Contextual map of LCT 12 - View map full screen

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Component Landscape Character Areas

• LCA 12A: Thames Middle Vale
• LCA 12B: Western Middle Vale
• LCA 12C: Eastern Middle Vale
• LCA 12D: Oxford Middle Vale
• LCA 12E: Thame Middle Vale
• LCA 12F: Studley Middle Vale
• LCA 12G: Cherwell Middle Vale

LCA 12F Sheepgrazed pasture backgrounded by wooded hills

LCA 12D Powerlines and arable farmland transected by hedgerows

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Assessment of landscape sensitivity to renewable energy development

Landscape sensitivity assessment

Landform and scale (including sense of openness/ enclosure)

• Flat or gently undulating, low-lying landscape, mostly within 60 metres AOD and 75 metres AOD, associated with the floodplains of the districts’ major watercourses such as the rivers Thames, Ock, Thame and Cherwell; drained by numerous minor watercourses (including Stutfield Brook, Wadley Stream and Northfield Brook) which flow from the surrounding higher ground.
• Localised areas of higher ground include Barrow Bush Hill and parts of the LCT that rise to meet the footslopes of the North Wessex Downs, forming its northern landscape and visual context.
• Mainly occurring over clay, mudstone and sandstone geology, with some areas of better-draining gravel terraces, often contained by adjacent higher limestone ridges and slopes.
• A predominantly large-scale, open, arable landscape with variable sense of enclosure dependent on woodland cover and field scale – areas characterised by smaller-scale pasture fields are generally more enclosed owing to more intact boundary vegetation (including some woodland belts) including mature hedgerow trees; large-scale fields are more open, with low-clipped, often degraded hedges allowing high levels of intervisibility.
• Human scale features include low-density settlement comprising scattered farmsteads and small villages such Berrick Salmon and Charney Bassett.

Landcover (including field and settlement patterns)

• On the floodplain, land use is predominately pasture and waterside meadows, with smaller areas of arable, while on higher ground away from the river, arable cultivation is medium to large scale. There are occasional large mature trees within fields. Smaller-scale pasture fields are typically located around settlements.
• Field boundary vegetation varies, comprising degraded hedgerows with broken tree lines, as well as intact, low-clipped hedges along fields and roads. Some boundaries are delineated by open ditches and fences in places. Hedges that are more species rich with mature hedgerow trees feature predominantly along water courses and ditches. Hedgerow trees such as ash and oak make a positive contribution to enhancing distinctiveness in arable landscapes that have lost semi-natural vegetation to the enlarging of fields for agricultural production.
• Woodland cover is limited to dispersed small copses and broad tree belts between fields. Larger areas of ancient woodland are found in LCA 12F (Waterperry Wood, Holton Wood, and Stanton Great Wood), which are all also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Some areas of more substantial woodland cover such as along the Great Western Main Line railway, and where vegetation flank canals and major watercourses (such as the rivers Ock, Thame and Thames). Elsewhere mixed broadleaf and coniferous plantations are often in angular blocks.
• Important wetland and grassland habitats feature adjacent to the river and across the low-lying floodplain (such as Cuttle Brook LNR and Otmoor Nature Reserve). There are also some occasional small traditional orchards, typically associated with farms.
• Settlement is infrequent across the LCT and typically comprises small, nucleated villages and hamlets. Some are covered by Conservation Area designations (such as Goosey, Berrick Salome, and Waterstock) and contain clusters of listed buildings. Scattered farmsteads feature throughout.

Historic landscape character

• Fieldscapes within the area are recorded as being a mixture of post-medieval, pre-18th century and modern origin. Small, remnant areas of orchards associated with settlements (such as at West Hanney and East Hanney) also provide links to historic land uses and contribute to historic landscape character.
• Causewayed enclosure and associated features immediately west of Rushey Weir are Scheduled Monuments, as is Wyke Monastic Grange in the south-west of the LCA. Several of the bridges, including at Radcot, Tadpole Bridge and Newbridge, are Grade II Listed Buildings.
• A number of the settlements are covered by Conservation Area designations (such as Berrick Salome, Waterstock, and Little Haseley) and contain clusters of Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monuments (such as a deserted medieval village site at Thomley and a moated Tudor brick house on the site of a medieval hunting lodge).
• Time-depth and historic character is also provided by areas of parkland character including Waterperry House and ornamental gardens, Ascott Park, and Thame Park (all Grade II registered).
• Royal Air Force airfields at Chalgrove and Benson Military link to historic land uses including the 17th century Civil War Registered Battlefield at Chalgrove.
• Buildings in the villages reflect the underlying geology, with many older houses constructed from local Corallian limestone. Red tiles or thatch are common as roofing materials.

Visual character (including skylines)

• Boundary and roadside vegetation, as well as dispersed woodland copses frequently shorten, fragment and partially screen views within the LCT. Between tree cover, and from more open areas dominated by large-scale arable land, there are views to high ground of the wooded Corallian Limestone Ridge emphasising the location of the LCT within a wider Vale.
• Sections of the LCT form a significant part of the wider setting to the north of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape (AONB), which is visible in the distance from vantage points within the Downs, including from The Ridgeway and Open Access Land surrounding the Uffington White Horse. The wooded ridge of the Chilterns National Landscape (AONB) is the backdrop for many views south.
• Riparian vegetation along the watercourses (both the larger rivers and their smaller tributaries) often frames or screens longer-range views; for example, the River Thames is visible from sections of the Thames Path along its banks, although layers of vegetation limit views across the pastoral farmland towards the river.
• Around watercourses smaller-scale landscapes with intimate, pastoral and tranquil character contrast with the larger-scale open arable farmland that dominates much of the area.
• Electricity pylons, solar farms and agricultural structures form visually detracting features, but the sparsely settled, rural area has a general sense of peace and tranquillity. The valley floor is well contained by the wooded slopes of the Corallian Limestone Ridge to the south. At a local scale vegetated screens (such as at Chalgrove Airfield) often effectively limit the urbanising influence of modern development.

 

Perceptual and scenic qualities

• An overall rural landscape with a relative absence of large settlement and modern infrastructure, resulting a strong sense of tranquillity over the majority of the LCT, which can be appreciated from the public rights of way across the countryside.
• Localised detracting features include electricity pylons, arterial transport corridors (including the M40 and A40) and large agricultural structures, which have a more significant effect in areas that are open, with high levels of intervisibility. Parts of the LCT are strongly influenced by proximity larger urban centres (such as Oxford and Thame) which introduce large business/light industrial land uses. Solar developments and airfields are also locally detracting where not effectively integrated into their rural setting.
• On the floodplain, smaller-scale landscapes with an intimate and tranquil pastoral character contrast with the large scale open arable farmland that dominates much of the area.
• Vehicle access is predominantly farm tracks which provide links between the dispersed settlements, and is relatively limited in some parts of the LCT though major transport corridors feature throughout (such as the M40, A417 and A418), including a section of the Great Western Main Line railway, the old Wilts and Berks Canal.
• There is a well-connected network of public rights of way across most of the area (including the Vale Way, Shakespeare’s Way, and other footpaths which connect to the Thames Path National Trail) though public rights of way are sparse in other parts of the LCT. The Thames is navigable, providing further recreational value.

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Overall assessment of landscape sensitivity to solar PV developments

Summary of overall statement on landscape sensitivity of Middle Vale LCT 12

A low-lying or gently undulating landform, with a generally large-scale field pattern. Flat lowland landscapes are likely to be less sensitive, as the solar PV arrays would be less easily perceived. The landscape is generally open, with localised hedgerows and riparian vegetation providing cover. The limited screening by vegetation, especially in large-scale arable fields increases visual sensitivity. Areas of large-scale arable farmland reduce sensitivity in terms of land use, while the smaller-scale pasture and waterside meadows and historic field patterns increase sensitivity. The landscape is generally rural, although existing solar development and proximity to modern development associated with adjacent settlements and major transport routes create a more modern land cover, reducing sensitivity in places. The varied historic field pattern, areas of parkland and the small historic settlements provide a variety of time-depths, which increase sensitivity.

The flat landform has some intervisibility with surrounding higher ground and forms part of the wider setting to the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns National Landscapes, which increases sensitivity. These landscapes are also visible in views from a variety of long-distance public rights of way including the Vale Way, Shakespeare’s Way, and other footpaths which are all sensitive receptors. Skylines are generally undeveloped. The landscapes have areas influenced by proximity to modern settlement edges, which decrease sensitivity, and areas which are relatively free from overt human activity, which increase sensitivity.

This LCT generally has ‘high’ landscape sensitivity to solar energy development greater than the ‘large-scale’ development scenario. Existing woodland and thick hedgerows could be used to screen solar PV installations of medium-scale (or less) to reduce their landscape and visual impact. Care would be needed to ensure important intervisibility with the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns National Landscapes was not impeded.

Landscape sensitivity of Middle Vale Landscape Character Areas

LCA 12A: Features which lower sensitivity to solar PV development include the flat topography, sparse settlement pattern and intact hedgerows with mature trees which provide visual containment. Features which locally increase sensitivity to solar PV development include the visual and experiential relationship with the River Thames which has a high recreational value as a navigable watercourse, parts of the LCA being overlooked by the Corallian Limestone Ridge which rises to the south, and the high levels of tranquillity in the LCA.

 

LCA 12B: Features which lower sensitivity to solar PV development include the flat, low-lying landscape, limited settlement pattern, existing energy infrastructure such as solar development west of Steventon (though its visibility from within the vale is limited), overhead power lines and, where visible, railway electrification structures along the Great Western Main Line railway. Features which increase sensitivity include the lack of hedgerow structure to contain solar PV development, presence of historic settlements and the landscape’s role as a rural setting to these, and the landscape’s role within the wider landscape setting of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.

LCA 12C: Features which increase sensitivity to solar PV development include important semi-natural habitats at Spartum Fen SSSI, historic features such as the Battle of Chalgrove Field, and local areas in the south which contribute to the landscape setting of the Chilterns National Landscape. Features that lower sensitivity to solar PV development include the presence of modern built development in the form of existing solar farms and airfields at Benson and Chalgrove.

LCA 12D: Features which increase sensitivity to solar PV development include the landscape’s contribution to the rural setting of Oxford and its recreational value, including Shakespeare’s Way long distance path. Features which decrease sensitivity to solar PV development include the existing electricity pylons which pass across much of the landscape, and the urbanising influence of Oxford which reduces tranquillity in parts of the LCA.

LCA 12E: Features which increase sensitivity to solar PV development include the low-lying and relatively flat landform, and limited tree and vegetation cover which create an open, exposed character of the LCA which has intervisibility with the Chilterns National Landscape to the south. Features which lower sensitivity to solar PV development include busy transport corridors which cross through the area, such as the M40 motorway in the west, and the A418 which runs along the length of the LCA towards Thame. These introduce visual and aural disruption to the landscape.

LCA 12F: Features which increase sensitivity to solar PV development include large blocks of woodland at Waterperry Wood, Holton Wood, and Stanton Great Wood, which are all designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Any development would need to avoid adverse effects on these important habitats. Hillsides and higher ground have longer views across the lower-lying vales (for example from Beckley towards Otmoor) and these areas also have higher sensitivity to solar PV development. Features which lower sensitivity to solar PV development include the presence of existing infrastructure such as the M40 as well as electricity pylons and telecommunications masts near Beckley form prominent vertical structures on the skyline. The LCA has a comparatively intimate, semi-enclosed character, with woodland and roadside vegetation limiting intervisibility and providing a sense of containment.

LCA 12G: Features which increase sensitivity to solar PV development include the relatively sparse woodland cover which occurs in small areas within field margins, along the river, and around farmsteads. The LCA provides an open rural setting to the north-east of Oxford which could be negatively impacted by the introduction of solar energy infrastructure. Features which reduce sensitivity include mature hedgerows which reduce views across the landscape, the local impact of the A40 which reduces tranquillity, and electricity pylons which impact the skyline.

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Overall assessment of landscape sensitivity to wind energy developments

Summary of overall landscape sensitivity of Middle Vale LCT 12

A low-lying, flat or gently undulating landform, which reduces sensitivity to wind energy. The larger-scale arable fields also reduce sensitivity in terms of land use, although their lack of screening increases visual sensitivity. However, the frequent human-scale features within the landscape, including trees/woodland, hedgerows and scattered hamlets and farm buildings increase sensitivity. Field patterns are a mix of larger-scale modern and smaller-scale historic enclosure, with variation in land cover between arable fields and smaller pasture fields and water meadows. The landscape has a largely rural character, although locally impacted by proximity to urban settlement edges. Areas of parkland and historic villages provide visible historic features with importance to character, and increase sensitivity. The largely open, flat landscape and undeveloped skylines (intermittently marked by woodland) which have generally high levels of intervisibility with the surrounding landscapes, including intervisibility with the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns National Landscapes, which increases sensitivity. The LCT is largely rural, which increases sensitivity. There is reduced tranquillity close to A-roads and adjacent urban settlements, which lowers sensitivity to wind energy development. This LCT generally has ‘high’ landscape sensitivity to wind energy development greater than the ‘medium-scale’ development scenario.

Sensitivity of Middle Vale Landscape Character Areas

LCA 12A: Features which increase sensitivity to wind energy development include the visual and experiential relationship with the River Thames which has a high recreational value as a navigable watercourse, while its banks provide important semi-natural habitat. The LCA is also overlooked by the Corallian Limestone Ridge which rises to the south and it has an undeveloped, tranquil character. Features which decrease sensitivity include the flat, low-lying landscape and limited human scale features due to the sparse settlement pattern.

LCA 12B: Features which lower sensitivity to wind energy development include the presence of existing energy infrastructure such as solar development west of Steventon (though its visibility from within the vale is limited) and, where visible, the overhead electrification infrastructure associated with the Great Western Main Line railway. Substantial belts of trees along the Great Western Main Line railway, vegetation along the Wilts and Berks Canal, and riparian vegetation along the River Ock help to limit the range of views in the landscape. The LCA’s contribution to the landscape setting of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape increases its sensitivity to wind energy development.

LCA 12C: Features which lower sensitivity to wind energy development include the presence of modern built development in the form of existing solar farms and airfields at Benson. Features which increase sensitivity to wind energy development include important semi-natural habitats, such as Spartum Fen SSSI, and historic features such as the Battle of Chalgrove Field. The south of the LCA contributes to the landscape setting of the Chilterns National Landscape and is therefore more sensitive to wind energy development.

LCA 12D: Features which lower sensitivity to wind energy development include the flat, large-scale farmland, open character, proximity to industrial development on the southern edge of Oxford, and large power pylons which feature throughout the landscape, limiting the sense of tranquillity and remoteness. Features which increase sensitivity to wind energy development include the frequent human-scale features and promoted routes including Shakespeare’s Way.

LCA 12E: Features which increase sensitivity to wind energy development include the open, exposed character of the LCA with limited tree cover which is highly visible from the surrounding vales. Features which reduce sensitivity to wind energy development include the busy transport corridors which cross through the area including M40 motorway in the west, and the A418 which runs along the length of the LCA towards Thame. These introduce visual and aural disruption to the landscape, locally lowering its sensitivity.

LCA 12F: Features which increase sensitivity to wind energy development are the large blocks of woodland at Waterperry Wood, Holton Wood, and Stanton Great Wood, are all designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and longer views from hillsides and higher ground across lower-lying vales (for example from Beckley towards Otmoor). Features which lower sensitivity to wind energy development include the presence of existing infrastructure such as the M40 as well as electricity pylons and telecommunications masts near Beckley which form prominent vertical structures on the skyline. The LCA has a comparatively intimate, semi-enclosed character, with woodland and roadside vegetation limiting intervisibility and providing a sense of containment.

LCA 12G: Features which increase sensitivity to wind energy development includes the woodlands which occurs in small areas within field margins, along the river, and around farmsteads. The LCA provides an open rural setting to the north-east of Oxford which could be negatively impacted by the introduction of wind energy infrastructure. Features which lower sensitivity include the flat, low-lying landscape with limited intervisibility with surrounding landscapes.