD NETWORK SECONDARY ROAD NETWORK

9..8g?

~

&.
tenfie

;4/
t•
-$
I ..._ -,
D ·ehousefields '
Farm
I

Updated site boundary 22/09/21
Rev Description Date
Purpose of Issue
INFORMATION
Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
6 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane Hatton Warwickshire CV35 8XB
BMD

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk
www .bradleymurphydesign.co.uk
Client

St. Modwen Properties PLC

Project
UFFMOOR VALE
Drawing Title
FIGURE 2: ACCESS AND WATER

Drawn
EM
Job No.
21.025
Drawing Number
Checked RW Scale
As Shown
Approved
RW
Sheet Size
A3
Date
30/04/2021
Revision
A
BMD.21.025.LVCA.002A
·; This dra .ng .s the property of B radley M urphy i D esign Lt d.
e, wi i
4 the drawing s issue %%
Copyright is reserved by the"_ ~produced, retained %e
1 @ i% ,orion ihat it s no!"",,Gier ooiiy or i pi
-, un
wa%ithcoout tohe coansyent;o ""ra.',65%s,6..er c

OS Crown Copyright 2021 Licence Number 100022432

jsresouo»e
E3 DISTANCE FROM SITE BOUNDARY

.. VALLEY LANDFORM WITHIN THE SITE

~ GENERAL DIRECTION OF FALL LANDFORM AOD

+310.00

+300.00

+250.00

+200.00

+150.00

+100.00
This draw ing is the property of B radley M urphy D esign Lt d.
Copyright is reserved by them and the drawing is issued on
3 {e condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor
eetosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part
•4 without the consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.
OS Crown Copyright 2021 Licence Number 100022432

SITE BOUNDARY

DISTANCE FROM SITE BOUNDARY COUNTY BOUNDARY
URBAN AREA

DUDLEY BOROUGH DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY POLICIES MAP 2017
VA
1=111

GREEN BELT (POLICY S23)

LOCAL NATURE RESERVE (POLICY S19/S20)

•,,
ve
°

el
z;

:::

el
COMMUNITY PARK (POLICY S32)

LINEAR OPEN SPACE (POLICY S19) REG ENERATION CORRIDOR
AREA OF HIGH HISTORIC TOWNSCAPE
VALUE (POLICY S12)

AREA OF HIGH HISTORIC LANDSCAPE VALUE (POLICY S13)

HISTORIC PARK (POLICY S14)

1 .
. EE
l +--
SITE OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE FOR
NATURE CONSERVATION (POLICY S19/21)

SITE OF IMPORTANCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION (POLICY S19/21)

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRIORITY AREA (POLICY S15)

ONSERVATION AREA (POLICY S9)
4
C

BROMSGROVE DISTRICT PLAN 2011-2030

GREEN BELT (BDP4)

VILLAGE ENVELOPES (BDP4)

SOURCE: 5 https://www.dudley.gov.uk/media/6414/devstrat_policiesm• ap mar2017.pdf .. ..
https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/media/4151976/BDP-Policies•
map-low-res-11-01-19.pdf

B Conservation Area added to plan 07/10/21
A Updated site boundary 22/09/21
Rev Description Date
Purpose of Issue
INFORMATION
Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
6 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane Hatton Warwickshire CV35 8XB

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk
BMD

St. Modwen Properties PLC

Project
UFFMOOR VALE
Drawing Title
'' FIGURE 4: PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT
Drawn
GM Job No.
Checked
EM
Scale
Approved
RW
Sheet Size
Date
30/04/2021
Revision
21.025 As Shown A3
Drawing Number
BMD.21.025.LVCA.004B
This drawing is the pro perty of Bradley M urphy D esign Lt d. Copyright is reserv ed by them and the drawing is issued on the condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor disclosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part without the consent of Bradley M urphy D esign Lt d.

4 ..
.d
%
;es3

O S Crown Copyright 2021 Li cence Num ber 100022432

jsresouo»e
E3 DISTANCE FROM SITE BOUNDARY
[QJ GRADE I LISTED BUILDING
A. ST MARY'S ABBEY RUINS, MANOR FARM B. CHURCH OF ST KENEL.M
C. CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
[I] GRADE II LISTED BUILDING
[I] GRADE II LISTED BUILDING
D. THE GRANGE
E. AN HOUSE AND CHIMNEY AT THE FORMER NEW HAWNE COLLIERY
F. THE ROTUNDA ABOUT 1/2 MILE NORTH-EAST OF HAGLEY HALL
G. THE CASTLE ABOUT 3/4 MILE EAST OF HAGLEY HALL

SCHEDULED MONUMENTS
1. HALESOWEN ABBEY AND ASSOCIATED WATER CONTROL FEATURES
2. CROSS IN ST JOHN THE BAPTIST'S CHURCHYARD

REGISTERED PARKS AND GARDENS

SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSI)

ANCIENT WOODLAND

BLACK COUNTRY LANDSCAPE SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT (SEPTEMBER 2019)

LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT AREA BL18

SOURCE:

https://blackcountryplan.dudley.gov.uk/media/13883/black•
country-lsa-front-end-report-fi nal-I r_redacted. pdf
B Updated site boundary 22/09/21
A Landscape Sensitivity Assessment area BL18 added [23/07/21
Rev Description Date
Purpose of Issue
INFORMATION
Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
6 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane Hatton Warwickshire CV35 8XB

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk
BMD

St. Modwen Properties PLC

"
• ~it
- 33 - .

.It.
UFFMOOR VALE

FIGURE 5: ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNATIONS
Checked Approved Date
GM EM RW 30/04/2021
Scale Sheet Size Revision
21.025 As Shown A3
D
~ . >-
Drawing Number
BMD.21.025.LVCA.005B
This drawing is the pro perty of Bradley M urphy D esign Lt d. Copyright is reserved by them and the drawing is issued on the condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor disclosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part without the consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.

OS Crown Copyright 2021 Licence Number 100022432

jsresouo»e
E3 DISTANCE FROM SITE BOUNDARY

~ DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINE

WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT

~ TIMBERED PLATEAU FARMLANDS
L URBAN AREA
CJ WOODED HILLS AND FARMLANDS

HISTORIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISATION OF THE BLACK COUNTRY

HAYLEY FIELDS & ILLEY CHARACTER AREA (DY03)
Av HALESOWEN CHARACTER AREA (DY02)

Updated site boundary 22/09/21

Date

INFORMATION
Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
6 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane Hatton Warwickshire CV35 8XB

BMD

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk Client

St. Modwen Properties PLC
/h
, \ UFFMOOR VALE
Drawing Title
" FIGURE 6: LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
,/'\---------------------'
Drawn
EM
Job No.
21.025
. Drawing Number
Checked
RW
Scale
As Shown
Approved
RW
Sheet Size
A3
Date
28/04/21
Revision
A
BMD.21.025.LVCA.006A
This drawing is the property of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. Copyright is reserved by them and the drawing is issued on the condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor disclosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part without the consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.

OS Crown Copyright 2021 Licence Number 100022432

ELI

o
el

SITE BOUNDARY

DISTANCE FROM SITE BOUNDARY VIEWPOINT LOCATION
VIEWPOINTS DISCOUNTED DURING
FIELD SURVEY

it 3 '
2
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; [kg
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wehouse fields
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Updated site boundary 22/09/21 v Description Date rpose of Issue
NFORMATION
Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
6 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane
Hatton
BMD

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk Client

St. Modwen Properties PLC

UFFMOOR VALE

FIGURE 7: VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN
Checked Approved Date
RW RW 30/04/2021
Scale Sheet Size Revision
As Shown A3
A

HALESOWEN
This drawing is th
copyright is re%,"_""Pery of Braley Mu s
the coiair ~,'PY them an i,' Design Ltd.
disclose to s~,""snot copiea, ~_"ng is issued on
ii60r .."2..";z;vi~s&.,""g.reared no
of Bradley Murph, t_" wholly or in part
OS Crown Design Ltd.
n Copyright 2021 Licen ce Number 100022432

sre souvoAnY

LUTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL

VIEW FROM
2ow ACCESS
• • • •
• • • •
{ wArencounse
]«] wArensooY
a', woos.no
? Heooenows

~ PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY
>la
[_l sue sos

~ ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
[I] POTENTIAL BAT TREES
• • • •
1
ECOLOGICAL AREA

•

.·"•
• • •
••
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•
.·'•

HUNNINGT-O•N

[] ews or THE SITE

~ AREA OF VISUAL SENSITIVITY

VIEW FM
Updated site boun%,
Description
Purpose of Issue
INFORMATION
22/09/21

Date
PROW ACCESS
•••
•••
••
••. :••
••••
6BrTahdeleCy Murrphy Design Ltd
ourtyard
{C°»wm
Hatton Warwickshire CV35 8XB

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymuroh wwwbrae)mo,"["" """on.co Client hydesign.co.uk
BMD
¢ «
•• •••
•••
•••
•••
••

•••
••

·% • • • • • • • • • • • •
St. Modwen Properties PLC

Project
UFFMOOR VALE
Drawing Title
8: IDSCA 0LOG

LUTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL

HALESOWEN

CJ
1111
1111

POTENTIAL AREA FO R HIGHER DENSITY DEVELOPMENT
(45 DPH)
POTENTIAL AREA FO R MEDIUM DENSITY DEVELOPMENT
(40 DPH)
POTENTIAL AREA FO R LOWER DENSITY DEVELOPMENT
(35 DPH)
POTENTIAL AREA FO R SELF / CUSTOM BUILD HOMES
POTENTIAL AREA FO R PRIMARY SCHOOL (1FE)
POTENTIAL AREA FO R MOBILITY AS A SERVICE (MAA S) HUB
This drawing is the property of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. Copyright is reserved by them and the drawing is issued on the condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor disclosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part without the consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.

OS Crown Copyright 2021 Licence Number 100022432

1 SITE BOUNDARY
[@] POTENTIAL VEHICULAR ACCESS
lo POTENTIAL BUS-ONLY ACCESS
ij ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
1 SETTLEMENT
PROPOSED WOODLAND
BUFFER PLANTING

~ EXISTING WOODLAND
~ EXISTING HEDGEROW RETAINED
• • • •

• • •
1111
CJ
POTENTIAL AREA FO R MIXED USE LOCAL CENTRE
[@l
PRIMARY GREEN
INFRASTRUCTU RE LINK

INFRASTRUCTU RE LINK
• • • •

• • • •
• •
•
•
•
•

••
•
POTENTIAL AREA FO R SPRINT
PARK AND RIDE
[] POTENTIAL FOOTBALL PITCH
]4] SECONDARY GREEN

GREEN BELT

OPPORTUNITY FOR RURAL PARKLAND SETTING
OPPORTUNITY FOR WOODLAND EDGE
~ HABITAT ENHANCEMENT
[200 AREA OF VISUAL SENSITIVITY

~ POTENTIAL FOR NOISE FROM A456
+..· EXISTING PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
DESTINATION
L2el GATEWAY OPPORTUNITY
POTENTIAL ATTRACTIVE VIEWPOINTS
ORIENTATE DEVELOPMENT TO MAX IMISE VALUE
~ EXISTING WATER COURSE PRIMARY BLUE INFRASTRUCTU RE
~ LINK
OPPORTUNITY FOR WETLAND &
• ••
CJ MEADOW ALONG VALLEY

• • • •
• • •

HUNNINGTON
l OPPORTUNITY FOR SUDS
~ SLOPE
•• •
GRADE II LISTED BUILDING
1. Former Blue Bird Toffee Factory: Administration Building
2. Former Blue Bird Toffee Factory: Welfare Building
3. Former Blue Bird Toffee Factory: Boundary Walls, Railings and Gates

B Updated in line with revised concept plan 27/09/21
A Updated site boundary 22/09/21
Rev Description Date
Purpose of Issue
INFORMATION
Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
6 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane Hatton Warwickshire CV35 8XB
BMD

•
•••
•«
• • •••
••
•••
•••

•••
•

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk
Client

St. Modwen Properties PLC

Project
UFFMOOR VALE
Drawing Title
FIGURE 9: LANDSCAPE CONSTRAINTS & CAPACITY PLAN

Drawn Checked Approved Date
GM EM RW 27/04/2021
Job No. Scale Sheet Size Revision
As Shown A3
200 ··%

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
21.025
Drawing Number
BMD.21.025.LVCA.009B

Uffmoor Vale
Green Belt & Landscape Capacity Study

B: VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS

BMD.21.025.RP.001 C October 2021
28
r p4 Rf)Kl//fl]h l l¥ fl

FOOTPATH

Existing winter baseline views (Extended Panorama)

-20° (50mm)

Winter view at recommended viewing distance of 300mm (When printed @ A3)
0°(50 mm) 20° (50mm)

VIEWPOINT 1: View from Footpath HLS0174 (at the Site boundary) looking east

Distance from the site boundary: SITE BOUNDARY Lens: Fixed 50mm (equivalent focal length) Camera Height Above AOD: 1.6m
OS Grid Reference: E:395231, N:282111 Horizontal Field of View: 72° Weather Conditions: SUNNY
Direction of View: EAST AOD: +143M Receptors Represented: WALKERS, PEDESTRIANS Camera Make and Model: NIKON (D3300) Date and Time: 19.04.2021, 3:53PM

FOR VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS REFER TO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURE 7: VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN

BMD PROJECT: UFFMOOR VALE CLIENT: ST. MODWEN DEVELOPMENTS LTD VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD, 5 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XB I info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I 01926 676496

DATE: MAY 21
DRAWN BY: GM CHECKED: EM/DS
~---------------------------------------APPROXIMATE SITE EXTENT-------------------------------------~
1 FOOTPATH HLS0181 UFFMOOR FARM

Existing winter baseline views (Extended Panorama)

4
-20° (50mm)

Winter view at recommended viewing distance of 300mm (When printed @ A3)

0°(50 mm) 20° (50mm)

VIEWPOINT 2: View from Footpath HLS0181 (at the Site boundary) looking north

Distance from the site boundary: SITE BOUNDARY Lens: Fixed 50mm (equivalent focal length) Camera Height Above AOD: 1.6m
OS Grid Reference: E:394919, N:281778 Horizontal Field of View: 72° Weather Conditions: SUNNY
Direction of View: NORTH AOD: +158M Receptors Represented: WALKERS, PEDESTRIANS Camera Make and Model: NIKON (D3300) Date and Time: 19.04.2021, 2:10PM

FOR VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS REFER TO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURE 7: VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN

BMD PROJECT: UFFMOOR VALE CLIENT: ST. MODWEN DEVELOPMENTS LTD VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD, 5 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XB I info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I 01926 676496

DATE: MAY 21
DRAWN BY: GM CHECKED: EM/DS
p f) Rf) 4flu ' ll ] ff[, FOOTPATH HLS0177

Existing winter baseline views (Extended Panorama)

4
-20° (50mm)

Winter view at recommended viewing distance of 300mm (When printed @ A3)

0°(50 mm) 20° (50mm)

VIEWPOINT 3: View from Footpath HLS0177 (at the Site boundary) looking west

Distance from the site boundary: SITE BOUNDARY Lens: Fixed 50mm (equivalent focal length) Camera Height Above AOD: 1.6m
OS Grid Reference: E:396050, N:282451 Horizontal Field of View: 72° Weather Conditions: SUNNY
Direction of View: WEST AOD: +127M Receptors Represented: WALKERS, PEDESTRIANS Camera Make and Model: NIKON (D3300) Date and Time: 19.04.2021, 9:25AM

FOR VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS REFER TO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURE 7: VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN

BMD PROJECT: UFFMOOR VALE CLIENT: ST. MODWEN DEVELOPMENTS LTD VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD, 5 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XB I info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I 01926 676496

DATE: MAY 21
DRAWN BY: GM CHECKED: EM/DS
r d}f)4h/]l]]lh] fl[ FOOTPATH HLS0177 RIVER STOUR VALLEY

Existing winter baseline views (Extended Panorama)

\

4
-20° (50mm)

Winter view at recommended viewing distance of 300mm (When printed @ A3)

0°(50 mm) 20° (50mm)

VIEWPOINT 4: View from Footpath HLS0177 (at the Site boundary) looking north

Distance from the site boundary: SITE BOUNDARY Lens: Fixed 50mm (equivalent focal length) Camera Height Above AOD: 1.6m
OS Grid Reference: E:395992, N:281595 Horizontal Field of View: 72° Weather Conditions: SUNNY
Direction of View: NORTH AOD: +145M Receptors Represented: WALKERS, PEDESTRIANS Camera Make and Model: NIKON (D3300) Date and Time: 15.04.2021, 10:27AM

FOR VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS REFER TO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURE 7: VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN

BMD PROJECT: UFFMOOR VALE CLIENT: ST. MODWEN DEVELOPMENTS LTD VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD, 5 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XB I info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I 01926 676496

DATE: MAY 21
DRAWN BY: GM CHECKED: EM/DS
A[ff7ft/AT[hS'/[ff¥TfRfT

A456
FOOTPATH HLS0174

Existing winter baseline views (Extended Panorama)

4
-20° (50mm)

Winter view at recommended viewing distance of 300mm (When printed @ A3)

0°(50 mm) 20° (50mm)

VIEWPOINT 5: View from the A456 looking south

Distance from the site boundary: SITE BOUNDARY Lens: Fixed 50mm (equivalent focal length) Camera Height Above AOD: 1.6m
OS Grid Reference: E:395681, N:282438 Horizontal Field of View: 72° Weather Conditions: CLOUDY
Direction of View: SOUTH AOD: +140M Receptors Represented: WALKERS, PEDESTRIANS Camera Make and Model: NIKON (D3300) Date and Time: 05.2019

FOR VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS REFER TO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURE 7: VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN

BMD PROJECT: UFFMOOR VALE CLIENT: ST. MODWEN DEVELOPMENTS LTD VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD, 5 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XB I info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I 01926 676496

DATE: MAY 21
DRAWN BY: GM CHECKED: EM/DS
, Ap o [A[ ATE S[TE EXTENT

Existing winter baseline views (Extended Panorama)

4
-20° (50mm)

Winter view at recommended viewing distance of 300mm (When printed @ A3)

0°(50 mm) 20° (50mm)

VIEWPOINT 6: View from Blakedown Road looking south

Distance from the site boundary: 42M Lens: Fixed 50mm (equivalent focal length) Camera Height Above AOD: 1.6m
OS Grid Reference: E:395661, N:282468 Horizontal Field of View: 72° Weather Conditions: CLOUDY
Direction of View: SOUTH AOD: +143M Receptors Represented: WALKERS, PEDESTRIANS Camera Make and Model: NIKON (D3300) Date and Time: 07.2021

FOR VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS REFER TO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURE 7: VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN

BMD PROJECT: UFFMOOR VALE CLIENT: ST. MODWEN DEVELOPMENTS LTD VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD, 5 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XB I info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I 01926 676496

DATE: MAY 21
DRAWN BY: GM CHECKED: EM/DS
p o [A/TES[TE EXT[EMT T

Existing winter baseline views (Extended Panorama)

4
-20° (50mm)

Winter view at recommended viewing distance of 300mm (When printed @ A3)

0°(50 mm) 20° (50mm)

VIEWPOINT 7: View from Bromsgrove Road looking west

Distance from the site boundary: 692M Lens: Fixed 50mm (equivalent focal length) Camera Height Above AOD: 1.6m
OS Grid Reference: E:396796, N:281847 Horizontal Field of View: 72° Weather Conditions: SUNNY
Direction of View: SOUTH AOD: + 156M Receptors Represented: WALKERS, PEDESTRIANS Camera Make and Model: NIKON (D3300) Date and Time: 19.04.2021, 11 :32AM

FOR VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS REFER TO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURE 7: VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN

BMD PROJECT: UFFMOOR VALE CLIENT: ST. MODWEN DEVELOPMENTS LTD VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD, 5 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XB I info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I 01926 676496

DATE: MAY 21
DRAWN BY: GM CHECKED: EM/DS
A PPROXIM ATE SITE EXTENT

Existing winter baseline views (Extended Panorama)

4
-20° (50mm)

Winter view at recommended viewing distance of 300mm (When printed @ A3)

0°(50 mm) 20° (50mm)

VIEWPOINT 8: View from elevated point on the Clent Hills looking north east

Distance from the site boundary: 1630M Lens: Fixed 50mm (equivalent focal length) Camera Height Above AOD: 1.6m
OS Grid Reference: E:394402, N:280101 Horizontal Field of View: 72° Weather Conditions: SUNNY
Direction of View: NORTHEAST AOD: +300M Receptors Represented: WALKERS, PEDESTRIANS Camera Make and Model: NIKON (D3300) Date and Time: 19.04.2021, 12:23PM

FOR VIEWPOINT LOCATIONS REFER TO LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ANALYSIS FIGURE 7: VIEWPOINT LOCATION PLAN

BMD PROJECT: UFFMOOR VALE CLIENT: ST. MODWEN DEVELOPMENTS LTD VIEWPOINT PHOTOGRAPHS
BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD, 5 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XB I info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk I 01926 676496

DATE: MAY 21
DRAWN BY: GM CHECKED: EM/DS

Uffmoor Vale
Green Belt & Landscape Capacity Study

C: GREEN BELT ANALYSIS FIGURES

BMD.21.025.RP.001 C October 2021
29
This drawing is the pro perty of Bradley M urphy D esign Lt d. Copyright is reserv ed by them and the drawi ng is issued on the condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor disclosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part without the consent of Bradley M urphy D esign Lt d.

O S Crown Copyright 2019 Li cence Num ber 100022432

SITE BOUNDARY
DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINE EXISTING DISTANCE BETWEEN
SETTLEMENTS

DESIGNATIONS

EXISTING GREEN BELT EXTENT (POLICY S23)
ANCIENT WOODLAND

AREA OF HIGH HISTORIC LANDSCAPE VALUE (POLICY S13)

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AREA OF HIGH HISTORIC TOWNSCAPE VALUE (POLICY S12)

HOUSING PROPOSAL SITE (POLICY L1)

GRADE I LISTED BUILDING
A. ST MARY'S ABBEY RUINS, MANOR FARM B. CHURCH OF ST KENELM
C. CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
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1. HALESOWEN ABBEY AND ASSOCIATED WATER CONTROL FEATURES
° GREEN BELT REVIEW PURPOSES ASSESSMENT
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STRATEGIC LAND PARCEL NW? (BROMSGROVE GREEN BELT REVIEW)

A Updated site boundary 22/09/21
Rev Description Date
Purpose of Issue
INFORMATION
Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
5 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane Hatton Warwickshire CV35 8XB
BMD

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk
Client

St. Modwen Properties PLC

LE
°' ti

Project
UFFMOOR VALE
Drawing Title
Figure A: Existing Green Belt & Historic Context

0 2000 C)
5#.,E#Est

Drawn
EM Job No.
21.025
Drawing Number

Checked
RW Scale
As Shown

Approved
RW Sheet Size
A3

Date
19/05/2021
Revision

A
METRES
BMD.21.025.GBR.FIG.A
This drawing is the property of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. Copyright is reserved by them and the drawing is issued on the condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor disclosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part without the consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.

OS Crown Copyright 2019 Licence Number 100022432

E[J

~
E

1111
t_

SITE BOUNDARY
DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINE EXISTING RETAINED PUBLIC
FOOTPATH
EXISTING RETAINED WATERCOURSE AND RIVER CORRIDOR
EXISTING RESIDENTIAL TO BE RETAINED

GREEN SPACE TO BE RETAINED

LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS
0 ANCIENT WOODLAND

PROPOSED DESIGN PARAMETERS
CJ PROPOSED REVISED GREEN BELT PROPOSED EXTENT OF DEVELOPMENT
PROPOSED WOODED EDGE TO DEVELOPMENT

PROPOSED GREEN CORRIDOR

G

HUNNINGTON VIUAGE

B Updated in line with revised concept plan 27/09/21
A Updated site boundary 22/09/21
Rev Description Date
Purpose of Issue
INFORMATION
Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
5 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane Hatton Warwickshire
n CV35 8X8
BMD

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk Client

St. Modwen Properties PLC

Project
UFFMOOR VALE
Drawing Title
Figure B: Proposed Green Belt Revision

0

METRES

Drawn Checked Approved Date
EM RW RW 20/05/2021
Job No. Scale Sheet Size Revision
21.025 As Shown A3
Drawing Number B
BMD.21.025.GBR.FIG.B
This drawing is the pro perty of Bradley M urphy D esign Lt d. Copyright is reserved by them and the drawing is issued on the condition that it is not copied, reproduced, retained nor disclosed to any unauthorized person either wholly or in part without the consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.

OS Crown Copyright 2019 Licence Number 100022432

E[J SITE BOUNDARY
•·j·
DISTRICT BOUNDARY LINE RETAINED LANDSCAPE FEATURES,
PLANTING AND HEDGEROWS
RETAINED PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY
H RETAINED WATERCOURSE
1111 RETAINED ANCIENT WOODLAND
1111 RETAINED RESIDENTIAL
RETAINED GREEN SPACE
~ ASSOCIATED WITH RESIDENTIAL
BOUNDARY FOR POTENTIAL GREEN BELT RELEASE
PROPOSED FOOTPATH / CYCLEWAY CONNECTIONS
El PROPOSED LANDSCAPE MITIGATION
CJ PROPOSED PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT PARCELS POTENTIAL AREA FOR PRIMARY
SCHOOL (1FE)
POTENTIAL AREA FOR MOBILITY AS A SERVICE (MAAS) HUB
1111
POTENTIAL AREA FOR MIXED USE LOCAL CENTRE
POTENTIAL AREA FOR SPRINT PARK AND RIDE

B Updated in line with revised concept plan 27/09/21
A Updated site boundary 22/09/21
Rev Description Date
Purpose of Issue
I INFORMATION
Bradley Murphy Design Ltd
5 The Courtyard
Hatton Technology Park
Dark Lane Hatton Warwickshire CV35 8XB
BMD

t: 01926 676496
e: info@bradleymurphydesign.co.uk www.bradleymurphydesign.co.uk Client

St. Modwen Properties PLC

Breach
Farm

Project
UFFMOOR VALE
Drawing Title
Figure C: LANDSCAPE MITIGATION PLAN

Drawn Checked Approved Date
EM RW RW 24/05/2021
Job No. Scale Sheet Size Revision
21.025 As Shown A3
Drawing Number B
BMD.21.025.GBR.FIG.C

Uffmoor Vale
Executive Summary Landscape, Visual and Green Belt

2:GREENINFRASTRUCTURESTRATEGY

BMD.21.025.RP.003B Executive Summary October 2021

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GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

BM D.21.025.RP.002A SEPTEMBER 2021

BMD ST.MODWEN
CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT
1.1 Aim and Purpose of the Strategy

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN LTD
6 The Courtyard, Hatton Technology Park, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XB
Company No: 7788475

bradleymurphydesign.co.uk

DEVELOPER

ST. MODWEN DEVELOPMENTS LTD
2 Devon Way, Longbridge, Birmingham,
B312TS

stmodwen.co.uk

2 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CONTEXT
2.1 Strategic Green Infrastructure Context

3 PLANNING CONTEXT
3.1 Landscape Planning & Environmental Context

4 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE
4.1 Landscape Character
4.2 Visual Receptors
4.3 Green Infrastructure Assets
4.4 Key Considerations

Project number BMD.21.025

Report number BMD.21.025.RP.002A Created by EM
Checked by RW Approved by RW
Purpose INFORMATION

Issue date SEPTEMBER 2021
-

This report is the property of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd and is issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without the written consent of Bradley Murphy Design Ltd.
5 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY
5.1 Landscape Constraints and Capacity
5.2 Green Infrastructure Vision
5.3 Proposed Landscape Character
5.4 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Requirements

6 COOMBESWOOD
6.1 Introduction & Background to Coombeswood
6.2 Context
6.3 Baseline
6.4 Green Infrastructure Strategy for Coombeswood

7 CONCLUSION
7.1 Conclusion & Summary
01 INTRODUCTION

1.1 AIM & PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY

Bradley Murphy Design Ltd. (BMD) were appointed by St. Modwen Developments Ltd. to undertake a landscape and visual appraisal and to develop a Green Infrastructure Strategy as part of the iterative design process for potential development on land to the south of Manor Way, Dudley (also know as Uffmoor Vale or 'the Site')

The information provided by BMD is also intended to inform the evidence base to support representations for the allocation of the Site in the Black Country Plan review process, for a proposed mixed use development and associated infrastructure.

The Green Infrastructure Strategy and framework presents a holistic approach to the requirements of the natural environment, climate change resilience, biodiversity, open space, sports, play provision and health and well-being through an appropriate response to the Site context.

Figure 1. Site location

Local Plan Draft Allocation Boundary

4 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 5
02 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CONTEXT

2.1 STRATEGIC GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CONTEXT

Despite being mostly urban in character, Dudley Borough has an extensive network of formal and informal green space including areas of Green Belt and designated nature conservation areas. Together, these areas form Dudley's Green Network. Dudley's Green Network performs a variety of functions including provision of space for informal and formal recreation as well as conservation and enhancement of biodiversity across the Borough.

The Borough is part of one of 12 designated Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs), in the country. The Birmingham and the Black Country NIA is providing a focus on delivering conservation action. The Site includes part of a wider area designation, as a Site of Local Importance
for Nature Conservation (SLINC) that covers the River Stour, it's tributaries and associated corridors. There are opportunities to improve this riparian corridor through the creation of seasonally wet meadows, ponds and swales to enhance wetland habitat potential as well as improving public access to this SLINC.

Noteworthy Green Infrastructure assets in proximity to the Site include the Grade I listed Leasowes Park, a historic landscape designed by poet William Shenstone, which lies approximately
2km to the north east of the Site. This significant
historic landscape lies immediately to the south
of Coombeswood, as illustrated opposite in Figure 2. Coombeswood is an area of informal open green space restored from it's former industrial use as Coombeswood Tube Works.

The Uffmoor Vale Site lies in a strategic position, where it could form a potential 'stepping
stone' between the existing settlement area of Halesowen and the open countryside of the Green Belt to the south. Access from
Halesowen is currently severed by the busy dual carriageway of the A456, which forms a major barrier to movement of people and wildlife.
There is an opportunity to improve access via a pedestrian bridge and through greening of
the A456, reconnecting Halesowen to GI assets within the Green Belt such as Uffmoor Wood,
an 85 hectare ancient woodland that lies along the Site's southern boundary, and over 8km
of permissive paths that run throughout the
woodland.

The Public Right of Way network on Site is currently fragmented and lacking overall connectivity. There is an opportunity to reconnect the Rights of Way through the strengthening of strategic and local green and blue infrastructure corridors.

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Figure 2. Strategic Green Infrastructure Context

Context:
Designations:

Site boundary

District boundary

Surrounding settlements
Water bodies & linear water features

Significant vegetation

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Ancient woodland

Green Belt

The Leasowes
Historic Park

Woodlands are an important landscape and green infrastructure theme in the Borough. There are opportunities to enhance links to areas of woodland such as Uffmoor Wood at the Site's southern boundary.
There are opportunities to enhance the nature conservation Site, that encompasses River Stour and it's tributaries, through the creation of seasonally wet meadows, ponds and
swales.

6 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 7
03 PLANNING CONTEXT

3.1 LANDSCAPE PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT

The Black Country core Strategy, adopted in February 2011, provides the strategy for growth of the Black Country to 2026. This document
is to be superseded by the emerging Black Country Local Plan due for public consultation this summer. The Black Country local authorities include Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council,
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Walsall
pedestrian and cycle paths, provide opportunities for informal recreation, maintain integrity of water courses and enhance their natural value etc.) and add value to the green network, particularly in providing green infrastructure that would strengthen it.

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Council and Wolverhampton City Council.

■ Policy S21: Nature Conservation
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Enhancement, Mitigation and
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The Site lies within the administrative boundary
of Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. The
Compensation
The River Stour and the Stour Valley within
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Dudley Borough Development Strategy, adopted
in March 2017, is a key document of the Dudley Local Plan and builds on the Black Country Core Strategy, providing greater detail for Dudley Borough. Policies that are of relevance to this Green Infrastructure Strategy are:

■ Policy S13: Areas of High Historic
Landscape Value (AHHLV)
the Site forms an area of local importance
for nature conservation covered by Policy S21 positively encouraging development where proposals can demonstrate improvements, expansion or increased links to nature conservation sites.

■ Policy 522: Mature Trees, Woodland and i,
Ancient Woodland
%
The Site lies within a wider area of high historic landscape value. Policy S13 stated that proposals will not be permitted if they fail to respond adequately to their historic landscape context. The policy also seeks
to protect and enhance views into, from or within areas of high historic landscape value.

■ Policy 514: Registered Parks and Gardens and Designated Landscapes of High Historic Value (DLHHV)
Leasowes Registered Park and Garden is a historic park approximately 3km northeast of the Site and potentially sensitive to development. Policy S14 states that the Council will resist any development that would be detrimental to the setting, character, quality and historic integrity of Leasowes Park. Following field survey, we can confirm that there was no intervisibility
between Leasowes Park and the Site due to layers of intervening vegetation and rolling topography.
Uffmoor ancient woodland forms the southern boundary of the Site. Policy S22 seeks to protect ancient woodland and states that measures will be taken to restore these areas, and where appropriate expand them with new complementary planting, particularly to encourage linked woodland areas.

■ Policy S23: Green Belt
The Site sits entirely within the Green Belt, covered by Policy S23, stating that development will not be permitted within the Green Belt except for exceptional circumstances as set out in the NPPF.

■ Policy 527: River 5tour and its Tributaries The River Stour and its tributaries run through the Site and along its boundaries. Policy S27 states that development proposals alongside or in close proximity
to the River Stour and its tributaries are required to enable restoration of the riverbank habitat, create new habitats

Figure 3. Planning & Environmental Designations
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■ Policy S19: Dudley Borough's Green
Network
The Site forms part of Dudley's Green Network, which includes formal and informal green spaces across the Borough including areas of Green Belt and designated nature conservation areas. Policy S19 states that development proposals must comply with the aims and role of the Green Network (provide wildlife corridors, accommodate
and retain or create an area of Green Infrastructure either side of the River Stour channel and its tributaries, of at least 10m in width from each riverbank top, unless this can be satisfactorily demonstrated to be unfeasible. Dudley Council will also require creation of a footway and cycleway of a combined width 3.3m minimum within a landscaped setting along at least one side of the watercourse to link in with the wider network of paths and cycleways.
Context:

Site boundary

District boundary line

Woodland
Planning & Environmental Designations:

Green Belt

Ancient Woodland

Registered Parks and Gardens

I 2 2 I Linear Open Space

LE site of special scientific
Interest (SSSI)
I■ M W I Area of High Historic
Landscape Value (AHHLV)

Site of Local Importance for
Nature Conservation (SLINC)
Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monuments:

Grade I Listed Buildings
A . ST M A R Y'S A B B EY R U IN S, M A N O R FA R M B . C H U R C H O F ST K EN E LM
C. C H U R C H O F ST JO H N TH E BA P TIS T

Grade II Listed Buildings

Grade II' Listed Buildings
D. THE GRANGE

Scheduled monuments

C O N TR O L FEA TU R ES
2. C R O S S IN ST JO H N TH E B A PTIST' S C H U R C H YA R D
8 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 9
04 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE

4.1 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Landscape Character at Regional & Local Level
This section provides a summary of the published regional and local level landscape character assessments relevant to the Site, as illustrated on the adjacent plan (Figure 4).

The Site lies on the northern edge of Landscape Type (LT) Timbered Plateau Farmlands, as defined by the Worcestershire Landscape Character Assessment, set against the existing settlement of Halesowen. This is summarised as a landscape of rolling topography dissected by broad wooded valleys and mixed hedgerows with scattered hedgerow oaks. Other key characteristics include ancient woodland character and medium / long distance views.
The Site is typical of this landscape character area and presents many of the common characteristics, albeit it is heavily influenced by the adjacent urban area of Halesowen and the
busy A456.
Immediately north of the Site is the existing urban settlement of Halesowen, landscape character area DY02, as defined by the Historic Landscape Characterisation of the Black Country. Halesowen is described as a large residential area, having an unusually modern landscape in Black Country terms, representing the modern expansion of the metropolitan conurbation south into what was previously a more rural landscape. This landscape character area encompasses
small areas of settlement south of the A456 (Manor Way) including an area adjacent to the Site's western boundary, south of Hagley Road.

The Site lies on the edge Hayley Fields and
llley landscape character area DY03, as defined by the Historic Landscape Characterisation
of the Black Country. DY03 is characterised almost entirely by fields interspersed with small, scattered settlement, of mostly hamlets and farmhouses. The northern boundary is formed
by the intensely residential character area of Halesowen while the southern limit of the area is marked by the boundary with rural parts of
Worcestershire.

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Figure 4. Landscape Character

Context:

Site boundary
Worcestershire County Council Landscape
Character Assessment

Timbered Plateau Farmlands
Historic Landscape Characterisation of the Black Country
Z], Hayley Fields & iley Character Area
(DY03)

- - Distance from Site boundary

District boundary line

Urban Area

Wooded Hills and Farmlands
S_ ' Halesowen character Area
(DY02)

10 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 11
04 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE

4.2 VISUAL RECEPTORS

Visual analysis of the Site has been carried out as reported in the Green Belt and Landscape Capacity Study, to identify visual receptors that currently share intervisibility with the Site and
of the greatest visual sensitivity to the type of development proposed.

Findings from the field survey and visual analysis are summarised as follows:
■ The most open views of the Site are from
internal existing public footpaths, HLS0174 & HLS0181 (Viewpoint 1) and along the Site's boundaries HLS0173, HLS0183 & HLS0177 (Viewpoint 2).

■ There are fleeting views of the Site through
■ There are partial, long distance, filtered views of the Site from a high point on the Clent Hills to the southwest of the Site (Viewpoint 4). From this elevated viewpoint a small portion of higher land along the
A456 to the north of the Site is visible in the context of Halesowen (which is seen directly behind).

■ The Site is not visible from The Leasowes Registered Park and Garden or Coombeswood.

■ Elsewhere, beyond the Site's boundaries and the immediate context, the Site is
well screened by intervening vegetation,
Viewpoint 1: View from Footpath HLS0181 (at the Site boundary) looking north

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FOOTPATH UFFMOOR FARM

Viewpoint 2: View from Footpath HLS0177 (at the Site boundary) looking north

OTPATH

RIVER STOURVALLEY 1
gaps in vegetation whilst travelling on the
A456 (Viewpoint 3).

■ There is the potential for filtered winter views of the Site through vegetation from residential properties on the southern edge of Halesowen, which sit on a ridge above and overlook the A456.

■ There is a glimpsed view of the Site from Bromsgrove Road approximately 1km to the east. From this viewpoint rooftops of agricultural buildings at Tack Farm are visible and a small portion of higher land
along the A456 north of the Site is visible
in the context of Halesowen (which is seen directly behind).
undulating topography and existing
built form. A number of viewpoints were therefore discounted during field survey as
it was confirmed that there were no views of the Site.

■ There is a scheduled monument and listed building at St Mary's Abbey ruins, approximately 2km east of the Site, as illustrated on Figure 3. During field survey public access was not possible. From a nearby viewpoint along the A456, it was confirmed that views from the Abbey are unlikely, due to intervening rising landform, built form and wooded vegetation.
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Viewpoint 3: View from the A456 looking south
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A456 PUBLIC FOOTPATH

■ The elevated wooded slopes of the Clent Hills are visible in the far distance along the horizon, when seen from higher ground in the north of the Site.

Viewpoint 4: View from elevated point on the Clent Hills looking north east

APPROXIMATE SITE EXTENT

12 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 13
04 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE

4.3 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS

The Site covers approximately 66.60 hectares and currently features primarily arable fields and some agricultural buildings and private residence at Tack Farm and Uffmoor Farm, bound by the A456 to the north, Uffmoor ancient woodland to the south and tributaries of the River Stour to the east and west.

As illustrated on the plan opposite (Figure
5), rolling landform on Site creates a varied, undulating topography, with localised valleys and plateaus, and ancient woodland to the
Site boundaries, in keeping with the landscape characteristics of the area.

The Site is dissected by Uffmoor Lane which runs north to south, along the western edge of Uffmoor ancient woodland, between the A456
There are several small watercourses that run through the Site associated with the River Stour, resulting in localised valley landform to the
north of the Site, along the Sites east and west boundaries and centrally where a watercourse enters the Site from Uffmoor Wood. Existing vegetation lines the watercourses including hedgerows and mature trees. The watercourses on Site, including their associated green corridors, form part of a wider Site of Local
Importance for Nature Conservation under Policy
S19/21 of Dudley Borough Development Strategy.

Five Public Rights of Way currently dissect the
Site. These comprise:
■ HLS0174 to the north of the Site connecting
Uffmoor Lane to the A456 further east;
■ HLS0181 which dissects the land parcel to
and the junction of Chapel Lane and St Kenelm's the west of Uffmoor Lane, broadly running Road further south. There is an existing track on north to south and connecting the A456 to Site that runs east from Uffmoor Lane leading to the wider footpath network within the Green Tack Farm. Belt to the south;
■ HLS0183 runs eastwards from Uffmoor Lane,
The Site, for the majority, consists of vegetation partly along the existing track to Tack Farm, associated with arable fields including before turning south to run along the edge
hedgerows and trees along field boundaries. of Uffmoor Wood and the Site's southern
Localised valleys along tributaries of the River Stour and associated vegetation define and visually enclose the Site. Overall, the Site, is relatively well enclosed along the eastern and western boundaries due to vegetation and topography associated with these localised valleys.

Beyond the Site, further hedgerow field boundaries and woodland blocks provide the area with an increased degree of enclosure, most notably Uffmoor ancient woodland
boundary;
■ HLS0177 which follows Quarry Lane before turning south to broadly follow the eastern boundary of the Site along the tributary
of the River Stour, connecting Halesowen via the A456 to the open land of the wider Green Belt to the south; and
■ a short section of HLS0180 crosses the Site
to the south east connecting footpaths east
of the Site to the wider footpath network to the south
immediately to the South of the Site.
There are several other Public Rights of Way in close proximity to the Site that provide further connections into Halesowen to the north and the open land of the Green Belt to the south of the
Site. Figure 5. Green Infrastructure Assets
Context: Biodiverse:

Site boundary

Surrounding settlements

Green Belt
-=oe,) Key views

Slope direction

Arable land

Water bodies

Woodland and hedgerows

Ancient woodland

Access:
@) current access points

- - - - - Public footpath

14 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 15
04 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BASELINE

4.4 KEY CONSIDERATIONS

HALESOWEN

Biodiversity
■ Link the biodiversity assets within the Site (hedgerow and trees along watercourses and areas of ancient woodland to Sites boundaries) to the wider GI network, as part of an interconnected habitat mosaic.
■ Utilise existing watercourses and associated
vegetation, and proposed hedgerow/ woodland planting as foraging and commuter corridors for a variety of species.

Climate Change
■ SUDs should be integrated where possible, including along the River Stour valley,
to include above ground systems such as ponds and swales, maximising their contribution to biodiversity/ wildlife habitat and the landscape character/ identity of the development.
■ Increase carbon sequestration and urban
cooling effect through tree and woodland planting, aimed to provide an attenuation function in relation to air quality and particulate filtration.

Landscape
■ Create a network of new woodland as part of the public open space, particularly with
a view to visually integrate the proposed development on the outer edges of the Site.
■ Provide a network of Green-Blue
Infrastructure links throughout the development, retaining existing habitats, trees and woodland of value and providing links to features in the surrounding landscape.
■ Encourage the reversal of habitat

Rights of Way
■ Improve connectivity of Public Rights of Way within the Site through a diverse network
of linked and well landscaped corridors. Upgrade these routes to provide cycleways where possible, to maximise sustainable transport links.
■ Locate key green infrastructure links and
green spaces along the existing public rights of way and enhanced pedestrian movement network.

Public Open Space
■ The Site must demonstrate and incorporate the provision of new green space in accordance with the quality and accessibility standards, based on the predicted population yield.
■ Locate publicly accessible rural parkland
open green space for sport and recreation to the east and west of the Site, contributing to the wider green infrastructure network and Dudley Borough's existing Green Network.

Green Belt
■ Sensitive design, placement within existing landform, suitable development offsets and strengthening of existing vegetation - within the Site and on its boundaries - will be an essential requirement to assimilate any future development proposals.
■ Additional vegetated screening of 10 to 15m
width should be implemented around Tack Farm and Uffmoor Farm to provide a buffer for the existing residential properties.
■ Existing landscape and infrastructure features

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...•...

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•

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fragmentation through the creation and improvement of habitat links to create a series of interconnected green infrastructure corridors.
■ Promote the enhancement of the existing
ancient woodland network surrounding the Site by providing visual and ecological links between existing and proposed woodland areas.

should be retained and utilised to define the new settlement and Green Belt boundary.
■ Provide open green spaces along
the proposed Green Belt boundary to compliment the rural setting of the Green Belt and provide a transitional landscape setting between the proposed development and the rural edge.

Figure 6. Landscape/ Ecological Assets & Visual Analysis
..•• ••..
..
•
Site boundary

- Water body
•=5
Road infrastructure
Watercourse

Woodland

Hedgerows

• • • • • Public Rights of Way

Slope direction

Built form
Potential bat trees

L' _?] Ecological area

_ Views of the Site
le'y
XXX Area of visual sensitivity

16 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN 17
05 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

5.1 LANDSCAPE CONSTRAINTS AND CAPACITY

HALESOWEN

The Landscape Constraints and Capacity Plan for Uffmoor Vale has evolved from a detailed analysis of the baseline landscape and visual opportunities and constraints. These arise from consideration of existing features, the landscape and visual context, analysis following field work, published guidance documents and the requirements of planning policy.

It illustrates the recommended potential development capacity of the Site and how to maximise opportunities for assimilating development into the landscape.

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Figure 7. Landscape Constraints & Capacity
.... ....
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(f)
CD

Site boundary

Potential vehicular access Potential bus-only access Road infrastructure
Settlement

Proposed woodland buffer planting
Existing woodland

Existing hedgerow retained

Primary green infrastructure link

Secondary green infrastructure link
AA/ Potential for noise from A456

• • • • • Existing Public Rights of Way
4 Geen infrastructure destination
o" cate»way opportuny

Potential attractive viewpoints Orientate development to maximise value

Existing water course

Primary blue infrastructure link

Opportunity for wetland &
meadow along valley
Opportunity for SUDS Slope direction

Potential area for higher density development (45 DPH)
Potential area for medium density development (40 DPH)
Potential area for lower density development (35 DPH)
Potential area for self/ custom build homes
Potential area for primary school
(1FE)
Potential area for Mobility as a
Service (MaaS) hub
Potential area for mixed use local centre
Potential area for Sprint Park and Ride
r.Toa

Potential football pitch

18 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN

.///1.
XX

Opportunity for rural parkland setting
Opportunity for woodland edge habitat enhancement

Area of visual sensitivity

UFFMOOR VALE I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 19
05 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

5.2 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE VISION ENHANCING THE RIPARIAN CORRIDOR

The Green Infrastructure vision for Uffmoor Vale provides a strong conceptual framework as the basis for an imaginative and innovative application of Green Infrastructure which
takes account of baseline Green Infrastructure resources and key policy drivers.

Underpinning the Green Infrastructure vision for Uffmoor Vale is a public open space and habitat network interconnected through wildlife corridors and a pedestrian movement network that weaves through the development, creating an interwoven fabric of green infrastructure.

It will comprise an ecological network based on consolidating woodlands, hedgerows, wetlands and grasslands and will prevent surface water running off and escaping from the valleys by creating a network aimed at capturing, storing and recycling water through use of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).

Landscaped buffers to the Site's boundaries, focused on introducing transitional woodland edge habitat, would protect and enhance existing boundary features as well as defining a new Green Belt boundary.
The proposed Green Infrastructure provides the opportunity to realise the economic, social, mental and physical benefits that the landscape can bring to both the existing and proposed communities.

The vision comprises 3 underlying design principles which underpin the Green Infrastructure Framework:

1. Enhancing the Riparian Corridor
2. Connecting Green Infrastructure
3. Integrating Healthy Infrastructure

■ Through the retention of the existing river corridor with a wide landscaped buffer to development introducing wetland habitat features and SUDS
■ Improving accessibility to the River Stour
through green infrastructure links that could include footpath/ cycleway connections within a landscaped corridor
■ Maximising opportunities for play by
incorporating natural water play elements alongside SUDS features and the river corridor.

CONNECTING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

■ Multi-functional nature networks through a series of connected parklands, that reconnect people to nature and integrate new and existing communities through the landscape fabric.
■ Allow uninterrupted access to nature through
a network of footpaths and cycleways that link open green spaces on Site and promote the use of the wider strategic Green Infrastructure network.
Green Belt

INTEGRATING HEALTHY INFRASTRUCTURE

■ A sequence of special places; parks, woodland edge, waterside, wet meadows, grasslands and space for sports, recreation and play, linked by
a green network for the movement of people

]! Ave

....
'~Aq°
a,
and wildlife that promotes healthy lifestyles and sustainable living.
■ Integration of 'Play on the Way' along key
pedestrian routes, providing informal natural play opportunities.
I

p, Woon
%

~
%

Figure 8. Landscape Design Principles

20 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY z
05 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

5.3 PROPOSED LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
5.4 OPEN SPACE, SPORT & RECREATION REQUIREMENTS

VALLEY MEADOWS

The Valley Meadows utilise the Sites' natural drainage pattern to alleviate the risk of flooding on-Site and further downstream. The valley SuDS features will enhance biodiversity by creating a network of linked wetland habitats. The proposed swales are shallow channels designed to
store and convey runoff and remove pollutants.

AMENITY LANDSCAPE
RURAL PARKLAND

The proposed rural parkland will provide public open space for people but also fulfil an important role of enhancing biodiversity within the Site. The park will provide open space for existing and future residents and access
to the countryside, as well as forming a strong permanent landscape buffer to the new Green Belt boundary.

WOODLAND EDGE

The provision of open space at Uffmoor Vale will be in accordance with Dudley Borough Development Strategy for the plan period up to
2026, adopted in March 2017.

In regards to Public Open Space within New
Large Housing Developments (development of
80 dwellings or more), the document explains that outdoor play space is required in a number of forms ranging from small areas of amenity green space through to larger areas of green space for informal recreation and outdoor sport.

Outdoor Recreation / Playing Space
(as per Dudley Council open space, sport and recreation provision SPD, June 2007) of which incorporates a & b

Specifically, the document (alongside the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Provision SPD) also sets out how the provision of each form is calculated and should be achieved.

The table below (01) outlines the open space requirements based on Policy S30: Public Open Space within New Large Housing Developments, S31: Children's Play Areas and outdoor recreation
/ playing space provision requirements set out in the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Provision SPD.

[EZJLHREEE]
EE!ET

2.4 6.01 6.87

a. Play space for children 0.8 2.00 2.29

b. Space for outdoor sport
of which incorporates b(i) & b(ii)

1.6 4.01 4.58
b(i). Formal pitch facilities 1.2 3.01 3.44 b(ii). Non-pitch sports facilities (including space owned by

Amenity green space includes informal recreation spaces such as pocket parks and greens in and around housing areas, play areas and domestic gardens. They will contribute to a 'green' urban character and create a sense
of place, making neighbourhoods desirable places to live

The proposed woodland edge would serve an important role in supporting the existing woodlands habitat network surrounding the Site. They will provide an attractive environment in which to live, rest, play and work and
will support the other proposed habitats, increasing
local authorities or educational sector which are available for public use)
Public Open Space within New Large Housing
Developments
(as per Policy S30 of Dudley Borough Development
Strategy, March 2017)
0.4 1.00 1.15

0.81 2.03 2.32
and work.
rs SPORT AND FITNESS

The green infrastructure vision includes provision for accessible open space for sport and fitness. The provision for sport pitches will be along the western edge of the proposed development, where it can be easily accessed by residents and the wider community, and minimises
impact on existing landscape features on Site.
connectivity and provide further biodiversity enhancement.

WATER PLAY

Play spaces will be distributed throughout the Site to meet local provision standards. These will include play areas for younger and older children and teenagers. Informal areas for natural play could potentially be located throughout public open spaces and along the proposed Valley
Meadows incorporating water play.

Amenity green space 0.81 2.03 2.32

TOTAL: Green space requirement 3.21 8.04 9.19

Table 01. Open Space requirements as per Dudley Borough Development Strategy up to 2026, adopted March 2017 - Policy S30: Public
Open Space within New Large Housing Developments and Open Space, Sport and Recreation Provision SPD.

'Based on a population of 2,505 residents (1,044 dwellings x 2.4 residents per household) on the Uffmoor Vale Site the scheme is required to deliver 8.04 hectares of open space on Site to meet the current policy requirements.
"Based on a population of 2,863 residents (1,193 dwellings x 2.4 residents per household) on the Uffmoor Vale Site the scheme is required to deliver 9.19 hectares of open space on Site to meet the current policy requirements.

The masterplan provides 32.64 hectares ofgreen space which will ensure integration of these open space, sport and recreation requirements alongside delivery ofsubstantial biodiversity enhancements.

22 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 23
06 COOMBESWOOD

6.1 INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND TO COOMBESWOOD

Coombeswood is a 37.4 hectare area of open green space in Halesowen, approximately
2.5km to the north east of the Uffmoor Vale development Site. Coombeswood abuts the Dudley Canal, which lies to the west and was once home to the working tugs and barges of Coombeswood Tube Works, previously one
of the largest Steel Tube Works in England. More recently Coombeswood has undergone transformation from heavy industry to open green space and currently consists of a local
nature reserve, woodland, grassland, hedgerows
and areas of scrub.

There are several public rights of way and a number of informal footpath routes running throughout Coombeswood. There is a Long Distance Route (Monarch's Way) that runs broadly in a north - south direction linking Coombeswood to Leasowes Park, a Grade I Listed Park and Garden, that lies to the south across the A458.

6.2 CONTEXT
Coombeswood is jointly managed by Dudley wardens and The Friends of Coombeswood group. The Friends group recently joined with the Friends of Leasowes to form a new local group called the 'Green Gateway', named after the notion that Leasowes/Coombeswood is the green gateway into Dudley from the motorway.

The wardens and Friends group have been consulted as part of the design process and
have helped to inform the strategic proposals for
Coombeswood.

Proposals for improvements to Coombeswood should be considered in conjunction with proposals for the Uffmoor Vale development Site. Together, the proposals seek to create a sustainable extension to Halesowen alongside an enhanced Green Infrastructure asset at Coombeswood, for the benefit of wildlife and wider community.

Coombeswood and Leasowes Park form a pocket of Green Belt within the urban area of Halesowen. The whole of Coombeswood is also designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).

The Black Country has recently been recognised as a UNESCO Geopark. As part of this project,
the length of the Dudley Canal to the west of Coombeswood will form part of a geotrail linking Coombeswood and Leasowes Park northwards into Dudley and to the Black Country Museum.
To the west of the Dudley Canal is Halesowen Industrial Park and the wider residential area of Halesowen lies beyond this. Immediately to the east of Coombeswood is Coombeswood Sports
& Social Club and Olive Hill Primary School set within the residential neighbourhood of Shell Corner.

Figure 9. Uffmoor Vale development Site and Coombeswood

Uffmoor Vale development Site boundary

Coombeswood

24 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 2s
06 COOMBESWOOD

6.3 BASELINE

Coombeswood consists of mostly semi-improved grassland with some areas of broadleaved and mixed woodland linked by hedgerows of varying quality and scattered scrub. To the east of Coombeswood there is a small pond concealed within an area of woodland. Invasive species of Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed have been identified on the Coombeswood site which will need to be controlled and eradicated.

Coombeswood provides habitats which are known to support an array of mammal species including badger and fox as well as other fauna such as bank and field vole.
Green space at Coombeswood has a natural, wild quality but offers limited recreation opportunities for users other than the Local Nature Reserve
and a series of Public Rights of Way and informal footpaths.

Friends of Coombeswood expressed a desire to retain the wilderness of Coombeswood and would like to see improvements that focus on biodiversity gains and a calm space for people to relax.

The landform generally falls from east to west with high points offering open views across Halesowen. Looking across from Coombeswood, the Forge of the former tube works stands as a reminder of the areas industrial heritage, against the backdrop of the Clent Hills which can be
seen in the far distance.

(f)

Site boundary

Primary access point

OLIVE HILL PRIMARY
SCHOOL
6.4 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY FOR COOMBESWOOD
Road infrastructure

Existing woodland

The Green Infrastructure Strategy (Figure
10 opposite) seeks to retain and enhance Coombeswood's natural characteristics whilst offering improved opportunities for recreation. Proposals include habitat enhancement areas
and the introduction of a variety of uses such

Suggested improvements for Coombeswood include the following:

■ Enhance existing wildlife corridors and habitat areas
■ Create new habitat areas in suitable

lle
•

Existing dense /
continuous scrub

Existing scattered scrub
Existing hedgerow retained
Existing pond

Existing semi-improved grassland
Existing contours o
as a public art trail and a sensory garden for
locations ••••••
Existing Long Distance
Route Monarch's Way
quiet reflection and relaxation. Through the suggestions of the GI Strategy, Coombeswood
■ Provide information boards at Site entrances and areas of ecological interest
-----

Existing Public Rights of Way
has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of the existing community as well as providing abundant benefits to biodiversity and wildlife.
■ Formalise a 5km long Park Run route that - - - - - - - - - utilises the existing PRoWs and desire lines
across the Site
■ Provide an outdoor gym space
■ Install an informal trim trail/ fitness route ~
that connects the 5km running route to the
outdoor gym space
■ Provide space for allotments
■ Allow space for an outdoor classroom next
to Olive Hill primary school
■ Provide a sensory garden for reflection and
meditation ~
■ Plant a community orchard at the heart of
the Site F
■ Create a public art trail that links the outdoor classroom, sensory garden and community
orchard
■ Provide picnic areas and other opportunities for users to dwell
■ Mark viewpoints to Clent Hills with public art work/ seating

Existing informal
routes and desire lines
Coombeswood Local
Nature Reserve

Dudley canal
Existing slope

Proposed recreational routes

Wildlife corridor to be retained and enhanced

Proposed 5km Parkrun route

Potential location for information boards

Proposed picnic area

Habitat enhancement
area

Green infrastructure destination

Public art

THE LEASOWES (9

Figure 10. Illustrative Green Infrastructure Strategy for Coombeswood

26 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 27
07 CONCLUSION

7.1 CONCLUSION & SUMMARY

Uffmoor Vale development proposals seek to deliver a sustainable extension to Halesowen that provides new open green spaces for sport and recreation whilst improving access to existing Green Infrastructure assets. Proposals include much needed improvements to the street scene along the A456 (Manor Way) and
reconnecting the existing settlement edge to the
Green Belt land to the south of the Site and the
GI assets it has to offer.
Proposals provide a landscaped buffer to the Site's boundaries that integrate existing landscape features to provide a permanent and defensible edge to the revised Green Belt.

Holistically, the proposals for Uffmoor Vale and Coombeswood present a unique opportunity to provide new homes to accommodate the growth of Dudley Borough whilst improving the lives of the existing community.

In addition to this, working alongside local community groups to deliver improvements to Coombeswood offers further benefits the wider community. Coombeswood has the potential to improve the health and well being of existing residents of Halesowen whilst becoming a rich haven for wildlife. It could compliment the more formal historic gardens of Leasowes Park to the south, offering a variety of recreational uses and opportunities for rest and relaxation.

28 BRADLEY MURPHY DESIGN UFFMOOR VALE I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY 2s

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46107

Received: 13/09/2021

Respondent: Paul Dickens

Representation Summary:

Black Country Plan – Support for the Protection of Green Belt Around Halesowen
I support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood,Uffmoor,
Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.
Circa 1989, Dudley Council, following a previous Green Belt review, improved the Public Rights of
Way network in these areas, by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. Following on
from that, the Council promoted enjoyment of this countryside, by the public, for informal
recreation. They supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic, landscape and
ecological significance of this countryside.
The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood,
despite this being just outside the Borough Boundary and coming under Bromsgrove. They
appreciated the important relationship between this ancient coppice woodland and neighbouring
farmland, including Tack Farm, which is the site of a former Anglo -Saxon Mill. (Notwic Mill).
The countryside protected by Green belt designation is rich in history. At Lapal and Illey there are
the remains of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance.
At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with historic Lutley Mill and the green lane that
links it to the hamlet of Lutley, which was once held by the Canons of Wolverhampton. Foxcote,
which forms the setting of the Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill, is archaeologically rich with frequent
finds of flint arrow heads, flint scrapers, axes and other tools. It was the site of the ancient hunting
summer camps, and, in part, this explains the scatter of historic ‘finds’.
The countryside is important to people from far afield, and within the wider landscape encompasses
the famed and beautiful Clent Hills, a major area of which is owned and managed by the National
Trust. We must also remember Hagley Hall and Park, which of course includes a major proportion of
Wychbury Hill, the prominence of which is acknowledged in the 18th century, by George Lyttleton, in
the creation of Hagley Park, which is now a Grade 1 Listed Garden. On Wychbury Hill are two
significant follies – The Temple of Theseus and The Obelisk, exploiting the landscape dominance of
the hill and the presence of the Fort.
The whole of this area, including that within Dudley Borough, is of regional importance as an
amenity for the welfare of a large population and in its own right is of landscape, historic, ecological
and informal recreational importance. It would be so simple to damage the area with inappropriate
developments and associated infrastructure.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46108

Received: 23/09/2021

Respondent: Andrew Garrett

Number of people: 2

Representation Summary:

Black Country Plan – Support for the Protection of Green Belt Around Halesowen
I support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood,Uffmoor,
Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.
Circa 1989, Dudley Council, following a previous Green Belt review, improved the Public Rights of
Way network in these areas, by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. Following on
from that, the Council promoted enjoyment of this countryside, by the public, for informal
recreation. They supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic, landscape and
ecological significance of this countryside.
The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood,
despite this being just outside the Borough Boundary and coming under Bromsgrove. They
appreciated the important relationship between this ancient coppice woodland and neighbouring
farmland, including Tack Farm, which is the site of a former Anglo -Saxon Mill. (Notwic Mill).
The countryside protected by Green belt designation is rich in history. At Lapal and Illey there are
the remains of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance.
At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with historic Lutley Mill and the green lane that
links it to the hamlet of Lutley, which was once held by the Canons of Wolverhampton. Foxcote,
which forms the setting of the Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill, is archaeologically rich with frequent
finds of flint arrow heads, flint scrapers, axes and other tools. It was the site of the ancient hunting
summer camps, and, in part, this explains the scatter of historic ‘finds’.
The countryside is important to people from far afield, and within the wider landscape encompasses
the famed and beautiful Clent Hills, a major area of which is owned and managed by the National
Trust. We must also remember Hagley Hall and Park, which of course includes a major proportion of
Wychbury Hill, the prominence of which is acknowledged in the 18th century, by George Lyttleton, in
the creation of Hagley Park, which is now a Grade 1 Listed Garden. On Wychbury Hill are two
significant follies – The Temple of Theseus and The Obelisk, exploiting the landscape dominance of
the hill and the presence of the Fort.
The whole of this area, including that within Dudley Borough, is of regional importance as an
amenity for the welfare of a large population and in its own right is of landscape, historic, ecological
and informal recreational importance. It would be so simple to damage the area with inappropriate
developments and associated infrastructure.