8 landscape - planning inspectorate · function, ecological effects are assessed in chapter 9...

HIGHWAYS AGENCY – M4 JUNCTIONS 3 TO 12 SMART MOTORWAY

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT CHAPTER 8 LANDSCAPEMARCH 2015 UPDATED JULY 2015

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8 LANDSCAPE

8.1 Introduction

8.1.1 This chapter considers the landscape and visual implications of theScheme. The assessment considers how the Scheme will alter thecharacter of the landscape, as well as the views of the landscape affordedto people - visual amenity considerations. These two separate but relatedissues form the basis of landscape and visual impact assessment ("LVIA").

8.1.2 This chapter takes account of the value and nature (sensitivity) of thelandscape and views from visual receptors such as residential propertiesand users of Public Rights of Way (“PRoW”), from which there would beviews to the Scheme, as well as the degree of change predicted to occuras a result. Whilst heritage features have a bearing on landscape, effectsin relation to the setting of these features are assessed as part of chapter7 Cultural Heritage. Similarly, whilst the landscape performs an ecologicalfunction, ecological effects are assessed in chapter 9 Ecology and NatureConservation.

8.1.3 This chapter details the methodology followed for the assessment, andsummarises the regulatory and policy framework relating to landscape andvisual amenity. Following this, an overview of the baseline for the Schemeis provided. This is followed by a discussion of the baseline, mitigation,and residual effects of the Scheme for each link of the Scheme from west(junction 12) to east (junction 3). The residual effects identified includethose arising during the construction phase, in Opening Year (2022) andDesign Year (2037). A summary of the main developments within each linkwhich may result in cumulative effects in combination with the Scheme areidentified, followed by any limitations identified in carrying out theassessment. Finally, a summary table of the main findings is provided.

8.1.4 All drawings referenced within this chapter are presented in DocumentReference 6.2 (ES Figures), and all appendices referenced in this chapterare presented in Document Reference 6.3 (ES Appendices).

8.2 Methodology

General approach

8.2.1 The landscape and visual assessment for the Scheme has beenundertaken in accordance with the following best practice guidance:



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a) Highways Agency (2008) HA 205/08: DMRB Volume 11, Section 2,Part 5: Assessment and Management of Environmental Effects (Ref8-1);

b) Highways Agency (2010) Interim Advice Note (“IAN”) 135/10:‘Landscape and Visual Effects Assessment’ (Ref 8-2). (IAN 135/10supersedes Volume 11, Section 3, Part 5 of the DMRB (Ref 8-3));

c) Landscape Institute (2011) Advice Note 01/11 ‘Photography andPhotomontage in Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment’ (Ref8-4);

d) Highways Agency (2013) IAN 161/13: ‘Managed Motorways AllLane Running’ (Ref 8-5);

e) Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Managementand Assessment (2013) ‘Guidelines for Landscape and VisualImpact Assessment’: Third Edition. (GLVIA) (Ref 8-6); and

f) Institution of Lighting Engineers (2005) ‘Guidance Notes on theReduction of Obtrusive Light’ (Ref 8-7).

8.2.2 The approach to defining the baseline and assessing impacts is set outbelow.

Study area

8.2.3 The study area for the visual effects of the Scheme is defined by the Zoneof Visual Influence ("ZVI"), as shown on the Visual Effects Drawing(“VED”) Drawing 8.2 (sheets 1 to 16). The ZVI broadly defines theapproximate area within which the Scheme will be visible, based on sitesurveys and taking into account landform and land cover (e.g. vegetationand buildings). In relation to landscape character, the study area extendsbeyond the ZVI in areas where the landscape character area (“LCA”)extends beyond it at that location.

8.2.4 The study area for the Scheme falls within National Character Area(“NCA”) 115 (Thame Valley) (Ref 8-8). The western extent of the Schemefalls within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty(“AONB”). The analysis of the Scheme in the context of LCA is based on areview of the local LCAs which fall within the ZVI, and characterassessment documents where these have been prepared and publishedby the local authorities. These are identified below and shown on Drawing8.1 (sheets 1 to 16).



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Defining the baseline

8.2.5 Desk based studies have been undertaken to identify relevant policy andlandscape character information. The way in which policies relating tolandscape and visual amenity are addressed at this stage is explained inAppendix 8.2.

8.2.6 The following documents have been reviewed as part of the desk study:

a) National Policy Statement for National Networks (2014),Department for Transport (Ref 8-9);

b) Council of Partners of the North Wessex Downs Area ofOutstanding Beauty (2009). ‘The North Wessex Downs AONBManagement Plan 2009–2014’ (Ref 8-10);

c) Natural England (2012) ‘National Character Area Profiles’ (Ref 8-8);

d) Countryside Agency (now Natural England) (2002) ‘North WessexDowns AONB Integrated Landscape Character Assessment’ (Ref 8-11);

e) Department for Communities and Local Government (2012)‘National Planning Policy Framework’ (Ref 8-12);

f) adopted and emerging local development plans, comprising:

i. West Berkshire Council Core Strategy Development Plan(2012) (Adopted) (Ref 8-13);

ii. West Berkshire District Local Plan 1991 – 2006 (SavedPolicies 2007), (Saved Policies) (Ref 8-14);

iii. Reading Borough Local Development Framework (2008)(Adopted) (Ref 8-15);

iv. Wokingham Borough Core Strategy (2010) (Adopted) (Ref 8-16);

v. Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan(2003) (Adopted) (Ref 8-17);

vi. Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan:Preferred Options Consultation (January 2014) (EmergingPolicy, Not Adopted) (Ref 8-18);

vii. Slough Local Development Framework, Core Strategy 2006– 2026 (2004) (Adopted) (Ref 8-19);



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viii. Slough Local Plan (2004) (Saved Policies) (Ref 8-20);

ix. Bracknell Forest Core Strategy (2008) (Adopted) (Ref 8-21);

x. Bracknell Forest Local Plan (2002) (Saved Policies) (Ref 8-22);

xi. South Bucks Core Strategy (2011) (Adopted) (Ref 8-23);

xii. South Bucks Local Plan (1999) (Saved Policies) (Ref 8-24);

xiii. London Borough of Hillingdon Local Plan, Part 1 (2012)(Adopted) (Ref 8-25);

xiv. Hillingdon Unitary Development Plan (1998) (Saved Policies)(Ref 8-26);

xv. London Borough of Hillingdon, Local Plan: Part 2Development Management Policies (Proposed SubmissionVersion, September 2014) (Emerging Policy, Not Adopted)(Ref 8-27);

xvi. London Borough of Hounslow Unitary Development Plan(2007) (Adopted) (Ref 8-28); and

xvii. London Borough of Hounslow Local Plan, Submission 2015-2030 (Emerging Policy, Not Adopted) (Ref 8-29).

g) local landscape character assessments, comprising:

i. Berkshire Landscape Character Assessment (2003)(http://info.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=29344)(Ref 8-30);

ii. Wokingham Landscape Character Assessment (2004)(http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/countryside-landscape-and-open-space/) (Ref 8-31);

iii. Landscape Character Assessment for the Royal Borough ofWindsor and Maidenhead (2004)(http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/pp_landscape_character_assessment.htm) (Ref 8-32); and

iv. South Bucks District Landscape Character Assessment(2011) (http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/environment/heritage-ecology/landscape/buckinghamshire-landscape-character-



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assessment/south-bucks-district-landscape-character-assessment/) (Ref 8-33).

8.2.7 Reading Borough Council, Bracknell Forest Council and the LondonBorough of Hounslow have not prepared or published landscapecharacterisation studies for the parts of the study area under theirjurisdiction. The area within the jurisdiction of Reading Borough Council isreferred to as ‘urban area’ within this chapter. The area within the LondonBorough of Hounslow falls outside the ZVI and therefore has not beenconsidered further in this chapter. The area within the jurisdiction ofBracknell Forest Council is discussed in the relevant section of thischapter.

8.2.8 A detailed landscape survey of the local LCAs was carried out inDecember 2014. Separate site surveys were undertaken in 2013 and 2014during summer and winter and early 2015 to establish the likely visualinfluence of the Scheme, identify visual receptor groups and describe theexisting views experienced by receptors. Viewpoints were selected to givean indication of the range of existing views available. The receptor groupsconsidered as part of this assessment are set out at paragraph 8.4.5below. Viewpoint photographs were taken in accordance with theLandscape Institute’s Advice Note 01/11. Photographs were then stitchedtogether to generate a panorama spanning approximately 90 degrees inthe direction of the Scheme. This is the full extent of view that will beexperienced by the viewer at the selected viewpoint, when facing in thatdirection. The panoramas for viewpoints 1 to 12 are shown on Drawing 8.3(sheets 1 to 12). The photomontages to show the effects of the Schemeare shown in Appendix 4.3.

8.2.9 The Institution of Lighting Engineers (now referred to as the Institution ofLighting Professionals (“ILP”)) has produced guidelines which identifyEnvironmental Zones that define the broad night-time characteristics ofareas in terms of relative brightness or darkness (Ref 8-7). The followingEnvironmental Zones are considered to best describe the various locationscovered by the Scheme, against which it can be assessed. EnvironmentalZones identified in the ILP guidance are as follows:

a) E0: Intrinsically dark landscapes covered by designation e.g.UNESCO Starlight Reserves. In the UK these include ExmoorNational Park (2011) and Northumberland National Park (2013).The latter has also been granted Gold Tier Dark Sky Park status bythe International Dark Skies Association (“IDA”);



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b) E1: Dark landscapes, e.g. National Parks, Areas of OutstandingNatural Beauty and other rural areas;

c) E2: Low district brightness areas, e.g. rural, small village orrelatively dark urban locations;

d) E3: Medium district brightness areas, e.g. small town centres orurban locations; and

e) E4: High district brightness areas, e.g. town/city centres with highlevels of night-time activity.

8.2.10 The Environmental Zones which relate to each of the LCAs are identifiedas part of the baseline features section for each Scheme link, and areidentified on Drawing 8.4 (sheets 1 to 16).

8.2.11 A baseline night time survey was carried out in November 2014 to ensureassessment robustness. The baseline Environmental Zones are reportedin the baseline under each link and identified on Drawing 8.4 (sheets 1 to16). However, the lighting proposals for the Scheme are such that lightingwill be retained at its current locations and no new lighting will beintroduced. In the light of this, it is considered that the broad night-timelandscape characteristics i.e. the baseline Environmental Zones identifiedwithin each link, will not be affected by the Scheme. Consequently, therewill be a no change magnitude of impact on the baseline night timelandscape resulting in a neutral significance of effect. On this basis, nofurther assessment work has been carried out in relation to impacts on thenight time landscape.

8.2.12 The value (sensitivity) of landscape and visual receptors has been definedin accordance with the criteria provided in IAN 135/10.

Design and mitigation

8.2.13 The Scheme has been designed, so far as possible, to minimiselandscape and visual effects. Gantry locations are determined by designstandards, which take into account considerations such as maintenance,safety and visibility for road users. As part of the design development forthe Scheme, some existing gantries, as shown on the EnvironmentalMasterplan (“EM”) (Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 1 to 31) willbe reused. The locations of the proposed gantries have been reviewedagainst a range of criteria, including the potential to have a “significantimpact” on the view from adjacent residential properties. In light of thisreview, the proposed location for one new gantry has been relocated to



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minimise a significant impact on the view from adjacent residentialproperties;

a) eastbound, gantry G8-09 has been relocated westwards fromchainage 49+090.000 to chainage 49+435.000 to avoid a significantvisual impact on the two residential properties on Mill Lane to thenorth east of Mill Lane underbridge.

8.2.14 Location-specific mitigation (such as trees and shrub planting to replaceexisting vegetation lost as a result of the Scheme) has been provided inorder to minimise the adverse effects of the Scheme on the landscape andon visual amenity. The proposed mitigation is identified on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 1 to 31) and will be providedvia a landscape strategy secured by a requirement in the DevelopmentConsent Order (“DCO”).

Assessing impacts

8.2.15 The magnitude of impact has been defined in accordance with the criteriaprovided in IAN 135/10. Summary tables for the magnitude of landscapeand visual impact used in the assessment are provided in Appendix 8.1.

8.2.16 In accordance with IAN 135/10, significance of effect is derived as aproduct of magnitude of impact and sensitivity of the receptor in eachcase. Where a range of significance is possible, professional judgment hasbeen applied to determine which is most appropriate, on a case by casebasis. The effect can either be beneficial (positive) or adverse (negative).Tables presenting the significance of effect categories used in theassessment are provided in Appendix 8.1, along with typical descriptors ofeach effect category.

8.2.17 In this chapter, residual effects during the winter of the Opening Year(2022) and the winter of the Design Year (2037)1 on all visual receptorshave been assessed and are reported within the Visual Effects Schedule(“VES”) in Appendix 8.3. They are also shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2(sheets 1 to 16). This chapter provides a summary of the findings,reporting in slightly more detail in respect of moderate effects and above.

1 Although IAN 135/10 states that the assessment of visual effects should be undertaken for asummer’s day in the fifteenth year of opening (i.e. when the planted mitigation measures can beassumed to be substantially effective), the Agency has taken the opportunity to assess the visualeffects on a winter’s day in the fifteenth year of opening, in order to present the worst case scenario.



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8.3 Regulatory/policy framework

8.3.1 A summary of the national plans and policies that have been consideredas part of this assessment is provided in Table 8.1.



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Table 8.1 National landscape and visual regulatory and policy framework

Policy/Legislation Summary of Requirements Scheme Response

National Parks andAccess to the

Countryside Act 1949(Ref 8-34)

AONBs are designated under the provisions of theAct.

The Scheme interacts with the NorthWessex Downs AONB at its westernextent. Effects in respect of the NorthWessex Downs AONB have beenassessed.



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Department of TransportNational Policy

Statement for NationalNetworks 2014

("NN NPS")

(Ref 8-35)

This policy recognises: the need for the Strategic Road Network to

respect and enhance landscape character; design as an integral consideration from the

outset of a proposal; visual appearance as a key design

consideration; the nature of the project can limit the extent to

which it can contribute to the enhancement ofthe quality of the area;

the principal objectives of the scheme shouldbe to eliminate or substantially mitigateidentified problems and minimising adverseImpacts;

the scheme design will be a materialconsideration in decision making;

the need to undertake an assessment ofsignificant landscape and visual impacts andto include reference to landscape characterassessment and relevant policies based onthem;

the need to report significant landscape andvisual effects during the construction andoperation of the project; and

works in relation to an AONB would need tocomply with the respective duties in theNational Parks and Access to Countryside Act1949 and Countryside and Rights of Way Act.2000.

The design of the Scheme hasconsidered its impacts on the landscapeand on views and has been developedto minimise adverse impacts wherepractically possible.The Scheme has been assessed interms of its impacts on the landscapeand on visual receptors during itsconstruction and operation, includingpotential receptors within the NorthWessex Downs AONB. The assessmenthas included a review of landscapecharacter assessments carried out bythe local authorities, which have beenused to inform the baseline conditions.



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Countryside and Rightsof Way Act 2000

(Ref 8-36)

Section 85 of the Act provides that in exercising orperforming any functions in relation to, or so as toaffect, land in an AONB, a relevant authority shallhave regard to the purpose of conserving andenhancing the natural beauty of these areas.

The North Wessex Downs AONBManagement Plan (Ref 8-10)recognises the special quality of thelandscape. The landscape here includesthe River Valley of the Kennet, whichforms a very distinct linear landscape,characterised by a rich mix of grazedpastures, water meadows, wetland andwoodland, with steeply rising slopescreating an intimate and enclosedcharacter.

The Scheme, and in particular onegantry G9-21, will fall within part of theNorth Wessex Downs AONB - RiverValley of the Kennet. However, noimportant vegetation within the AONBas a result of installing the gantry will beaffected. The Scheme will thereforeconserve, but not enhance the naturalbeauty of the AONB and as a result willnot impact on its special quality.



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Department forCommunities and Local

Government (2012)National Planning Policy

Framework ("NPPF")

(Ref 8-37)

Advises that landscapes should be taken into accountin the planning process through protection andenhancement of landscapes, and that National Parks,The Broads and AONBs have the highest status ofprotection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.Whilst Green Belts are not a landscape designation,NPPF advises that once Green Belts have beendefined, local planning authorities should planpositively to enhance the beneficial use of the GreenBelt, including looking for opportunities to retain andenhance landscapes and visual amenity. One of itsaims is to maintain “openness” between settlements.Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservationareas are legally protected for interests of amenity.Works to such trees requires the written consent ofthe local authority prior to any works beingimplemented. Cutting tree roots is also a prohibitiveactivity which requires written consent. Where writtenconsent is obtained it maybe a requirement of acondition to replace the lost trees which should be “ofan appropriate size and species and planted at thesame place as soon as the owner of the land canreasonably do this”.

The landscape within the North WessexDowns AONB has been given highsensitivity in the assessment. During theScheme’s construction it will result in aslight adverse significance of effectreducing during its operation to a neutralsignificance of effect. The specialqualities of the landscape within theAONB will not be affected by theScheme.The landscape within the green belt hasbeen given a moderate to lowsensitivity. During the Scheme’sconstruction it will result locally in amoderate significance of effect reducingovertime during its operation to a localslight adverse significance of effect.The Scheme will not affect theopenness of the green belt.The Scheme will directly impact on treescovered by a group Tree PreservationOrder (“TPO”). There are other TPOsand trees in conservation areas whichlie in close proximity to the Scheme’sconstruction works where their rootsmaybe affected by the works.



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8.4 Scheme-wide considerations

Landscape

8.4.1 The commencement of the Scheme, west of junction 12, falls within thenationally designated North Wessex Downs AONB. In accordance withIAN 135/10, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and the NPPF,the landscape within the North Wessex Downs AONB is considered tohave high value (sensitivity). Outside of the nationally designated AONB,the Scheme does not fall within any locally designated landscapes (suchas Special Landscape Areas), although it does cross Green Belt landbetween Straight Mile overbridge, located east of junction 10, through tojunction 3 at Hayes. Whilst Green Belt land is not a landscape designation,but a planning policy device to stop the further spread and coalescence ofsettlements through keeping land open, Green Belt land is considered aspart of this assessment in acknowledgement of the national planningpolicy aim to maintain openness.

8.4.2 The Scheme falls entirely within NCA 115 (Thames Valley), borderingNCA 129 (Thames Basin Heaths) at the commencement of the Scheme(junction 12) and NCA 111 at the end of the Scheme (junction 3) (Ref 8-8).In addition NCA profiles are working documents which draw on currentevidence and knowledge, and are periodically updated (last updated2012). Descriptive text for NCA 115 that relates to the M4 is provided asfollows:

“The Thames Valley NCA is dissected by major transport links thatconnect London to the west, including the M4…Major roads (such as theM4…), Heathrow Airport and railways all contribute to the wealth of thearea, but also give it a feeling of patchiness. The areas around theseroutes are surrounded by storage facilities and industrial units, which addto the desultory feel.”

8.4.3 Further landscape analysis is provided in relation to each of the Schemelinks with reference to the local LCAs through which the Scheme passes.These are identified in the baseline features section for each Scheme linkbelow and shown on Drawing 8.1 (sheets 1 to 16).



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Visual amenity

8.4.4 As a result of the generally low lying topography and high level ofvegetation within the vicinity of the M4 corridor between junctions 12 and3, views to the road corridor are typically limited. Where visible, thehighway corridor forms an established component of views, as illustratedby the viewpoints 1 to 12 on Drawing 8.3 (sheets 1 to 12). The location ofthese viewpoints is indicated on the VED Drawing 8.2 (sheets 1 to 16).

8.4.5 Visual receptors which may experience a change in the view as a result ofthe Scheme principally comprise;

a) occupants of residential properties (largely within the urban areas ofReading, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Slough, West Drayton, andHayes);

b) users of business and institutional properties (such as schools);

c) users of PRoW/recreational routes (including a National Trail i.e.Thames Path, Regional Trails i.e. Colne Valley Trail and a NationalCycle Route i.e. Route 4); and

d) recreational access land i.e. Country Park, recreational ground, andtransport routes i.e. the local road network in the vicinity of the M4.

8.4.6 Visual sensitivity has been attributed to visual receptors within the studyarea in accordance with IAN 135/10. Occupants of residential propertiesand users of PRoW/other recreational routes/recreational access land areattributed high visual sensitivity. Institutional buildings (such as schools)are attributed moderate visual sensitivity. Users of business propertiesand transport routes are considered to have low sensitivity. The VESpresented in Appendix 8.3, indicates the locations of the receptorsidentified above and sets out the sensitivity of the specific receptorsidentified and the residual effects on them.

Mitigation

8.4.7 During the construction phase, the contractor will be required, by arequirement in the DCO, to prepare and implement a ConstructionEnvironmental Management Plan (“CEMP”), an ‘Outline’ version of whichis submitted in support of this DCO application (Appendix 4.2). The CEMPwill include specific measures to reduce the impacts of the constructionworks at particular locations. In particular, measures will be incorporated tominimise visual intrusion, including:



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a) the retention and protection of vegetation in accordance withBS5387; and

b) the installation of solid timber hoarding around the perimeter ofconstruction compounds 2, 5, 8, 9 and 11, which are overlooked byadjacent residential properties. The hoardings are to have a plainwood finish, without contractor logos or colour schemes.

8.4.8 The construction mitigation measures will be provided for the duration ofthe construction work.

8.4.9 On completion of the construction work, the site for each of theconstruction compounds will be reinstated to its former condition. It isanticipated that the restoration work, for example returning the site topasture or grassland, which will be achieved within a 4 to 6 month period.

8.4.10 The construction works will result in the loss of vegetation within the M4verge due to the installation of new services, such as the laying of pipeducts etc. The verge is defined as the level grass area of varying widthtypically between 2 and 3m, immediately adjacent to the carriageway. Insome locations this loss could potentially include other low level vegetationimmediately adjacent to the verge such as scrub or shrubs. However, thiswork is unlikely to impact on trees, which tend to be located further fromthe carriageway.

8.4.11 On completion of the construction work the low level landscape elementslost, such as the grass verges and natural scrub areas, will be re-seededwith a low maintenance grass seed mix. These areas are identified asEnvironmental Element (“EE”) L1.5 Open Grassland on the EM (DocumentReference 7.4, Annex A). It is envisaged that the establishment of thegrass sward would occur over a relatively short timescale i.e. within 4 to 6months after seeding. Areas of associated naturalised scrub would takelonger to re-establish i.e. up to 3 to 5 years.

8.4.12 In areas where tree and shrub planting have been removed these will alsobe replaced where practical to do so. However, the extent of the newplanting will need to take account of the maintenance and operationalrequirements of the adjacent highway infrastructure. These areas areidentified as EE L2.2: Individual Trees; EE L2.3: Linear Belts of Trees andShrubs, EE L2.6: Shrubs, EE L2.7: Shrubs with Intermittent Trees; EEL2.9: Woodland and EE L2.10 Woodland Edge on the EM (DocumentReference 7.4, Annex A). The establishment of the trees and shrubs willtake time to have an effect. It is estimated that shrubs species will take



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between 7 and 10 years to achieve their desired objective and treespecies up to 15 years. As such, it is recognised that at the Scheme’sOpening Year (2022) there will still be some localised noticeable gapswhere there was once previous tree and shrub vegetation. The infilling ofthese gaps is therefore taken into account in the Design Year (2037)assessment for each link, at which point the planting will have established.

8.4.13 The designer undertaking the design development of the landscapemitigation will need to consult Heathrow Airport Holdings Limited/CivilAviation Authority bird strike team, and take account of their requirementsin relation to plant species, to ensure that the Scheme does not result inan unacceptable level of fruit and berry bearing plants, which attract birds.

8.4.14 In order to ensure the replacement tree and shrub areas establish asintended these will be maintained for a five year period from the date ofcompletion of the works. As part of this requirement the Contractor will beresponsible for rectifying all planting defects during this period and whichwill be carried out on an annual basis. This will be a requirement in theCEMP.

8.4.15 At locations where the new gantries are proposed or where works tounderground services such as gas or electricity lines are required, a worstcase assumption has been adopted that all vegetation within the Orderlimits would be removed, as indicated on the site clearance drawing(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 1 to 32). All vegetation whichis to be removed, up to the Order limits, is indicated on the site clearancedrawing (Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 1 to 32). This drawingshould be read in conjunction with the schedule of the existing vegetationto be retained within the Order limits, which is outlined in Appendix 8.4 andindicated on the EM (Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 1 to 32).

8.4.16 Under the assessment for each Scheme link there is reference to specificlocations which are considered to be sensitive. This is because thevegetation at these locations, either within the Order limits, or immediatelyadjacent to it, is either covered by a TPO, falls within a conservation areaor provides important screening to adjacent nearby residential properties.



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8.4.17 In relation to TPOs, there are two which fall within the Order limits. Thereare a number of others, as well as other trees within conservation areas,which lie outside the Order limits, but are immediately adjacent to them.These trees, including their root systems, have been protected by the localplanning policies because of their “amenity value”. There are other treeswhich are not covered by TPO nor fall within a conservation area, but havebeen identified as they provide important screening to adjacent residentialproperties. It will be a requirement of the CEMP that the Contractor mustidentify, retain and protect these trees throughout the construction phase.In doing so, the Contractor is required to employ the services of anarboriculturalist to carry out a tree survey and report in accordance withBS5387. This survey will identify all the trees covered by TPOs, as well asthose within conservation areas, including those trees located outside theOrder limits but where their root system is likely to extend into the areacovered by the Order limits. The tree survey is required to identify the fullroot zone of these trees and to provide measures to protect the roots andthe tree for the duration of the construction work. Where it is not possibleto retain the full tree, consideration should be given to coppicing the tree.This will involve cutting the tree back to the base and allowing the newshoots to establish. The coppiced stool and new growth will then beprotected during the construction period.

8.4.18 The assessment has taken into account the potential for micro-siting of thegantries during the construction phase, allowing for up to 15m deviation ineither direction from the location indicated on the EM (DocumentReference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 1 to 32), and provided for in the DCO.

8.4.19 Further analysis of the landscape and the visual amenity of the study areais provided in relation to each of the Scheme links below, and includes adescription of the post construction mitigation within the links.

8.5 Junction 12 to junction 11

Baseline features, future conditions and value (sensitivity) ofresource

Landscape

8.5.1 The assessment within this link has been subdivided into the landscapewithin the North Wessex Downs AONB and the landscape outside it. Thereason for this is to clearly differentiate between the landscape which isconsidered to be of high value (sensitivity) i.e. that within the national



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landscape designation, and that of medium value (sensitivity) which liesoutside it.

8.5.2 This Scheme link is covered by the North Wessex Downs AONB‘Integrated Landscape Character Assessment’ (2002) produced by theCountryside Agency (now Natural England) (Ref 8-11), the ‘BerkshireLandscape Character Assessment’ (2003), produced by Berkshire JointStrategic Planning Unit (Ref 8-30), and the ‘Wokingham LandscapeCharacter Assessment’ (2004), produced by Wokingham Borough Council(Ref 8-31). The LCAs that relate to this Scheme link are shown onDrawing 8.1 (sheets 1 to 3) and comprise LCA 8a: Hermitage WoodedCommons of the North Wessex Downs AONB’ Integrated LandscapeCharacter Assessment, LCA C1: Kennet Woodland and HeathlandMosaic, LCA H4: Cold Ash of the Berkshire Landscape CharacterAssessment, and LCA I3: Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowland of theWokingham Landscape Character Assessment.

Landscape character of the North Wessex Downs AONB

8.5.3 The Scheme within the AONB lies within LCA 8a: Hermitage WoodedCommons. The western extremity of the Scheme, west of junction 12, isthe only section that falls within the North Wessex Downs AONB. This partof the Scheme link traverses an area of low lying ground adjacent to gentlysloping agricultural fields which rise to an elevated local ridge to the north.The urban edges of Reading (Calcot) and Theale form the eastern settingto the AONB. The M4 within the AONB is almost entirely enclosed bymature woodland and trees which help to screen its traffic in summer,although in winter, when the leaves are off the trees, the M4 is a morenoticeable element. Traffic noise is a constant element within thislandscape. Viewpoint 1 (Drawing 8.3, sheet 1) illustrates the view to theM4 from an elevated location at the east edge of the AONB at itsintersection with the urban edge of south west Reading.

8.5.4 The key characteristic of LCA 8a in relation to road infrastructure is a

“…..network of rural lanes...plus more intrusive road infrastructure”.

8.5.5 Further, in relation to the M4 specifically the Landscape CharacterAssessment notes that “The M4 runs east-west through the area…Theroad infrastructure, including the intersection at Chievely has a significantlocal impact, severing the area”.



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8.5.6 In terms of the night-time characteristics of the landscape within the NorthWessex Downs AONB, the M4 has existing highway lighting together withthe occasional illuminated sign. With reference to the night timephotograph at viewpoint 1 (Drawing 8.3, sheet 1) LCA 8A HermitageWooded Commons is considered to be ILP E2 Environmental Zone - a lowdistrict brightness area.

8.5.7 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the importance and valueattached to the landscape within the North Wessex Downs AONB it isconsidered to have a high value (sensitivity).

Landscape character outside the North Wessex Downs AONB

8.5.8 South of the AONB and lying to the south of the M4 is LCA H4: Cold Ash.To the east of the AONB, in the vicinity of junction 12, the M4 passesbetween the urban areas of south west Reading (Calcot) and Theale. Theurban area typically comprises modern residential, retail/business, lightindustrial areas and derelict land. East of junction 12 the M4 passes onembankment through a typically low lying, undeveloped restoredlandscape. This comprises a series of artificial lakes created from floodedgravel pits with associated open areas of grassland and tree belts. Thislandscape also includes areas of occasional gravel extraction and pocketsof agricultural land. The Kennet and Avon canal and River Kennet lieadjacent to the lakes and pass under the M4 just east of junction 12.Modern business parks in the vicinity of junctions 12 and 11 and streetlighting, signs, gantries, bridges and traffic associated with the M4 providean urban context to the rural landscape within this Scheme link. The M4has the greatest influence on the local landscape at junctions 11 and 12,as these are grade-separated junctions with elevated structures, streetlighting and road signs.

8.5.9 In terms of the night-time characteristics of the landscape within thisScheme link, the M4 has existing highway lighting together with occasionalilluminated signs and gantries. The rural landscape within LCA C1: KennetWoodland and Heathland Mosaic, LCA H4: Cold Ash and LCA I3:Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowland is considered to be ILP E2 EnvironmentalZone – a low district brightness area. The urban area at the south westedge of Reading (Calcot) and Theale is considered to be ILP E3Environmental Zone - medium district brightness areas.



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8.5.10 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the presence of the existing M4and the urban influences on the landscape within this link, the landscapeoutside the North Wessex Downs AONB, is considered to have amoderate value (sensitivity).

Future baseline

8.5.11 The committed future developments identified within this Scheme link areshown on Figure 16.1 (sheets 1 to 3). They comprise;

a) retail development at the Berkshire Retail Park located to the northwest of junction 12 within the urban area;

b) recycling facility at an existing recycling facility (retrospectivelyconsented) north of the M4 within LCA C1: Kennet Woodland andHeathland Mosaic;

c) solar farm to the south of the M4 within LCA C1: Kennet Woodlandand Heathland Mosaic; and

d) business park development located to the north west of junction 11within the urban area.

Visual amenity

8.5.12 The visual receptors within this Scheme link comprise residentialproperties within the urban areas of Reading (Calcot) and Theale; togetherwith some individual residential properties outlying Reading to the south,users of recreational routes (including National Cycle Route 4) and minorroads to the south of Reading. The locations of these visual receptors areshown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 1 to 3), and described within theVES in Appendix 8.3.

8.5.13 As a result of the generally high level of vegetation within the vicinity of theM4 corridor between junctions 12 and 11, views to the M4, its traffic andinfrastructure, are typically experienced where it is on embankment, suchas to the east of junction 12 as it crosses the low lying River Kennet valley.

Mitigation

Construction

8.5.14 A schedule of the existing vegetation to be retained within this Scheme linkis identified in Appendix 8.4. This link also contains one location wheretrees are covered by a group TPO. The trees within this TPO will requirespecific measures as set out in paragraph 8.4.17 and in the Outline CEMP(Appendix 4.2). The TPO is located:



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a) eastbound, and comprises individual trees which lie immediatelyadjacent to the Order limits between chainage 56+500.000 to56+000.000 and covered by TPO 239/1983 (Wokingham BoroughCouncil).

Operation (design year, 2037)

8.5.15 The mitigation proposals within this Scheme link are set out on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 1 to 6) and include Woodland(EE L2.9), Scrub Planting (EE L2.5) and Tree and Shrub Planting (EEL2.3) to replace the vegetation lost to the Scheme within the M4 Orderlimits.

Assessment of residual effects

Construction

Landscape

8.5.16 The site clearance within this link is shown on the site clearance drawing(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 1 to 6) which indicates thetrees and shrubs within the Order limits which will be lost to the Scheme.The main locations are:

a) eastbound, junction 12 to take account of the realignment of theeastbound on-slip between chainage 61+980.000 to 61+840.000within the urban area;

b) on both sides of the Scheme to take account of the working area togantry G9-17 within LCA C1: Kennet Woodland and HeathlandMosaic;

c) on both sides of the Scheme to take account of the working area togantry G9-07 within LCA C1: Kennet Woodland and HeathlandMosaic; and

d) on both sides of the Scheme at Poundgreen Road overbridge, totake account of the working area to gantries G9-06 and G9-05within LCA I3: Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowland.

8.5.17 Other construction activities associated with the Scheme include:

a) the movement of plant and vehicles;

b) highway construction work protection measures;

c) the installation of 13 gantries of varying types;

d) the removal of seven existing gantries;



REV 2PAGE 8-22

e) carriageway widening to create six Emergency Refuge Areas(“ERAs”);

f) the slip road realignments at the two junctions; and

g) the creation of two construction compounds lying to the north eastof junction 12 and south of junction 11 respectively along withassociated movement of plant and vehicles and material stockpiles.

Within the North Wessex Downs AONB

Landscape

8.5.18 With reference to Drawing 8.1 (sheet 1) the western extent of the Scheme,from its commencement to the existing footbridge just west of junction 12,is entirely within the North Wessex Downs AONB and its associated LCA8a: Hermitage Wooded Commons. The setting to this area is largelydefined by the adjacent built up areas of Reading and Theale. Thesedelineate the north, east and south east extent of the AONB designationand include junction 12 of the M4. Along this section of the link the M4 isalmost entirely enclosed by mature woodland and trees. The only workswithin this area would be the installation of gantry G9-21 within the splitterisland between the eastbound off slip and the main carriageway, and theexisting screening vegetation within the Order limits will remain intact. It istherefore anticipated that the Scheme works will not be readily noticeablewithin the wider North Wessex Downs AONB landscape or its settingbeyond the Order limits. Also, construction activities will generally only beperceived from the M4 highway estate and in close proximity to gantry G9-21.

8.5.19 Overall, having regard to the fact the existing M4 forms a large scale linearelement within the AONB designation, the limited nature of the work i.e.the installation of gantry G9-21 at junction 12 and, the retention of all theexisting trees and shrubs with the Order limits, whilst having regard to thehigh sensitivity of the North Wessex Downs AONB, the constructionactivities will have a temporary negligible adverse magnitude of impacton the local character of the AONB and the associated LCA 8a: HermitageWooded Commons resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.



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Visual amenity

8.5.20 Other than vehicle users on the M4, no visual receptors have beenidentified within the North Wessex Downs AONB. The PRoW whichcrosses the M4 footbridge within the urban area immediately adjacent tothe AONB boundary is considered in the following section.

Outside the North Wessex Downs AONB

Landscape

8.5.21 The construction activities between junction 12 and 11 will include thecreation of two temporary construction compounds. Constructioncompound 2 will be located on agricultural land at the built edge ofReading (Calcot) to the north east of junction 12 and constructioncompound 3 will be located on reinstated agricultural land followingprevious use as a construction compound within LCA I3: Grazeley FarmedClay Lowland west of Three Mile Cross. The site lies adjacent to the A33south of junction 11. At the end of the construction phase bothconstruction compounds 2 and 3 will be removed and the land reinstatedto agricultural use.

8.5.22 In regard to construction compound 2, this will have a localised directimpact on the urban fringe landscape at the urban edge of Calcot due tothe loss of open agricultural land and its replacement with a temporaryconstruction compound and construction activities. The site for thiscompound is presently contained on three sides by perimeter vegetationwith built development beyond and, whilst the boundary to the south isopen, this aspect is contained by the vegetation associated with junction12. The perimeter vegetation surrounding the compound will be retainedas set out in the Outline CEMP (Appendix 4.2), and where necessaryprotected for the duration of the works. In addition, and where practical todo so, the stripped topsoil from the site should be stored adjacent to theresidential properties on the north and east side of the constructioncompound. The location of the topsoil storage bunds will also need to beoff-set from the perimeter vegetation in order to minimise damage to itsroots. Taking into account the retained perimeter vegetation, constructioncompound 2 will have a short term moderate adverse magnitude ofimpact and a resulting moderate adverse significance of effect on theurban fringe landscape at the south west edge of Reading (Calcot).



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8.5.23 In regard to construction compound 3, this will have a direct, but containedimpact on the rural landscape of LCA I3: Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowland.The impacts arising from the construction activities associated with it willbe limited by the surrounding road network and its associated bunds androad side vegetation. To the east side is the busy A33 with its associatedearth bund and recent planting, which forms the eastern edge of the site.There is a belt of mature vegetation on the far side of the A33. MereoakLane runs along the western side of the site and in part there is a belt ofmature vegetation on the opposite side of this Lane. The maturevegetation at the northern end of the site will be retained. It is anticipatedthis compound will have a short term minor adverse magnitude of impacton the rural character resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.5.24 To the south of the North Wessex Downs AONB is LCA H4: Cold Ash,which for the most part lies to the south side of the M4 and forms anundeveloped rural setting to the AONB. Given the proximity of junction 12and the strong linear belts of vegetation along the south side of the M4adjacent to this LCA, the impacts of the construction work associated withgantry G9-21, located within the AONB, will have a temporary negligibleadverse magnitude of impact on the character of this medium sensitivityarea resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

8.5.25 Between junction 12 and 11 within LCA C1: Kennet Woodland andHeathland Mosaic and LCA I3: Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowlands the siteclearance will result in the removal of some trees within the M4 highwayestate. However, given the relatively extensive nature of the existingvegetation adjacent to the M4, it is considered the loss of this vegetationwill have only a very slight alteration to the existing landscapecharacteristics. The most conspicuous construction activities will beassociated with the installation of the gantries, particularly where theyoccur on embankment. Although they will form locally intrusive sporadicelements within the immediate landscape adjacent to the M4, they will beset in the context of the large scale existing M4 infrastructure and itstraffic. As such, it is anticipated that the Scheme construction will have ashort term minor adverse magnitude of impact on the landscape resultingin a slight adverse significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.5.26 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3.



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8.5.27 The majority of the rural visual receptors within this Scheme link aretypically medium sensitivity users of PRoW or people carrying out otherrecreational activity where they are in relatively close proximity to the M4.It is anticipated these users will experience a range of view types to theconstruction works: from glimpses and filtered views, to an open viewparticularly to the installation of the gantries. However, the constructionactivities will often appear as a single element within the context of otherexisting large scale M4 infrastructure and its traffic, which already definesthe existing view. As such users would typically experience at worst ashort term minor adverse magnitude of impact resulting in a slightadverse significance of effect.

8.5.28 Construction compound 2 lies in close proximity to a number of highsensitivity residential properties located predominantly to the east of thesite, off Dorking Way, in Reading (Calcot). A number of these propertieswhich previously had a filtered view to the adjacent field will now have afiltered view to the temporary compound and its associated activities. Onthis basis it is anticipated local residents will experience a short termmoderate adverse magnitude of impact on these filtered views resultingin a moderate adverse significance of effect. Elsewhere, views toconstruction compound 2 will generally be transient from the lowsensitivity receptor of users on A4, Bath Road. These views will in part berestricted or heavily filtered by road side vegetation. Users here willexperience a short term minor adverse magnitude of impact resulting, atworst, in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.5.29 Views to construction compound 3 within LCA 3l: Grazeley Farmed ClayLowland will be restricted to the surrounding road network. There is theoccasional residential property to the west and north, although typicallythey are relatively remote to the site and the views to the compound will atbest be heavily filtered by intervening vegetation. As such, constructioncompound 3 will have at worst a moderate adverse magnitude of impacton views for users of Mereoak Road resulting in a slight adversesignificance of effect.



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Operation (opening year, 2022)


Landscape

8.5.30 The operational impacts in the Opening Year (2022) will be limited to thepresence of gantry G9-21 located within the eastern extent of the AONB.In light of the existing highway infrastructure at the nearby junction 12 andthe fact there was a former gantry at this location, albeit slightly further tothe east, it is anticipated the new gantry will have little influence upon thewider character and setting of the North Wessex Downs AONB resulting ina barely perceptible difference to the baseline situation. Taking intoaccount the high sensitivity of the North Wessex Downs AONB and the nochange magnitude of impact, the Scheme will result in a neutralsignificance of effect on the character of the AONB and LCA 8a:Hermitage Wooded Commons.


Landscape

8.5.31 Within LCA H4: Cold Ash the Scheme will result in no tree or shrub losswithin the Order limits and the construction activities will be limited to theinstallation of gantry G9-21 at junction 12 within the adjacent LCA 8a:Hermitage Wooded Commons, within the AONB. The Scheme operationduring the Opening Year (2022) will result in no change to the characterof this medium sensitivity area with the result that there will be a neutralsignificance of effect.

8.5.32 Between junction 12 and 11 the Scheme will include localised siteclearance including the removal of existing trees and shrubs, the removalof up to five gantries, the installation of six ERAs, localised sections of sliproad realignment, installation of sections of noise barrier and 14 newgantries of varying types. Typically, these are relatively large scalehighway infrastructure elements and notably there are seven new gantries(G9-17, G9-16, G9-14, G9-13, G9-11, G9-10, and G9-07) within LCA C1:Kennet Woodland and Heathland Mosaic and two new gantries (G9-04,G9-02) within LCA I3: Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowlands, which will have alocal presence within the immediate rural landscape. However, the highlevel of vegetation cover within these two LCAs, together with the existingurban influences (including the urban edges of Reading and Theale, thebusiness parks, Reading Motorway Service Area and the M4, along withits associated traffic and infrastructure), will help to minimise the impacts



REV 2PAGE 8-27

of these elements. Consequently, the Scheme will not form a readilyapparent element within the landscape and where elements are evidentthey will constitute interventions within an established motorway corridor,which already contributes to a semi-urban local landscape character. TheScheme operation in the Opening Year (2022) will have a medium to longterm negligible adverse magnitude of impact resulting in a neutralsignificance of effect on the landscape character of LCA C1: KennetWoodland and Heathland Mosaic and LCA I3: Grazeley Farmed ClayLowlands and the urban area of south west reading (Calcot) and Theale.

Visual amenity

8.5.33 The visual effects of the Scheme within this link are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3 and shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 1 to 3). As aresult of the high level of vegetation within the vicinity of this section of theM4 corridor, views of the Scheme are limited and where visible, theScheme components will generally be seen where highway infrastructureis already an established part of the view.

8.5.34 The visual receptors within LCA C1: Kennet Woodland and HeathlandMosaic and LCA I3: Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowlands and which areaffected by the Scheme will typically be those associated with either alimited number of scattered high sensitivity rural properties or outdoorrecreational activity of medium sensitivity. The Scheme will result intypically one gantry being a visible new element in the view from thesereceptors. In some situations, such as in views from PRoW and therecreational areas, the gantries will form new elements on top of thehighway embankment and in other situations more than one new gantrymay be visible. Although the gantries are considered to be large scaleelements, they will often appear as one element within the context of otherexisting large scale M4 infrastructure and its traffic which already definesthe existing view. As such, the Scheme will typically have a minoradverse magnitude of impact resulting in, at worst, a slight adversesignificance of effect.



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Landscape

8.5.35 In light of the fact that the retained vegetation along the perimeter of theM4 will be retained and the gantry G9-21 is seen in the context of junction12, the integrity of the landscape beyond the M4 highway boundary will besimilar to the baseline situation. It is anticipated that in the Design Year(2037) the Scheme will have no change resulting in a neutral significanceof effect on the landscape within the AONB.


Landscape

8.5.36 Within LCA H4: Cold Ash the on-going long term operational impacts willbe neutral as there are no impacts as a result of gantry G9-21 locatedwithin the eastern extent of the adjacent AONB.

8.5.37 Within LCA C1: Kennet Woodland and Heathland Mosaic and LCA I3:Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowlands the on-going long term operationalimpacts will also be similar to those reported for the Opening Year (2022).There will be limited scope for the new tree and shrub planting to fullymitigate the impacts of the new gantries, particularly where they arepositioned on embankment. However, in this respect the Scheme willcontinue to be a barely noticeable element within the establishedmotorway corridor and have a negligible adverse magnitude of impactresulting in a neutral significance of effect on the rural and urban areas.

Visual amenity

8.5.38 The visual receptors within the urban area in the vicinity of junction 12 andwithin LCA C1: Kennet Woodland and Heathland Mosaic and LCA I3:Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowlands, which have views to the gantries, willcontinue to experience on-going impacts as reported for the Opening Year(2022) – namely a permanent minor adverse magnitude of impactresulting in, at worst, a slight adverse significance of effect. This isbecause it will not be possible to effectively screen these large scaleelements through landscape planting, due to the fact the visible gantry iseither on embankment or that there is limited space between the gantryand the highway boundary to establish an adequate screen.



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Landscape

8.6.1 This Scheme link is covered by the Wokingham Landscape CharacterAssessment (2004), produced by Wokingham Borough Council (Ref 8-31).The LCAs that relate to this Scheme link comprise; LCA I3: GrazeleyFarmed Clay Lowlands; LCA J3: Spencers Wood Settled and FarmedClay; LCA A2: Loddon River Valley; LCA C1: Arborfield River Terrace;LCA J2: Arborfield and Barkham Settled and Farmed Clay; and LCA J1:Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and Farmed Clay, as shown on Drawing 8.1(sheets 3 to 5).

8.6.2 Between junctions 11 and 10, the M4 passes between the Reading urbanarea (Whitley Wood) and the settlement of Shinfield and then traverses anarea of low lying agricultural land within the floodplain of the River Loddon.Further east it passes on embankment between the urban edges ofSindlesham, Winnersh and Wokingham which typically comprise modernresidential suburbs. The agricultural land is interspersed with a number ofwoodlands and copses, with riparian trees along the river corridor. Thisvegetation helps to reduce the influence of the M4, its traffic andinfrastructure on the wider landscape. The M4 has the greatest influenceon the local landscape at junctions 11 and 10 as these are grade-separated junctions with elevated structures, lighting and signs, and alsothe section where it is on embankment between Sindlesham, Winnershand Wokingham. Here the M4, its lighting, signs and traffic are elevatedabove the low lying fields and residential areas. However, the vegetationon the embankments helps to screen the M4 traffic during the summermonths (refer to viewpoint 2, Drawing 8.3 (sheet 5)).

8.6.3 The night-time characteristics of the landscape within this Scheme linkfalls within ILP E2 Environmental Zones – low district brightness areas.Locally, the existing M4 lighting within this link contributes to the creationof ILP E3 Environmental Zones – medium district brightness areas and isoften set in the context of adjacent urban edge lighting at the edges ofReading, Sindlesham, Winnersh and Wokingham.

8.6.4 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the presence of the existing M4and the urban influences, the landscape within this link is considered tohave a moderate value (sensitivity).



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Future baseline

8.6.5 The relevant committed future developments identified within this Schemelink are shown on Figure 16.1 (sheets 3 to 4). They comprise:

a) westbound, residential development west of Three Mile Cross to thesouth of junction 11 within LCA I3: Grazeley Farmed ClayLowlands;

b) westbound, residential developments between the settlements atThree Mile Cross and Shinfield to the south east of junction 11within LCA I3: Grazeley Farmed Clay Lowlands and LCA J3:Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay;

c) westbound, Shinfield eastern relief road to the south of the M4within LCA J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay; and

d) westbound, science and innovation park to the south of the M4 andto the north east of the settlement at Shinfield within LCA J3:Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay.

Visual amenity

8.6.6 Visual receptors within the study area for this Scheme link comprise:

a) residential properties within areas of settlement including WhitelyWood, Shinfield, Lower Earley, Sindlesham and Winnersh;

b) individual scattered rural properties typically to the south of the M4;

c) users of recreational routes; and

d) users of the minor road network.

8.6.7 The locations of the visual receptors are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2(sheets 3 to 5) and described in the VES in Appendix 8.3. As a result ofthe generally high level of vegetation within the vicinity of the M4 corridorbetween junctions 11 and 10, views to the road corridor are typicallylimited. However, where the M4 is on embankment its lighting,infrastructure and traffic are visible elements in breaks in the vegetationand particularly during the winter months when the tree canopies arewithout their leaves (see viewpoint 2, Drawing 8.3 (sheet 5).



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Mitigation

Construction

8.6.8 A schedule of the existing vegetation to be retained within this Scheme linkis identified in Appendix 8.4. However, there are several sensitivelocations within this Scheme link, where it is considered desirable to retainexisting vegetation in order to minimise the impacts of the constructionwork on the views from adjacent residential properties. The requirementsfor this vegetation are set out in paragraph 8.4.17 and are contained in theOutline CEMP (Appendix 4.2). The sensitive areas identified within this linkare:

a) vegetation on both sides of the embankment lower slopes adjacentto the working area to gantry G8-05 to filter views from adjacentresidential properties on St Mary’s Road and B3030, King StreetLane (westbound side) and Eden Way (eastbound side) within theurban area of Sindlesham; and

b) vegetation on both sides of the embankment lower slopes adjacentto the working area to gantry G8-03 to filter views from adjacentresidential properties on Green Lane and the A329, Reading Road(westbound side) and the A329, Reading Road (eastbound side)within the urban area of Winnersh and Wokingham.


8.6.9 The mitigation proposals within this Scheme link are set out on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 6 to 10). This includes newwoodland edge planting (EE L2.10); new woodland planting (EE L2.9) andnew tree and shrub planting (EE L2.3) to replace the vegetation lost to theScheme.


Construction

Landscape

8.6.10 The site clearance within this link is shown on the site clearance drawing(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 6 to 10) which indicates treesand shrubs within the Order limits which will be lost to the Scheme. Themain areas are:



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a) westbound, on both sides of Shinfield Road overbridge to takeaccount of geotechnical work to the cutting slopes within LCA J3:Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay;

b) eastbound cutting between the M4 and B3270 to take account ofthe working area to install emergency refuge area (“ERA”) E8-B3within LCA J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay;

c) westbound cutting, west of Cutbush Lane overbridge to takeaccount of the working area to install gantry G8-16 within LCA J3:Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay;

d) westbound embankment, west of the River Lodden underbridge totake account of the working area to install ERA E8-A2 within LCAA2: Loddon River Valley;

e) eastbound embankment, west of Mill Lane underbridge to takeaccount of the working area to install gantry G8-09 within LCA J2:Arborfield and Barkham Settled and Farmed Clay;

f) the embankment immediately west of Kings Street Laneunderbridge to take account of the working area to install gantryG8-05 within LCA J1: Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and FarmedClay;

g) westbound embankment, east of Kings Street Lane underbridge totake account of the working area to install ERA E8-A1 within LCAJ1: Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and Farmed Clay; and

h) eastbound embankment between the Winnersh Railwayunderbridge and junction 10 in order to take account of theeastbound off-slip realignment within LCA J1: Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and Farmed Clay.





d) the removal of four existing gantries;

e) carriageway widening to create six ERAs;

f) the installation of noise barriers adjacent to Mill Lane underbridge;

g) the slip road realignments at the two junctions; and



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h) the creation of construction compound 4 located at junction 10within land contained by the A329(M) to M4 eastbound on-slip road,along with associated movement of plant and vehicles and materialstockpiles.

8.6.12 Within LCA J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay there are threemain areas of vegetation removal as well as the installation of five gantriesand the installation of one ERA. It is anticipated the impacts on the widerlandscape of this area will be limited due to the fact the constructionactivities are typically in cutting and contained either by adjacent retainedvegetation elsewhere within the cutting or by adjacent vegetation outsidethe highway boundary.

8.6.13 Within LCA A2: Loddon River Valley there is one main area of vegetationremoval as well as the installation of three gantries and two ERAs.Although these locations are typically at grade or on embankment, theconstruction activities will be contained by the adjacent woodland blocksand other vegetation outside the highway boundary.

8.6.14 Within LCA J2: Arborfield and Barkham Settled and Farmed Clay there isone area of vegetation removal associated with the installation of onegantry. Although the location is on embankment, it is contained byadjacent trees elsewhere on the embankment and by other vegetationoutside the highway boundary.

8.6.15 Within LCA J1: Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and Farmed Clay there arethree areas of vegetation removal as well as the installation of threegantries and two ERAs. The M4 through this area is typically onembankment which is planted. This planting along with associated treebelts, woodland blocks and the urban edge help to minimise the impact ofthe construction activities on the wider landscape. In addition, the impactof construction compound 4 on the landscape setting to junction 10 will becontained by the adjacent junction infrastructure and associated blocks ofvegetation.

8.6.16 However, the loss of embankment vegetation associated with therealigned junction 10 off-slip, east of Southern Region Winnershunderbridge will have a localised impact on the rural landscape WithinLCA J1: Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and Farmed Clay to the north westquadrant of junction 10.



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8.6.17 The construction activities will have a short term negligible adversemagnitude of impact resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect onLCA J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay; LCA A2: Loddon RiverValley, LCA C1: Arborfield River Terrace and LCA J2: Arborfield andBarkham Settled and Farmed Clay. As a consequence of the embankmentvegetation removal east of Southern Region Winnersh underbridge, theScheme will have a short term minor adverse magnitude of impactresulting in a slight adverse significance of effect on LCA J1:Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and Farmed Clay.

Visual amenity

8.6.18 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3 and shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 3 to 5).

8.6.19 The majority of the visual receptors within the rural areas along thisScheme link are typically medium sensitivity users of PRoW where theyare in relatively close proximity to the M4. It is anticipated these users willexperience a range of view types to the construction works from glimpsesand filtered views, to an open view particularly to the installation of thegantries. The construction activities will often appear as one elementwithin the context of other existing large scale M4 infrastructure and itstraffic which already defines the existing view. As such, these users, atworst, will experience a short term minor magnitude of impact on theirtransient views to the Scheme resulting in a slight adverse significance ofeffect.

8.6.20 There are also clusters of high sensitivity residential properties at theurban edge where they immediately abut the Scheme such as at WhitleyWood, Sindlesham and Winnersh. Typically these areas also have noisebarriers which help to screen views of the vehicles, although at somelocations i.e. at new gantry locations these barriers will be temporarilyremoved and replaced as part of the Scheme.

8.6.21 It is anticipated that the following residential properties will have views tothe installation of new gantries. These will be at:

a) the occasional residential property in the vicinity of the ShinfieldFootbridge on Old Whitley Wood (Whitley Wood) is likely to have aview to the installation of the new gantry G8-22a over the adjacentexisting noise barrier. It is anticipated where properties have a viewthey will at worst experience a short term minor adverse



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magnitude of impact resulting in a slight adverse significance ofeffect;

b) three residential properties on Mill Lane, located north of Mill Laneunderbridge, will have filtered winter views to the adjacent localisedembankment vegetation removal and the construction activitiesassociated with the installation of the new 2m high noise barriers onthe top of the embankment. It is anticipated that the view from theseproperties will experience a temporary moderate adverse, and atemporary negligible adverse magnitude of impact respectively inrelation to filtered winter views and screened summer viewsresulting in a moderate adverse and slight adverse significance ofeffect;

c) a cluster of residential properties on St Mary’s Road and KingsStreet Lane, Sindlesham are likely to have views to the adjacentembankment vegetation removal and the construction activitiesassociated with the installation of gantry G8-05 located immediatelywest of Kings Street Lane underbridge. It is anticipated, assumingthe worst case scenario, that the vegetation clearance on theembankment, associated with the installation of the gantry extendsto the Order limits, the view from these properties will experience ashort term minor adverse to moderate adverse magnitude ofimpact resulting in a minor adverse to moderate adversesignificance of effect;

d) one residential property on the A329, Reading Road, Winnersh islikely to have a filtered oblique view across the A329 to the adjacentembankment vegetation removal and the construction activitiesassociated with the installation of gantry G8-03 to the west of theReading Road underbridge. It is anticipated this property willexperience a short term minor adverse and moderate adversemagnitude of impact in summer and winter respectively resulting ina slight adverse and moderate adverse significance of effect; and

e) some residential properties at the south east edge of Winnersh willhave typically oblique views to the vegetation removal on theembankment east of Southern Region Winnersh underbridge. Theconstruction activities associated with the junction 10 off-sliprealignment as well as the traffic on it and on the M4 mainlinebehind and the installation of gantry G8-02a will form visibleelements in these views. Construction compound 4, located within



REV 2PAGE 8-36

junction 10, will be screened by intervening vegetation within thejunction. It is anticipated these properties will experience a shortterm minor adverse and moderate adverse magnitude of impactduring winter and summer respectively resulting in a slight adverseto moderate adverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.6.22 Between junction 11 and 10 the Scheme will include up to 12 gantries ofvarying types as well as a number of locations where vegetation within thehighway boundary will have been lost. Typically the gantries are relativelylarge scale highway infrastructure features and notably there are a numberof these new elements such as gantries G8-22a, G8-22, and G8-17 withinLCA J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay and G8-11 and G8-10within LCA A2: Loddon River Valley, which will have a local presencewithin the immediate rural landscape. However, a number of thesegantries and the areas where vegetation has been lost are within sectionsof cutting, along with adjacent linear tree belts and woodland blocks, theurban areas, and the existing M4 traffic and infrastructure, will help tominimise the impact. It is therefore considered, bearing in mind themedium sensitivity of the landscape, that the operational Scheme in theOpening Year (2022) will have a negligible adverse magnitude oflandscape impact resulting in a neutral significance of effect on LCA J3:Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay; LCA A2: Loddon River Valley,LCA C1: Arborfield River Terrace and LCA J2: Arborfield and BarkhamSettled and Farmed Clay.

8.6.23 The traffic on the eastbound off-slip at junction 10 and on the M4 mainlinebehind, will be a transient element as it traverses the vegetation clearedembankment, and in addition to the nearby gantry at G8-02a, it willcontinue to form a locally intrusive element in the rural landscape to thenorth east of the junction. It is anticipated that the Scheme will continue tohave a localised medium to long term minor adverse magnitude of impacton the landscape resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect onLCA J1: Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and Farmed Clay.



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Visual amenity

8.6.24 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3 and shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 3 to 5). Therural visual receptors within this Scheme link affected by the Schemeduring the Opening Year (2022) will typically be users of PRoW wherethey are in relatively close proximity to the M4. It is anticipated that thegantries will often appear as one element within the context of otherexisting large scale M4 infrastructure and its traffic which already definesthe existing view. Bearing this in mind, the new gantries will typically havea medium to long term minor adverse magnitude of impact resulting, atworst, in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.6.25 Some high sensitivity residential properties which lie immediately adjacentto the Scheme will continue to have views to the adjacent gantries ortraffic, i.e. high sided vehicles running closer to the property, which will bevisible over the adjacent noise barrier. These include:

a) eastbound, the presence of gantry G8-22a above the existing noisebarrier will have a permanent minor adverse magnitude of impacton the view from the occasional property in the vicinity of OldWhitley Wood (Whitley Wood) resulting in a slight adversesignificance of effect;

b) eastbound, the running of high sided vehicles in the near-side lane,over the new noise barrier will have a permanent minor adversemagnitude of impact on the view in winter on the three residentialproperties on Mill Lane, north of Mill Lane underbridge resulting in aslight adverse significance of effect;

c) westbound, the presence of gantry G8-05 on top of theembankment and above the noise barrier will have a medium tolong term minor adverse to moderate adverse, magnitude ofimpact on the view from a cluster of properties on St Mary’s Roadand King Street Lane (Sindlesham) resulting in a slight adverse tomoderate adverse significance of effect; and

d) eastbound, the presence of gantry G8-03 on top of theembankment and above the noise barrier will have a long termminor adverse magnitude of impact on an oblique filtered viewfrom one property on the A329, Reading Road (Winnersh), resultingin a slight adverse significance of effect.



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8.6.26 The group of residential properties at the south east edge of Winnersh withviews across the rural landscape to the north east of junction 10 willcontinue to experience views of the transient traffic on the east bound off-slip and the M4 mainline behind, as it traverses across the un-vegetatedembankment slopes. It is anticipated that residents at this location willcontinue to experience a medium to long term minor adverse magnitudeof impact resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.6.27 Within LCA J3: Spencers Wood Settled and Farmed Clay, LCA A2:Loddon River Valley, LCA C1: Arborfield River Terrace, LCA J2: Arborfieldand Barkham Settled and Farmed Clay the on-going long term operationalimpacts will be similar to those reported for the Opening Year (2022).There will be limited scope for the new tree and shrub planting to fullymitigate the impacts of the new gantries, particularly where they arepositioned on embankment. However, in this respect, the Scheme willcontinue to be a barely noticeable element within the establishedmotorway corridor. This will result in a negligible adverse magnitude oflandscape impact and a neutral significance of landscape effect.

8.6.28 Within LCA J1: Wokingham-Winnersh Settled and Farmed the planting onthe embankment between Southern Region Winnersh underbridge andjunction 10 will have established to achieve a reasonable level of summerscreening similar to the baseline situation. However, gantry G8-02a willstill be visible over the planting, but as a relatively inconspicuous element.The Scheme by the Design Year (2037) will be a barely noticeableelement within the established motorway corridor resulting in a negligibleadverse magnitude of landscape impact and a neutral significance oflandscape effect.

Visual amenity

8.6.29 It is anticipated the visual receptors will experience on-going impacts as itwill not be possible to fully mitigate the impacts of the gantries. However,the planting that will be carried out adjacent to the gantries will help tofurther filter views to them and break up their massing. The Scheme, atworst, will have a permanent negligible adverse magnitude of impact onthe view resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.



REV 2PAGE 8-39

8.6.30 Likewise, the impacts on the residential properties on St Mary’s Road andKing Street Lane (Sindlesham), the property on the A329, Reading Roadand those at the south east edge of Winnersh, will be reduced by theintervening established planting, but it will not fully mitigate the Schemeimpacts. As such, the Scheme will have a permanent negligible adversemagnitude of impact on the view from these receptors resulting in a slightadverse significance of effect.

8.6.31 In relation to the view from the occasional property in the vicinity of OldWhitley Wood (Whitley Wood), the Scheme will have a permanent minoradverse magnitude of impact resulting, at worst, in a slight adversesignificance of effect. In relation to the three properties on Mill Lane, to thenorth of Mill Lane underbridge the Scheme will have a permanent minoradverse magnitude of impact resulting in a slight adverse significance ofeffect.

8.7 Junction 10 to junction 8/9


Landscape

8.7.1 This Scheme link is covered by the Landscape Character Assessment forthe Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (2004) (Ref 8-32). TheLCAs that relate to this link comprise LCA I1: Ashridge Farmed ClayLowland, LCA 6a: Braywoodside, LCA 7a: Shurlock Row, LCA 8a:Waltham, LCA 8b: Ockwells and LCA 8c: Holyport as shown on Drawing8.1 (sheets 6 to 9).

8.7.2 Between junctions 10 and 8/9, the M4 passes through the rural area thatlies between Winnersh and the urban edge of Maidenhead. Thisagricultural landscape is typically low lying and gently undulating andinterspersed with considerable woodland cover, with mature hedgerowsdefining the field boundaries. Settlement within this landscape incomparison to other areas within the study area is relatively limited, withShurlock Row, White Waltham, Paley Street and Stud Green forming theprincipal villages. The existing M4 corridor, its traffic and associatedinfrastructure is well integrated through established tree planting within thehighway soft estate (see Viewpoint 3, Drawing 8.3 (sheet 9)).



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8.7.3 In terms of the night-time characteristics of the landscape within this link,the M4 is presently unlit, but has occasional illuminated signs and isconsidered to be within ILP E2 Environmental Zones – low districtbrightness areas.

8.7.4 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the presence of the existing M4and its influence, the landscape within this link is considered to be ofmoderate value (sensitivity).

8.7.5 It is noted that between chainage 40+070.000 to 31+930.000 (seeDrawing 8.1, sheet 7) a section of this link passes through an area, withinthe jurisdiction of Bracknell Forest Council, for which no landscapecharacter assessment data has been published by the Local PlanningAuthority. The M4 at this location passes between an extensive block ofwoodland which contains the motorway, its traffic and infrastructure. It istherefore, considered that the character of the wider landscape within thearea of Bracknell Forest Council will not be affected by the Scheme andtherefore no further assessment work has been undertaken at thislocation.

Future baseline

8.7.6 There are no relevant committed future developments identified within thisScheme link.

Visual amenity

8.7.7 The locations of the visual receptors within this link are shown on the VED,Drawing 8.2 (sheets 6 to 9) and described within the VES in Appendix 8.3.

8.7.8 Settlement is limited within this Scheme link, but includes a limited numberof scattered high sensitivity residential properties, namely in the vicinity ofPaley Street within LCA 6a: Braywoodside and LCA 8a: Waltham. Inaddition to these properties, the visual receptors include mediumsensitivity users of PRoW and minor roads.

8.7.9 As a result of the generally high level of woodland and other vegetationadjacent to, and in the vicinity of, the M4 in combination with the sectionsof cutting within this link, views to the M4, its traffic and infrastructure arelocalised and short range in nature.



REV 2PAGE 8-41

Mitigation

Construction

8.7.10 A schedule of the existing vegetation to be retained within this Scheme linkis identified in Appendix 8.4. This link contains two locations adjacent tothe Scheme where trees are covered by two separate group TPOs. Themitigation requirements for this vegetation are set out in paragraph 8.4.17and are contained in the Outline CEMP (Appendix 4.2). The locations ofthe TPOs within this link are:

a) eastbound, woodland which lies immediately adjacent to the Orderlimits between chainage 45+930.000 to 45+790.000 and covered byTPO 576/1993 (Wokingham Borough Council); and

b) eastbound, woodland which lies immediately adjacent to the Orderlimits between chainage 39+920.000 to 39+320.000 and covered byTPO 432 (Bracknell Forest Council);


8.7.11 The mitigation proposals within this Scheme link are set out on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 11 to 17). The mitigationincludes new tree and shrub planting (EE L2.3) to replace the vegetationlost as a result of the Scheme.


Construction

Landscape

8.7.12 The site clearance within this Scheme link is shown on the site clearancedrawing (Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 11 to 17) whichindicates the trees and shrubs within the Order limits which will be lost tothe Scheme. The main areas are:

a) eastbound, cutting on either side of Bill Hill overbridge to takeaccount of the installation of gantry G7-32 and geotechnical work tothe slope within LCA I1: Ashridge Farmed Clay Lowland;

b) eastbound, cutting to the east of Billingbear Farm overbridge to takeaccount of the geotechnical work to the slope within LCA 7a:Shurlock Row/LCA 6a: Braywoodside/LCA 8a: Waltham;



REV 2PAGE 8-42

c) both sides of the Scheme to the west of Littlefield Green overbridgeto take account of the installation of gantry G7-13 and geotechnicalwork to the slope within LCA 7a: Shurlock Row/LCA 6a:Braywoodside; and

d) both sides of the Scheme to the west of Paley Street Farmoverbridge to take account of the installation of ERA E7-B1, gantryG7-10 and geotechnical work to the slope within LCA 8a: Waltham.





d) the removal of seven existing gantries;

e) carriageway widening to create eight ERAs; and

f) the realignment of the slip roads at the two junctions.

8.7.14 Within the six local LCAs within this link there will be sporadic sections ofvegetation removal. Typically, the majority of the 24 gantry installations willbe positioned within cutting adjacent to overbridges and/or associated withlinear tree belts or woodland blocks, which will help to limit the extent ofthe construction impacts on the wider local landscape character. As aresult, these construction activities will have a short term minor adversemagnitude of impact resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect onLCA I1: Ashridge Farmed Clay Lowland, LCA 6a: Braywoodside, LCA 7a:Shurlock Row, LCA 8a: Waltham, LCA 8b: Ockwells and LCA 8c: Holyport.

Visual amenity

8.7.15 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3 and shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 6 to 9).

8.7.16 The majority of the visual receptors along this Scheme link are typicallymedium sensitivity users of PRoW where they are in relatively closeproximity to the M4. These users will experience a range of view types tothe construction works, varying from glimpses and filtered views to anopen view, particularly to the installation of the gantries. However, theconstruction activities will often appear as one element within the contextof other existing large scale M4 infrastructure and its traffic which alreadydefines the existing view. It is anticipated, at worst, that these users will



REV 2PAGE 8-43

experience a short term minor magnitude of impact on their transientviews to the Scheme resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.7.17 However, users on the PRoW, in the vicinity of Stud Green Accessoverbridge will have a short range view to the site clearance andconstruction activities associated with gantries G7-04 and G7-02. Theseconstruction activities will form foreground elements in views from theapproaches to the overbridge and on it. As a result, the Scheme will havea short term moderate adverse magnitude of impact on the view resultingin a moderate adverse significance of effect.

8.7.18 There are some high sensitivity residential properties to the south of theScheme at Paley Street, which will have filtered and oblique views to theScheme in the vicinity of Littlefield Green and Paley Street Farmoverbridges. In particular, some properties will have a view to theinstallation of gantries G7-17, G7-12 and G7-09. Taking into account of thetypical distance of the properties to these gantries, the retained existingvegetation within the highway boundary and the pattern of the interveningvegetation within the adjacent landscape, the residents will experience ashort term negligible adverse to minor adverse magnitude of impact onthe view from their property resulting, at worst, in a slight adversesignificance of effect.


Landscape

8.7.19 Between junction 10 and 8/9 the Scheme will include up to 24 gantries aswell as some sporadic areas where vegetation clearance should continueto be evident. Typically, the gantries will be relatively large scale highwayinfrastructure features. However, a number of them, as well as the areaswhere vegetation has been lost, are within sections of cutting, and/or lineartree belts and woodland blocks, as well as being set in the context of theexisting M4 traffic and infrastructure, which should help to minimise theimpact. It is therefore considered, bearing in mind the medium sensitivityof the landscape that the operational Scheme in the Opening Year (2022)will have a negligible adverse magnitude of impact resulting in a neutralsignificance of effect on LCA I1: Ashridge Farmed Clay Lowland, LCA 7a:Shurlock Row, LCA 6a: Braywoodside and LCA 8a: Waltham. Elsewherewithin LCA 8b: Ockwells and LCA 8c: Holyport the Scheme will have nochange resulting in a neutral significance of effect.



REV 2PAGE 8-44

Visual amenity

8.7.20 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out within theVES in Appendix 8.3 and shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 6 to 9).

8.7.21 The rural visual receptors affected by the Scheme during the OpeningYear (2022) will typically be users of PRoW where they are in relativelyclose proximity to the M4. It is anticipated that the gantries will oftenappear as one element within the context of other existing large scale M4infrastructure and its traffic, which already defines the existing view.Bearing this in mind, the new gantries will typically have a long termnegligible adverse to minor adverse magnitude of impact resulting, atworst, in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.7.22 The exception to this is users of the PRoW at Stud Green Accessoverbridge who will have open views to gantries G7-04 and G7-02, whichare located on either side of the overbridge and in close proximity to it.Although the gantries will be viewed in the context of the existing M4, theywill appear as prominent elements in the view from the overbridge and willform noticeable new elements above the M4 cutting in views from theapproaches along Thrift Lane. The Scheme will have a long termmoderate adverse magnitude of impact on these views resulting in amoderate adverse significance of effect.

8.7.23 Residential properties at Paley Street will continue to experience views togantries G7-17, G7-12 and G7-09. It is anticipated these residents willcontinue to experience a medium to long term negligible adverse tominor adverse magnitude of impact on the view from their propertyresulting, at worst, in a slight adverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.7.24 The long term impacts on the local LCAs within this Scheme link will besimilar to those reported for the Opening Year (2022). There will be limitedscope for the new tree and shrub planting to fully mitigate the impacts ofthe new gantries, although in this respect the Scheme will continue to be abarely noticeable element within the established motorway corridor. Thiswill result in an on-going negligible adverse magnitude of landscapeimpact and a neutral significance of landscape effect.



REV 2PAGE 8-45

Visual amenity

8.7.25 As a result of the high level of vegetation within the vicinity of this sectionof the M4 corridor, along with the mitigation planting shown on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 11 to 17) views of the Schemewill be limited and, where visible, the Scheme components will generallybe seen where highway infrastructure is an established part of the existingview. For the majority of receptors it is considered the magnitude of impacton the view will be negligible adverse to no change resulting in a neutralsignificance of effect.

8.7.26 However, for users of the PRoW at Stud Green Access overbridge,although the establishment of the planting on the adjacent cutting slopeswill help to reduce the effects of the gantries in views as they approach theoverbridge, particularly in the summer months when the vegetation is inleaf, it will not fully mitigate the effects. The Scheme will have a permanentminor adverse magnitude of impact on the view resulting in a slightadverse significance of effect.

8.8 Junction 8/9 to junction 7


Landscape

8.8.1 This Scheme link is covered by the Landscape Character Assessment forthe Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (2004) (Ref 8.32) and theSouth Bucks District Landscape Character Assessment (2011) (Ref 8-33).The LCAs that relate to this Scheme link comprise LCA 8b: Ockwells, LCA8c: Holyport and LCA 14b: Bray of the Landscape Character Assessmentfor the Royal Borough of Windsor and LCA 26.2: Dorney of the SouthBucks Landscape Character Assessment. The Scheme link also traversesan urban area at Holyport and Bray Wick. These LCAs and urban areasare shown on Drawing 8.1 (sheets 9 to 10).

8.8.2 Between junctions 8/9 to 7, the M4 passes between the urban area ofHolyport, which is partly designated as a conservation area and the urbanarea of Bray Wick, on embankment to cross over the A308, Windsor Road.A noise barrier runs along both sides of the M4 for much of this section.East of Bray Wick the M4 then continues mostly on embankment as ittraverses the River Thames and the Jubilee River. The rural landscapehere falls within LCA 14b: Bray and LCA 26.2: Dorney. The main



REV 2PAGE 8-46

settlements in this area include Holyport, Bray, Bray Wick, Dorney Reach,Dorney and the south west edge of Slough (Cippenham). The RiverThames and nearby artificially created Jubilee River (flood alleviationchannel) and recreational lakes, together with associated mature riparianvegetation and adjacent wet pasture, occupy most of the land between thesettlements creating a distinctive character to the landscape (seeviewpoint 4, Drawing 8.2 (sheet 4)). Along this link the M4 corridor istypically lined with established trees which help to integrate its traffic andinfrastructure into the landscape.

8.8.3 In terms of the night-time characteristics of the landscape within thisScheme link the M4 presently has highway lighting together withoccasional illuminated signs. With reference to the night time photographfor Viewpoint 4 (see Drawing 8.2 (sheet 4) the local LCA 8b: Ockwells,LCA 8c: Holyport; LCA 14b: Bray and LCA 26.2: Dorney are all consideredto be ILP E2 Environmental Zones – low district brightness areas and theurban areas at Holyport and Bray Wick are considered to be ILP E3Environmental Zones – medium district brightness areas.

8.8.4 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the presence of the existing M4and the urban influences, the landscape within this link is considered tohave a moderate value (sensitivity).

Future baseline


Visual amenity

8.8.6 Visual receptors within this Scheme link include residential propertieswithin the areas of settlement including Holyport, Bray Wick, Bray, DorneyReach, Dorney and Cippenham; users of recreational routes (including theThames Path (National Trail) (see viewpoint 4, Drawing 8.2 (sheet 4)),National Cycle Route 4 which runs concurrently with Monkey Island Lane,and Jubilee River path which runs concurrently with National Cycle Route61; and transport routes (including roads connecting Maidenhead, Sloughand Windsor). The locations of visual receptors are shown on the VED,Drawing 8.2 (sheets 9 and 10) and described within the VES in Appendix8.3.



REV 2PAGE 8-47

8.8.7 The M4, its traffic and associated infrastructure traverse this Scheme linkmostly on embankment. However, the high level of vegetation adjacent toand within the immediate landscape, in combination with the sections ofnoise barrier, help to minimise views to the M4, its traffic and infrastructure(see viewpoint 4, Drawing 8.2 (sheet 4)).

Mitigation

Construction

8.8.8 A schedule of the existing vegetation to be retained within this Scheme linkis identified in Appendix 8.4. This link contains a number of locationswhere trees are covered by TPOs or are within designated conservationareas. The mitigation requirements for this vegetation are set out inparagraph 8.4.17 and are contained in the Outline CEMP (Appendix 4.2).The locations of trees within this link are:

a) individual trees along the A330, Ascot Road, which are covered byTPO 13/1979 (Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead);

b) individual trees along the A330, Ascot Road within the HolyportConservation Area;

c) eastbound, a group of trees along the east bank of the RiverThames, north east of Thames Bray, which are covered by an AreaOrder TPO 1962 (South Bucks District Council);

d) eastbound, an individual lime tree located adjacent to the turninghead on Old Marsh Lane is covered by TPO 14/2000 (South BucksDistrict Council);

e) westbound, existing vegetation adjacent to the group of residentialproperties on Lake End Road, immediately east of Lake End Roadoverbridge; and

f) with reference to the properties at Lake End Road above, theretention of the vegetation between these properties and Lake EndRoad overbridge will help to soften the impacts of the adjacentconstruction activity on views from these properties.


8.8.9 The mitigation proposals within this Scheme link are set out on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 17 to 20). The mitigationincludes Woodland (EE L2.9) and new tree and shrub planting (EE L2.3)to replace the vegetation lost to the Scheme.



REV 2PAGE 8-48


Construction

Landscape


a) both sides of the Scheme at the realigned Monkey Island Laneoverbridge to take account of the bridge works within LCA 14b:Bray;

b) both sides of the Scheme between Monkey Island Lane overbridgeto Thames Bay to take account of the embankment reinforcementand the works to the gas main (eastbound side) within LCA 14b:Bray;

c) eastbound side of the Scheme between Thames Bray to chainage30+820.000 to take account of the embankment reinforcementwithin LCA 14b: Bray;

d) both sides of the Scheme at the realigned Marsh Lane overbridgeto take account of the bridge works within LCA 26.2; Dorney;

e) both sides of the Scheme at the realigned Lake End Roadoverbridge to take account of the bridge works within LCA 26.2;Dorney; and

f) both sides of the Scheme at junction 7 to take account of therealigned M4 spur and associated bridge works within LCA 26.2;Dorney.





d) the strengthening of existing embankments;

e) carriageway widening to create three ERAs;

f) installation of noise barriers; and



REV 2PAGE 8-49

g) establishment of construction compound 5 located off the A330,Ascot Road and construction compound 6 located on thewestbound side of junction 7 within the on/off slip spur road, alongwith associated movement of plant and vehicles and materialstockpiles.

8.8.12 The construction activity associated with the realigned A330, Ascot Roadoverbridge, construction compound 5 and Marsh Lane overbridge alongwith the site clearance works will form noticeable concentrations of activitywithin the local landscape. Here, the construction work will have a shortterm moderate adverse magnitude of impact on the local landscapecharacter resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect on LCA8b: Ockwells; LCA 8c: Holyport and LCA 26.2; Dorney.

8.8.13 The construction activity and site clearance associated with the realignedMonkey Island Lane overbridge will also be experienced in the widercontext of the site clearance along the eastbound side of the Scheme tothe east. These works, along with the embankment strengthening worksand the installation of the associated gantries on top of the embankmentwill have a short term major adverse magnitude of impact on theimmediate landscape resulting in a moderate adverse significance ofeffect on LCA 14a: Bray.

8.8.14 The construction activity associated with the realigned Marsh Laneoverbridge and the strengthening work to the eastbound sideembankment, east of Thames Bray, including the installation of thegantries, will form noticeable concentrations of activity within the locallandscape. It is also noted that the construction work will require siteclearance within a cluster of trees protected by a TPO (Area Order TPO1962 (South Bucks District Council). These trees are located on theeastbound side of the Scheme at Thames Bray and on the east side of theRiver Thames. Some or all of the trees covered by the TPO, which fallwithin the Order limits, may need to be felled as a result of the Schemeconstruction. The construction work will have a short term moderateadverse magnitude of impact on the local landscape character resulting ina moderate adverse significance of effect on LCA 26.2; Dorney.

8.8.15 The Construction activity and site clearance associated with the realignedLake End Road overbridge and the M4 spur realignment will runconcurrently and will result in a combined impact on the local landscape.The impacts of construction compound 6 will be contained by theinfrastructure and earthworks associated with the junction and in particular



REV 2PAGE 8-50

the westbound M4 spur road. The combined impacts of the constructionwork will have a short term moderate adverse magnitude of impact on theimmediate landscape resulting in a moderate adverse significance ofeffect on LCA 26.2: Dorney.

Visual amenity

8.8.16 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 9 to 10).The visual receptors most affected by the works within this Scheme linkare:

a) westbound, the vegetation removal and installation of gantry G6-17and noise barriers will have a short term moderate adversemagnitude of impact on the views from the adjacent residentialproperties on Eskdale Gardens (Holyport) resulting in a moderateadverse significance of effect;

b) eastbound, construction hoarding, the site clearance andconstruction activities associated with the gas main works, thestrengthening works to the M4 embankment slope and therealigned Monkey Island Lane overbridge beyond, as well as theinstallation of gantries G6-11 and G6-10 on the embankment, willhave a short term minor adverse magnitude of impact on thefiltered view from the residential properties on Old Mill Lane (Bray)resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect;

c) eastbound, the construction hoarding, the site clearance, includingthe loss of some trees covered by a TPO, and constructionactivities associated with the strengthening works to the M4embankment slope and installation of the adjacent gantry G6-08above will have a short term major adverse magnitude of impacton the views from the adjacent Amerden Caravan Park, off MarshLane, resulting in a large adverse significance of effect;

d) eastbound, the vegetation removal and construction activitiesassociated with the realignment of Marsh Lane overbridge, theremoval and replacement of the existing noise barrier adjacent toERA E6-B1 and the installation of gantry G6-07 on embankment willhave a short term major adverse magnitude of impact on the viewfrom residential properties on Old Marsh Lane and Glebe Close(Dorney Reach), resulting in a large adverse significance of effect;



REV 2PAGE 8-51

e) westbound, the removal and replacement of a section of existingnoise barrier and the installation of the adjacent gantry G6-09 onembankment will have a short term moderate adverse magnitudeof impact on the view from residential properties on Old Marsh Lane(Dorney Reach), resulting in a moderate adverse significance ofeffect;

f) westbound, the site clearance and construction work associatedwith the realignment of Lake End Road overbridge will have a shortterm major adverse magnitude of impact on the view fromresidential properties on Lake End Road (off the B3026), resultingin a large adverse significance of effect;

g) on both sides of the Scheme the site clearance and constructionwork associated with the realigned overbridges will have a shortterm major adverse magnitude of impact on short range views forusers of the PRoW linking Monkey Island Lane overbridge with theThames Path (National Trail), and in consideration of its mediumsensitivity, will result in a moderate adverse significance of effect;and

h) on both sides of the Scheme, the construction hoarding, the siteclearance, including the loss of some nearby trees covered by aTPO, and construction activities associated with the strengtheningworks to the M4 embankment slopes on both sides of the RiverThames and the installation of gantry G6-10 will have a short termmajor adverse magnitude of impact on the view for users of theadjacent Thames Path, and in consideration of its high sensitivity,will result in a large adverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.8.17 The five realigned overbridges, the strengthened M4 embankmentbetween Monkey Island Lane overbridge and Thames Bray, thestrengthened eastbound embankment east of Thames Bray to the JublieeRiver and the associated gantries on top of the embankment - namely G6-11, G6-10, G6-09, G6-08 and G6-07 within this link will continue to appearas locally intrusive motorway infrastructure within the landscape. As aresult, the Scheme will have a medium to long term moderate adversemagnitude of impact resulting in a moderate adverse significance ofeffect on LCA 14b: Bray and LCA 26.2; Dorney.



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Visual amenity

8.8.18 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 9 to 10). Itis anticipated that the visual receptors previously identified in paragraph8.8.16 will continue to experience views to the Scheme, particularly to thegantries, the strengthened M4 embankment and the realignedoverbridges. The Scheme will have a medium to long term minor adverseto moderate adverse magnitude of impact on these receptors resulting ina moderate adverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.8.19 The intrusive nature of the five realigned overbridges, the strengthened M4embankment between Monkey Island Lane overbridge and Thames Brayand the strengthened eastbound embankment east of Thames Bray to theJubilee River will be softened by the established planting in combinationwith the existing vegetation. The associated gantries on top of theembankment - namely G6-11, G6-10, G6-09, G6-08 and G6-07 willcontinue to appear as minor elements within the landscape. The Schemeoperation during the Design Year (2037) will have a permanent minoradverse magnitude of impact resulting in a slight adverse significance ofeffect on LCA 14b: Bray and LCA 26.2; Dorney.

Visual amenity

8.8.20 It is anticipated that the visual receptors previously identified in paragraph8.8.16 will continue to experience views to the Scheme, particularly to thegantries on the embankment between Monkey Island Lane overbridge andMarsh Lane overbridge. It is anticipated the Scheme will have, at worst, apermanent minor adverse magnitude of impact on views from thesereceptors resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.



Landscape

8.9.1 This Scheme link falls entirely within the urban area of south Slough(Cippenham), although part of the study area to the south and south westof junction 6 is covered by the Landscape Character Assessment for the



REV 2PAGE 8-53

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (2004) (Ref 8-32). The LCAthat relates to this Scheme link is LCA 13c: Eton and is shown on Drawing8.1 (sheets 10 to 11). This LCA lies to the south of the Jubilee River and isrelatively remote to the Scheme. In the west part of the link it is separatedfrom the M4 by the industrial and urban fringe at the south edge of Sloughand in the east is separated from the M4 by a strip of pasture land whichruns parallel with the M4 and the Jubilee River. This pasture land is alsoseparated from the M4 by a dense strip of linear vegetation which runsalong the westbound edge of the Order limits.

8.9.2 Between junctions 7 and 6, the M4 passes through the southern edge ofSlough to the north of the Jubilee River corridor. The urban area of Slough(Cippenham) adjacent to the Scheme contains a number of disparateelements, such as pockets of industrial estates, modern residential estatesand the Slough sewage treatment works, which occupies a sizeableproportion of the land to the south of the M4 to the south-east of junction 7,between the M4 and the Jubilee River. Bunding/environmental barriersand planting along the M4 limit the influence of the highway infrastructurewithin the adjacent urban area and LCA 13c: Eton. However, taller roadinfrastructure, such as the lighting along the M4, protrudes above theplanting (see viewpoint 5, Drawing 8.2 (sheet 5)).

8.9.3 In terms of the night-time characteristics of the landscape within thisScheme link the M4 has existing highway lighting together with occasionalilluminated signs. With reference to the night time photographs forViewpoint 5 (Drawing 8.2 (sheet 5)) the urban areas are considered to beILP E3 Environmental Zones – medium district brightness areas) and therural landscape to the south and south west of junction 6 within LCA 13c:Eton is considered to be ILP E2 Environmental Zones – low districtbrightness areas.

8.9.4 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the presence of the existing M4and the urban influences, the urban area through which the Schemepasses is considered to have a low value (sensitivity) and the adjacentrural landscape within LCA 13c: Eton is considered to have a moderatevalue (sensitivity).

Future baseline

8.9.5 No relevant committed future developments have been identified withinthis Scheme link.



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Visual amenity

8.9.6 The visual receptors within this Scheme link are shown on the VED,Drawing 8.2 (sheets 10 to 11), and described within the VES in Appendix8.3. The main visual receptors within this Scheme link are the residentialproperties at the south edge of Slough (Cippenham) (see viewpoint 5,Drawing 8.2 (sheet 5)); users of recreational routes (including the JubileeRiver path and National Cycle Route 61), the urban open space at MercianWay Recreation Ground and the local road network.

8.9.7 The combination of vegetation adjacent to the M4, the sections of noisebarriers, the artificial bunds and the industrial and urban context, help tolimit views to the M4, its traffic and infrastructure. As a result, where thereare views to the Scheme they are typically of a local nature i.e. atoverbridges and on their approaches. Views from the residential areasalong the south edge of Slough (Cippenham) are typically screened by thenoise barriers and bunds.

Mitigation

Construction

8.9.8 A schedule of the existing vegetation to be retained within this Scheme linkis identified in Appendix 8.4. There are no locations within this link wheretrees are protected by TPOs.


8.9.9 The mitigation proposals within this Scheme link are shown on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 20 to 21) and includeWoodland Edge (EE L2.10), Tree and Shrub Planting (EE L2.3) andIndividual Trees (EE L2.2) to replace the vegetation lost to the Scheme.


Construction

Landscape


a) westbound, adjacent to gantry G5-06 within the urban area;

b) westbound, adjacent to ERA (E5-A1) within the urban area; and



REV 2PAGE 8-55

c) both sides of the Scheme at the realigned Wood Lane overbridgewithin the urban area.




c) the installation of nine gantries of varying types;

d) carriageway widening to create two ERAs;

e) installation of noise barriers; and

f) the realignment of the slip roads at the two junctions.

8.9.12 It is anticipated the two realigned overbridges within this link will appear asvery minor intrusive motorway infrastructure, but set in the context of anurban area containing a number of disparate elements. The Scheme willhave a short term minor adverse magnitude of impact on the urban arearesulting in a neutral significance of effect. The Scheme will have nochange resulting in a neutral significance of effect on the adjacentlandscape character of LCA 13c: Eton due to its relative remoteness,located to the south of the Jubilee River.

Visual amenity

8.9.13 The main visual effects associated with this Scheme link are set out withinthe VES in Appendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets9 to 10). The main impacts on the visual receptors within this Scheme linkare:

a) eastbound, the site clearance and construction activities associatedwith the realignment of the Oldway Lane overbridge and the morevisible transient traffic on the M4 in the vicinity of the bridge works(as a result of the site clearance) will have a short term moderateadverse magnitude of impact on views from residential propertieson Mercian Way, Two Mile Drive (Cippenham) and users within theadjacent Mercian Way Recreation Ground, resulting in a moderateadverse significance of effect; and

b) westbound, the site clearance and construction activities associatedwith the realignment of the Oldway Lane overbridge will have ashort term moderate adverse magnitude of impact on views fromresidential properties on Wood Lane resulting in a moderateadverse significance of effect.



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Landscape

8.9.14 It is anticipated the two realigned overbridges within this Scheme link willappear as very minor intrusive motorway infrastructure within the urbanarea. The most notable elements will be the recently planted earthworks,but these elements in the context of the surrounding urban character andthe present baseline situation, will have a negligible adverse magnitudeof impact on the urban area resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.9.15 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out within theVES in Appendix 8.3 and Shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 10 to11). The visual receptors previously identified in paragraph 8.9.13 willcontinue to experience views to the two realigned overbridges. It isanticipated the Scheme will have, at worst, a medium to long term minoradverse magnitude of impact on these receptors resulting in a slightadverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.9.16 The two realigned overbridges within this Scheme link will be integrated bythe established planting in combination with the existing vegetationadjacent to and within the M4 highway boundary. The operation of theScheme through this link will typically be similar to the baseline situation.The Scheme will have a no change magnitude of impact on landscapecharacter resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.9.17 It is anticipated that the visual receptors previously identified in paragraph8.9.13 will continue to experience views to the Scheme; although thevisual intrusion of the new features such as the realigned overbridges willbe reduced by the presence of the established planting in combination withthe existing intervening vegetation. As such, the Scheme will have a nochange magnitude of impact on the view from these receptors resulting ina neutral significance of effect.



REV 2PAGE 8-57



Landscape

8.10.1 The west part of this Scheme link falls within the urban area of southSlough (Cippenham) with the central part covered by the LandscapeCharacter Assessment for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead(2004) (Ref 8-32). The LCAs that relate to this Scheme link comprise LCA13c: Eton, LCA 13d: Datchet and LCA 14c: Horton and Wraysbury, asshown on Drawing 8.1 (sheets 11 to 13). LCA13c: Eton typically liesbeyond the urban area to the south of the M4 corridor within the west partof the link, although construction compound 7 falls within this LCA. Theeast end of this link falls within the urban area of Langley.

8.10.2 Between junctions 6 and Datchet Road overbridge, the M4 passes throughthe southern edge of Slough with the Jubilee River corridor (withassociated riparian vegetation) located beyond the urban area to the southwithin LCA 13c: Eton. To the north of the M4 lies the south edge ofHerschel Park, within the designated Upton Conservation Area, whichextends eastwards to Datchet Road overbridge. East of Datchet Roadoverbridge the M4 traverses the urban edge landscape of LCA 13d:Datchet, with the settlement of Datchet lying to the south of this area andUpton Court Park Recreation Ground to the north. Further east, the M4passes to the north of The Queen Mother Reservoir which lies within LCA14c: Horton and Wraysbury. The large artificial flat topped embankmentwhich contains the reservoir is a distinctive feature within the M4 corridor.Ditton Park, a registered park and garden within LCA 13d: Datchet, lies tothe north and is typically screened from the M4 by the intervening belt ofmature vegetation along Riding Court Road. Planting along the M4corridor within this link generally limits the influence of the highwayinfrastructure within the landscape. However, taller elements such aslighting protrude above planting, and when on embankment, east ofjunction 6 and at junction 5, M4 infrastructure and traffic are readilynoticeable components within the immediate landscape (see viewpoints 6,7 and 8, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 6 to 8).



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8.10.3 In terms of the night-time characteristics of the landscape within this link,the M4 has existing highway lighting together with occasional illuminatedsigns. With reference to the night time photographs for Viewpoints 6, 7 and8 (Drawing 8.2 (sheets 6 to 8)) the urban area is considered to be ILP E3Environmental Zone – medium district brightness area and the rurallandscape within LCA 13c: Eton, LCA 13d: Datchet, and LCA 14c: Hortonand Wraysbury is considered to be ILE E2 Environmental Zone – lowdistrict brightness areas.

8.10.4 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the presence of the existing M4and the urban influences the urban area through which the Schemepasses is considered to have a low value (sensitivity) and the rurallandscape through which it passes is considered to have a moderatevalue (sensitivity).

Future baseline

8.10.5 There is one committed future development identified within this Schemelink which is shown on Figure 16.1 (sheet 12). This is:

a) eastbound, a consented mineral extraction at Riding Court Farmwithin LCA 13d: Datchet. The details of the restoration and afteruse are not known.

Visual amenity

8.10.6 The locations of visual receptors are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2(sheets 11 to 13), and described within the VES in Appendix 8.3. Visualreceptors within this Scheme link include residential properties withinareas of settlement including Slough and Upton, users of recreationalroutes such as the Jubilee River path and National Cycle Route 61, usersof urban open spaces such as Herschel Park within the UptonConservation Area and Upton Park and the local road network.

8.10.7 In light of the combination of the existing retained vegetation along the M4,the intervening vegetation adjacent to it and the urban context betweenjunctions 6 and 5, views to the M4, its traffic and associated infrastructureare typically of a short range intermittent nature. Such views are typicallyexperienced where it is on embankment such as at the grade separatedjunctions 6 and 5 (see viewpoints 6, 7 and 8 on Drawing 8.2 (sheets 6 to8).



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Mitigation

Construction

8.10.8 A schedule of the existing vegetation to be retained within this Scheme linkis identified in Appendix 8.4. This link also contains a number of locationswhere trees are covered by a TPO or fall within a designated conservationarea. The mitigation requirements for this vegetation are set out inparagraph 8.4.17 and are contained in the Outline CEMP (Appendix 4.2).The locations of these trees within this link are:

a) westbound, individual trees within the designated UptonConservation Area which lie immediately adjacent to Datchet Road;

b) eastbound, individual trees at Datchet Meadows which lieimmediately adjacent to the Order limits to the north east of DatchetRoad overbridge covered by TPO 12 of 2006 (Slough BoroughCouncil); and

c) eastbound at junction 5, trees immediately within and adjacent tothe Order limits between chainage 20+200.000 and 20+000.000covered by TPO 1 of 1998 (Slough Borough Council).


8.10.9 The mitigation proposals within this Scheme link are shown on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 22 to 25) and includewoodland (EE L2.9) and tree and shrub planting (EE L2.3) to replace thevegetation lost to the Scheme.


Construction

Landscape

8.10.10 The site clearance within this Scheme link is shown on the site clearancedrawing (Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 22 to 25) whichindicates the trees and shrubs within the existing M4 highway boundarywhich will be lost to the Scheme. The main areas are:

a) eastbound, between chainage 25+850.000 to 25+140.000 toaccommodate the works to the embankment slopes within theCippenham and Chalvey urban areas;



REV 2PAGE 8-60

b) westbound, between chainage 25+850.000 to 25+270.000 toaccommodate the works to the embankment slopes within theurban area;

c) both sides of the Scheme at Datchet Road overbridge toaccommodate the overbridge realignment works within the urbanarea; and

d) both sides of the Scheme at Riding Court Road overbridge toaccommodate the overbridge realignment works within LCA 13d:Datchet.





d) carriageway widening to create four ERAs;

e) installation of noise barriers;

f) the realignment of the two overbridges;

g) the realignment of the slip roads at the two junctions;

h) the creation of construction compound 7 located on the westboundside of the Scheme at junction 6, east of the A355 within LCA 13c:Eton, and construction compound 8 to the south east of the DatchetRoad overbridge within LCA 13d: Datchet; and

i) the associated movement of plant and vehicles and materialstockpiles.

8.10.12 The vegetation removal and construction activity associated with thestrengthened embankment slopes on both sides of Windsor BranchRailway underbridge and parallel with the Jubilee River, along with theinstallation of gantries G4-17 and G4-16 on embankment, will have a shortterm moderate adverse magnitude of impact on the immediate urbanarea to the east of junction 5. Taking account of the urban area's lowsensitivity, the Scheme will result in a slight adverse significance ofeffect.



REV 2PAGE 8-61

8.10.13 The site clearance and construction activity associated with the creationand operation of construction compound 7 will be contained by the A355on the west side and by the planted embankments along the north side ofthe A322 to the south. As a result, the Scheme will have a short termnegligible adverse magnitude of impact on the landscape of LCA 13c:Eton resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

8.10.14 The tree removal and construction activity associated with the tworealigned overbridges at the B376, Datchet Road and Riding Court Road,the installation of gantries G4-12 to G4-06, and the creation and operationof construction compound 8 will appear as locally intrusive elements andwill have a short term moderate adverse magnitude of impact on thecharacter of LCA 13d: Datchet resulting in a moderate adversesignificance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.10.15 The main effects in relation to visual receptors within this Scheme link areset out within the VES in Appendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED,Drawing 8.2 (sheets 10 to 13). The main impacts on the visual receptorswithin this link are outlined below:

a) eastbound, the embankment vegetation removal revealing thetransient M4 traffic beyond, and construction activities associatedwith the embankment strengthening work west of Windsor BranchRailway underbridge along with the installation of gantry G4-18 willhave a short term moderate adverse magnitude of impact on theview from residential properties on Spackmans Way (Chalvey)resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect;

b) westbound, the embankment vegetation removal revealing thetransient M4 traffic beyond and construction activities associatedwith the embankment strengthening work on both sides of theWindsor Branch Railway underbridge, the installation of gantry G4-17 along with the creation and operation of construction compound6 to the south of junction 6 will have a short term moderateadverse magnitude of impact on users of the Jubilee River pathand National Cycle Route 61 resulting in a moderate adversesignificance of effect;



REV 2PAGE 8-62

c) eastbound, the embankment vegetation removal revealing thetransient M4 traffic beyond and the construction activitiesassociated with the embankment strengthening work on both sidesof the Windsor Branch Railway underbridge and the installation ofgantry G4-17 will have a short term moderate adverse magnitudeof impact on views from a nearby school and residential propertieson the B3027, Ragstone Road (Chavley), and taking into accounttheir respective sensitivity, will result in a slight adverse andmoderate adverse significance of effect;

d) eastbound, the construction activities associated with theinstallation of gantry G4-16 and the temporary removal andreplacement of the noise barriers will have a short term moderateadverse magnitude of impact on open short range views from theresidential properties on Winvale (Chalvey), resulting in a moderateadverse significance of effect;

e) eastbound, the vegetation removal and construction activitiesassociated with the realignment of Datchet Road overbridge willhave a short term moderate adverse magnitude of impact onfiltered views for users of Herschel Park (Chalvey), within the UptonConservation Area, resulting in a moderate adverse significance ofeffect;

f) eastbound, the vegetation removal and construction activitiesassociated with the realignment of Datchet Road overbridge willhave a short term major adverse magnitude of impact on shortrange open views from the adjacent residential properties (DatchetMeadows) off the B376, Datchet Road (Chalvey), within the UptonConservation Area, resulting in a large adverse significance ofeffect;

g) westbound, the vegetation removal and construction activitiesassociated with the realignment of Riding Court Road overbridgewill have a short term moderate adverse magnitude of impact onviews from residential properties on the B470, London Road(Datchet), resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect;and



REV 2PAGE 8-63

h) eastbound, vegetation removal on embankment and theconstruction activities associated with the embankmentstrengthening works within the central island at junction 5 and theinstallation of the noise barrier along the top of the embankmentand junction structures will have a short term moderate adversemagnitude of impact on the view from residential properties atSovereign Heights, Regency Court on Grampian Way (Langley),resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.10.16 The recently planted, strengthened embankments, with the noticeabletransient traffic on it on both sides of Windsor Branch Railway underbridgeas well as the gantries G4-17 and G4-16, will form noticeable motorwayelements. However, when taking into account the existing influence of theM4, its traffic and infrastructure at this location, the Scheme operation atOpening Year (2022) will have a long term moderate adverse magnitudeof impact on the character of the urban area resulting in a slight adversesignificance of effect.

8.10.17 The two overbridges at the B376, Datchet Road and Riding Court Roadand their associated recently planted earthworks, along with the sevennew gantries G4-12 to G4-06 will form locally intrusive new motorwayelements. However, when taking into account the existing influence of theM4, its traffic and infrastructure at this location, the Scheme operation atOpening Year (2022) will have a medium term minor adverse magnitudeof impact on the character of LCA 13d: Datchet resulting in a slightadverse significance of effect.

8.10.18 The restoration of the site formally used by construction compound 7 willhave a no change magnitude of impact on the character of LCA 13c; Etonresulting in a neutral significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.10.19 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3 and shown on the VED Drawing 8.2 (sheets 10 to 11). Themain visual impacts within this link during Opening Year (2022) areoutlined below:



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a) eastbound, the newly planted embankment with the transient M4traffic above, to the west of Windsor Branch Railway underbridge,will have a long term moderate adverse magnitude of impact onthe view from residential properties on Spackmans Way (Chalvey)resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect;

b) westbound, the newly planted embankment with the transient M4traffic above, on both sides of the Windsor Branch Railwayunderbridge, along with gantries G4-17 and G4-16 will have, takinginto account the existing retained vegetation within the adjacentOrder limits, a medium term moderate adverse magnitude ofimpact on views for users of the Jubilee River path and NationalCycle Route 4 resulting in a moderate adverse significance ofeffect;

c) eastbound, the newly planted embankment with the transient M4traffic above along with gantry G4-17 will have a long termmoderate adverse magnitude of impact on views from a nearbyschool and residential properties on the B3027, Ragstone Road(Chavley), and taking into account their respective sensitivity, willresult in a slight adverse and moderate adverse significance ofeffect;

d) eastbound, gantry G4-16 will form a prominent isolated piece ofmotorway infrastructure above the noise barrier and will have a longterm moderate adverse magnitude of impact on open short rangeviews from the residential properties on Winvale (Chalvey),resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect;

e) eastbound, the newly planted north west approach embankment tothe realigned Datchet Road overbridge will form a minor elementand have a long term minor adverse magnitude of impact infiltered views for users of Herschel Park (Chalvey), within the UptonConservation Area, resulting in a slight adverse significance ofeffect;

f) eastbound, the newly planted north east approach embankment tothe realigned Datchet Road overbridge will have a long termmoderate adverse magnitude of impact on short range open viewsfrom the adjacent residential properties (Datchet Meadows), off theB376, Datchet Road (Chalvey), within the Upton ConservationArea, resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect;



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g) westbound, the newly planted south east and north east approachembankments to the realigned Riding Court Road overbridge willhave a medium term moderate adverse magnitude of impact onviews from residential properties on the B470, London Road(Datchet), resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect;and

h) eastbound, the newly planted embankment within the central islandat junction 5 and the noise barrier along the top of the embankmentand junction structures will have a long term minor adversemagnitude of impact on the view from residential properties atSovereign Heights, Regency Court on Grampian Way (Langley),resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.10.20 The engineered embankments and the two realigned overbridges withinthis link will be integrated by the established planting which will help to tiethese elements back in to the existing vegetation pattern. The operation ofthe Scheme through this link will typically be similar to the baselinesituation and where evident it will constitute interventions within anestablished motorway corridor. As a result the Scheme will have anegligible adverse magnitude of impact on the urban area resulting in aneutral significance of effect and a no change magnitude of impact onLCA 13d: Datchet resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.10.21 It is anticipated that the visual receptors previously identified in paragraph8.10.19 will continue to experience views to the Scheme. However, theimpact of new infrastructure, such as the realigned overbridges and thetransient M4 traffic on embankment, will be reduced through theestablished intervening planting. In most cases, the Scheme will have, atworst, a permanent minor adverse magnitude of impact on views fromthese receptors resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.10.22 The main exception to this is eastbound, where gantry G4-16 will form aprominent isolated piece of motorway infrastructure above the noisebarrier and will have a permanent moderate adverse magnitude of impacton open short range views from the residential properties on Winvale(Chalvey), resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect.



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8.11 Junction 5 to junction 4b


Landscape

8.11.1 The western extent of this Scheme link falls within the Langley urban area.West of this and to the north of the M4 the landscape is covered by theSouth Bucks District Landscape Character Assessment (2011), (Ref 8-33).The LCA that relates to this area is LCA 26.3: Colne Valley, as shown onDrawing 8.1 (sheets 13 to 14). The area to the south of the M4 is underthe jurisdiction of Slough Borough Council, but no landscape characterassessment has been carried out or published by the Council for thislocation.

8.11.2 Between junction 5 and Sutton Lane overbridge, the M4 passes throughthe Langley and Brands Hill urban areas which are predominantly madeup of modern residential estates. East of Sutton Lane overbridge to OldSlade Lane overbridge, eastbound the M4 passes along the southernedge of the designed landscape of the Richings Park Golf and CountryClub and a farmed landscape lying to the east of Old Slade Lane withinLCA 26.3: Colne Valley. Westbound lies a disturbed urban fringelandscape located between the M4 and the A4, Colnbrook by-pass. Thisarea contains a number of disparate elements such as landfill, pockets ofrestored farmland, gravel pit lakes, a sewage treatment works and theLakeside industrial Estate. A high voltage power line, which runs northeast to south west across this link forms a notable local element in thelandscape on both sides of the M4 corridor.

8.11.3 Vegetation along the M4 and within the adjacent landscape helps to limitthe influence of the M4, its traffic and associated infrastructure. Howeverthe taller elements, such as lighting, protrude above this planting (seeviewpoint 9, Drawing 8.3 (sheet 9)).

8.11.4 In terms of the night-time characteristics of the landscape within this linkthe M4 has existing highway lighting together with occasional illuminatedsigns. With reference to the night time photograph for Viewpoint 9(Drawing 8.3 (sheet 9)) the rural landscape within LCD 26.3: Colne andthe disturbed landscape to the south of the M4 are considered to be a ILPE2 Environmental Zone – low district brightness area and the urban areais considered to be a ILP E3 Environmental Zone – medium districtbrightness area.



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8.11.5 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the presence of the existing M4and the urban influences through which the Scheme passes, thelandscape within LCA 26.3: Colne Valley is considered to have amoderate value (sensitivity). The urban area and the disturbed landscapeto the south of the M4 are considered to have a low value (sensitivity).

Future baseline

8.11.6 The relevant committed future developments identified within this Schemelink are shown on Figure 16.1 (sheet 13). They comprise:

a) westbound, residential development at Brands Hill opposite theproposed site for construction compound 9 within the urban area;and

b) westbound, rail/road freight inter-change located within a disturbedlandscape containing a number of disparate elements to the southof the M4.

Visual amenity

8.11.7 The locations of visual receptors within this Scheme link are shown on theVED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 13 to 14), and described within the VES inAppendix 8.3. The visual receptors within this link include residentialproperties within Langley and Richings Park urban areas to the north andthe Brands Hill urban area to the south, users of the Richings Park Golfand Country Club and recreational routes including the Colne Valley Trail.

8.11.8 In light of the combination of vegetation along and adjacent to the M4 andthe urban context between junctions 5 and 4b, views to the M4, its trafficand associated infrastructure are typically of a short range nature (seeviewpoint 9, Drawing 8.2). Views to the M4, its traffic and infrastructure aretypically experienced where it is on embankment such as at the gradeseparated junction 5 and on the overbridges to the east of the junction(see viewpoint 8, Drawing 8.2).

Mitigation

Construction

8.11.9 A schedule of the existing vegetation to be retained within this Scheme linkis identified in Appendix 8.4. This link also contains two locations wheretrees are covered by a TPO. The mitigation requirements for thisvegetation are set out in paragraph 8.4.17 and are contained in the OutlineCEMP (Appendix 4.2). The locations of these trees within this link are:



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a) westbound, a woodland immediately adjacent to the Order limitsbetween chainage 18+500.000 to 18+140.000 covered by TPO13/1979 (Slough Borough Council); and

b) westbound, individual trees within the Order limits along Old SladeLane covered by TPO 3 of 1982 (Slough Borough Council).


8.11.10 The mitigation proposals within this Scheme link are shown on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 25 to 27) and includewoodland edge (EE L2.10) and tree and shrub planting (EE L2.3) toreplace the vegetation lost to the Scheme.


Construction

Landscape

8.11.11 The site clearance within this Scheme link is shown on the site clearancedrawing (Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 25 to 27) whichindicates the trees and shrubs within the existing M4 highway boundarywhich will be lost to the Scheme. The main areas are:

a) both sides of the embankment at junction 5 parallel to the M4mainline and the on and off-slips within the Langley urban area; and

b) both sides of the Scheme at Old Slade Lane to accommodate theworks associated with the realigned Old Slade Lane overbridgewithin LCA 26.3 Colne Valley and the disturbed landscape.




c) the installation of nine gantries of varying types;

d) the removal of three existing gantries;

e) carriageway widening to create one ERA;

f) the realignment of the slip roads at the junctions; and

g) the creation of construction compound 9 and its associatedmovement of plant and vehicles and material stockpiles located offthe A4, Colnbrook by-pass at Brands Hill.



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8.11.13 It is anticipated the construction activity associated with the embankmentslopes and the installation of the gantry and noise barriers at junction 5 willform locally intrusive elements within the immediate urban area. However,the impacts will be softened by the retention of the existing road sidevegetation around the junction.

8.11.14 Construction compound 9 will appear as an isolated, locally intrusiveelement at the edge of the urban area. However, the retention of theperimeter road side vegetation around the compound will help to soften itsimpact on the adjacent urban area. Its magnitude of impact on thedisturbed urban fringe landscape to the west will be no change as thepresence of the adjacent landfill site immediately to the east of it is suchthat constructing a compound would not appear incongruous in thelandscape, resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

8.11.15 On both sides of the Scheme, east of junction 5 the vegetation removal onthe embankment slopes and the construction activities associated with theinstallation of the noise barriers between the M4 mainline and the sliproads will have a limited impact on the adjacent urban area and typicallybe confined to the extents of the M4 highway boundary. As a result, theScheme will have a negligible adverse magnitude of impact on theadjacent urban area resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

8.11.16 Westbound, the construction activities and vegetation removal associatedwith the realignment of Old Slade Lane overbridge will be contained by thepresence of the existing vegetation along Old Slade Lane, to the perimeterof Old Slade Lake and the riparian vegetation along Colne Brook and willbe set in the context of the adjacent sewage treatment works.Consequently, the construction work will have a no change magnitude ofimpact on the disturbed urban fringe landscape to the south of the M4,resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

8.11.17 Eastbound, the construction activities and vegetation removal associatedwith the realignment of Old Slade Lane overbridge and the installation ofgantry G3-03 will be more intrusive and form a local minor element withinLCA 26.3: Colne Valley to the north east of junction 4b. The impacts onthe designed landscape associated with the Richings Park Golf andCountry Club will be limited by the intervening vegetation which lies alongthe interface of this area with the M4. The Scheme will have a short termminor adverse magnitude of impact on the character of LCA 26.3: ColneValley resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.



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Visual amenity

8.11.18 The main effects in relation to visual receptors within this Scheme link areset out in the VES in Appendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED, Drawing8.2 (sheets 10 to 13). The main impacts on the visual receptors within thislink are outlined below:

a) westbound, the site clearance and construction activitiesassociated, with the creation and operation of constructioncompound 9, including the installation of the perimeter hoarding, willform visible elements in the view. The perimeter vegetation to theCompound will be retained and protected during the life time of thecompound in order to minimise the visual intrusion of the perimeterhoarding and construction activities within. In addition, the creationof stripped topsoil storage bunds along the west edge, taking intoaccount the retained boundary vegetation, will help to minimise thevisual intrusion of this new element on the adjacent residentialproperties. As a result, the Scheme will have a short termmoderate adverse magnitude of impact on filtered views fromresidential properties on Trent Way, off Sutton Lane (Brands Hill)resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect;

b) eastbound, the construction activity to remove the existing gantry atchainage 19+200.000 will be a visible element over the adjacentnoise barrier and intermittent vegetation at this location. TheScheme will have, at worst, a temporary minor adverse magnitudeof impact on the filtered view from the residential property on LittleSutton Lane resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect;

c) eastbound, the vegetation removal, which will reveal the M4 trafficand construction activity associated with the installation of gantryG3-03 and the construction activity associated with the nearbyrealigned Old Slade Lane overbridge, will have a short termmoderate adverse magnitude of impact on oblique and filteredviews from the residential property on Old Slade Lane, resulting in amoderate adverse significance of effect;



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d) eastbound, the vegetation removal and the construction activitiesassociated with the realigned Old Slade Lane overbridge will have amoderate adverse magnitude of impact on the view from theresidential properties at The Poynings, at the south edge ofRichings Park, resulting in a moderate adverse significance ofeffect; and

e) both sides of the Scheme, the vegetation removal and constructionactivities associated with the realigned Old Slade Lane overbridgeand the installation of gantry G3-03 will have a moderate adversemagnitude of impact on the short range transient views for users ofPRoW within the vicinity of the works, including the Colne ValleyTrail, resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.11.19 On both sides of the Scheme, east of junction 5, the newly plantedembankments and the noise barrier above will form very minor elementsand be contained within the extents of the M4 highway boundary. As aresult, the Scheme will have a medium term negligible adversemagnitude of impact on the immediate urban area resulting in a neutralsignificance of effect.

8.11.20 Eastbound, the realigned overbridge at Old Slade Lane and the adjacentgantry G3-03 will appear as locally intrusive motorway infrastructure withinLCA 26.3: Colne Valley to the north east of junction 4b. The Scheme willhave a medium to long term minor adverse magnitude of impact on thischaracter area resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.11.21 Westbound, the recently planted embankments to the realigned Old SladeLane overbridge, the structure itself and the adjacent gantry G3-03, will becontained by the existing vegetation within the immediate locality. Inconsideration of the wider context of this disturbed landscape, the Schemewill have a no change magnitude of impact on the character of this arearesulting in a neutral significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.11.22 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 10 to 11)are as follows:



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a) westbound, the post reinstatement of the site of the formerconstruction compound 9 back to its original land use, will have ano change magnitude of impact on views from residentialproperties on Trent Way, off Sutton Lane (Brands Hill) resulting in aneutral significance of effect;

b) eastbound, the residential property on the eastbound side of the M4on Little Sutton Lane will experience an improvement in the viewdue to the removal of the existing gantry at chainage 19+200.00. Itis anticipated the Scheme will have a minor beneficial magnitudeof impact on the view from this receptor resulting in a slightbeneficial significance of effect;

c) eastbound, the recent planting will reveal the M4 traffic beyond inthe vicinity of gantry G3-03 and the adjacent recently plantedembankments to the realigned Old Slade Lane overbridge and thestructure itself will have a medium to long term moderate adversemagnitude of impact on the short range view from the residentialproperty on Old Slade Lane resulting in a moderate adversesignificance of effect;

d) eastbound, the recently planted embankments to the realigned OldSlade Lane overbridge and the structure itself will have a medium tolong term minor adverse magnitude of impact on the view from theresidential properties at The Poynings, at the south edge ofRichings Park resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect;and

e) both sides of the Scheme, the recently planted embankments to therealigned Old Slade Lane overbridge, the structure itself and gantryG3-03 will form noticeable motorway infrastructure elements inshort range transient views for users of PRoW nearby, including theColne Valley Trail. The Scheme will have a minor adverse tomoderate adverse magnitude of impact on these views resulting,at worst, in a moderate adverse significance of effect.



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Landscape

8.11.23 The realigned Old Slade Lane overbridge and gantry G3-03 will beintegrated by the established planting and, along with adjacent existingvegetation; the operation of the Scheme will typically be similar to thebaseline situation. Consequently, the Scheme will have a no changemagnitude of impact on the urban and rural areas within this link resultingin a neutral significance of landscape effect.

Visual amenity

8.11.24 The established planting, which is adjacent to the new motorwayinfrastructure i.e. the new gantries and overbridges, will help to reduce theintrusion of these elements in views from most of the visual receptorspreviously identified in paragraph 8.11.22 and have a no changemagnitude of impact resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

8.11.25 However, eastbound, the established planting adjacent to gantry G3-03will not fully mitigate the effects of this element on the view from theresidential property on Old Slade Lane. It is anticipated the Scheme willhave a long term negligible adverse magnitude of impact on the viewfrom this receptor resulting, at worst, in a slight adverse significance ofeffect.

8.11.26 Eastbound, the residential property on Little Sutton Lane will continue toexperience an improvement in the view due to the removal of the existinggantry at chainage 19+200.000. The Scheme will have a permanent minorbeneficial magnitude of impact on view from this receptor resulting in aslight beneficial significance of effect.

8.12 Junction 4b to junction 4


Landscape

8.12.1 This Scheme link is covered by the Hillingdon Landscape CharacterAssessment (2012) (Ref 8-38). The LCAs that relate to this Scheme linkare LCA A4: Fray’s Island to Stanwell Moor, LCA K1: Harmondsworth andLCA K2: Harlington. The West Drayton urban area covers the remainder ofthe study area to the north of the M4 corridor. The LCAs and urban areaare shown on Drawing 8.1 (sheets 14 to 15).



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8.12.2 Immediately east of junction 4a, the M4 traverses LCA A4: Fray’s Island toStanwell Moor, through which the Wraybury and River Colne flow. This isa designed, well wooded, recreational landscape comprising matureriparian vegetation along the river banks and more recently plantedwoodland clumps arranged around a series of grassland glades. Furthereast and to the south of the M4 and north of the A3044, Holloway Lane,within LCA K1: Harmondsworth, is a disturbed urban fringe landscapewhich is characterised by pockets of farmland scattered between smallscale industrial/commercial estates and the settlements of Harmondsworthand Sipson. LCA K2: Harlington is also a disturbed urban fringelandscape containing a number of disparate elements which include gravelextraction and pockets of urban industrial estates. This LCA sits at theeast extent of this Scheme link and forms the southern setting to junction4. To the south west of the junction, the LCA consists of a hotel set inmature grounds and to the south east there is a working gravel extraction.The urban area of West Drayton lies immediately to the north of the M4and consists of modern residential estates, which typically are separatedfrom the M4 by mature tree belt. The settlements of Harmondsworth andSipson lie to the south.

8.12.3 Existing vegetation, the cuttings and noise barriers along the M4, and theadjacent vegetation at the edge of the West Drayton urban area to thenorth and within LCA A4: Fray’s Island to Stanwell Moor help to limit theinfluence of the M4, its traffic and associated infrastructure. However, thetaller elements, such as lighting and the occasional gantry, can beglimpsed between, or seen over, the vegetation. These elements aremore noticeable in winter when the vegetation is not in leaf (seeviewpoints 10 and 11, Drawing 8.3 (sheets 10 and 11).

8.12.4 In terms of the night-time characteristics of the landscape within this link,the M4 presently has existing highway lighting together with occasionalilluminated signs and gantries. With reference to the night timephotographs for viewpoints 10 and 11 (see Drawing 8.3 (sheets 10 and11) the urban fringe landscape within LCA A4: Fray’s Island to StanwellMoor and LCA K1: Harmondsworth is considered to be ILP E2Environmental Zones – low district brightness areas and the discordantand disturbed LCA K2: Harlington and the West Drayton urban area isconsidered to be ILP E3 Environmental Zones – medium districtbrightness areas.



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8.12.5 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the presence of the existing M4the landscape within LCA A4: Fray’s Island to Stanwell Moor has amoderate value (sensitivity) and the discordant and or disturbed LCA K1:Harmondsworth and LCA K2: Harlington along with the West Draytonurban area have a low value (sensitivity).

Future baseline


Visual amenity

8.12.7 The locations of visual receptors within this Scheme link are shown on theVED, Drawing 8.2 (sheet 14), and described within the VES in Appendix8.3. The visual receptors within this link include several pockets ofresidential properties within the West Drayton urban area; users ofrecreational routes within LCA A2: Fray’s Island to Stanwell Moor and LCAK1: Harmondsworth, and several roads including Harmondsworth Roadand the M4 link to Junction 4a.

Mitigation

Construction

8.12.8 A schedule of the existing vegetation to be retained within this Scheme linkis identified in Appendix 8.4. There are no specific trees covered by TPOswithin this Scheme link. However, the existing vegetation along the M4,particularly where it lies adjacent to residential properties at the southedge of West Drayton, helps to screen the motorway traffic and itsassociated infrastructure in summer. In winter, where the vegetation isdeciduous, it filters views to transient high sided vehicles, signs andgantries over the noise barrier. The mitigation requirements for thisvegetation are set out in paragraph 8.4.17 and are contained in the OutlineCEMP (Appendix 4.2). The locations of these trees within this link are:

a) eastbound, existing trees which lie adjacent to gantries G2-07andG2-04 and the ERA (E2- B1).


8.12.9 The mitigation proposals within this Scheme link are shown on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 27 to 28) and include tree andshrub planting (EE L2.3) to replace the vegetation lost to the Scheme.



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Construction

Landscape

8.12.10 The site clearance within this Scheme link is shown on the site clearancedrawing (Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheets 27 to 28) whichindicate the trees and shrubs within the M4 highway boundary which willbe lost to the Scheme. The main areas are:

a) westbound, adjacent to gantry G2-12 within LCA A4: Fray’s Islandto Stanwell Moor;

b) eastbound, adjacent to gantry G2-08 and ERA (E2-A1) to the westof Harmmondsworth Road (South) overbridge within LCA A4: Fray’sIsland to Stanwell Moor;

c) eastbound, adjacent to ERA (E2-A1) and gantry G2-07 to the westof Harmmondsworth Road (North) overbridge within LCA K1:Harmondsworth;

d) westbound, between chainage 14+710.000 to 14+510.000 withinK1: Harmondsworth;

e) eastbound, running parallel to the realigned off-slip between gantryG2-04 to chainage 14+200.00 within LCA K1: Harmondsworth;

f) westbound, on either side of Holloway Road underbridge withinLCA K2: Harlington; and

g) westbound, junction 4 adjacent to gantries G2-01 and G2-02awithin LCA K2: Harlington.





d) the removal of five gantries,

e) the installation of noise barriers;

f) the localised carriageway widening at two ERAs; and

g) the realignment of the slip roads at the two junctions.



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8.12.12 On both sides of the Scheme within LCA A4: Fray’s Island to StanwellMoor, the construction activities will be typically contained by the existingretained vegetation within the M4 highway boundary and by othervegetation immediately adjacent to it. The isolated pockets of vegetationremoval, and the construction activities associated with the installation ofgantries G2-15 and G2-12, will form locally intrusive elements within theimmediate landscape. The adjacent retained vegetation within the highwayboundary and other vegetation which lies outside the highway boundaryand in the vicinity of these elements, will help to reduce their visualintrusion. As a result, the Scheme will have a short term minor adversemagnitude of impact on the character of this LCA resulting in a slightadverse significance of effect.

8.12.13 Eastbound, the Scheme will not have a direct impact on the urban edge ofWest Drayton. However, the removal of trees as a result of the siteclearance associated with the installation of gantries G2-07, G2-04 andG2-03 along with the carriageway widening for ERA E2-B1 will reduce thethickness and screening capability of the intervening tree belt between thisarea and the M4. The adjacent construction activities, visible above thenoise barrier, will form isolated minor intrusive elements within the settingof this area. However, the part retention of the tree belt at these locationswill help to minimise the presence of these activities. As such, the Schemewill have a short term minor adverse magnitude of impact on the edge ofthe urban area resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

8.12.14 Westbound, the cuttings and existing retained vegetation within thehighway boundary will help to contain the impacts of the constructionactivities on the adjacent discordant LCA K1: Harmondsworth and LCAK2: Harlington. However, the construction activities associated with theinstallation of gantry G2-08 along with the vegetation removal associatedwith the junction 4 on-slip realignment, will form isolated pockets of veryminor disturbance. Consequently, the Scheme will have a short termnegligible adverse magnitude of impact on the character of the adjacentdiscordant landscapes resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.12.15 The visual receptors within this Scheme link are described within the VESin Appendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 13 to 14).The main visual receptors affected by the construction are outlined below:



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a) eastbound, the construction activities associated with theinstallation of gantries G2-12, on the westbound side of the M4, andG2-11, on the eastbound side, located in close proximity to thefootbridge and visible over the top of the intervening noise barrier,will have a temporary minor adverse magnitude of impact ontypically short range filtered views for users approaching from thenorth and on the north section of the footbridge, at chainage15+450.000, resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect;

b) eastbound, the construction activity associated with the installationof gantries G2-12, on the westbound side of the M4, and G2-11, onthe eastbound side, immediately adjacent to the existing footbridgeand visible over the top of the intervening noise barrier, will have arespective temporary minor adverse magnitude of impact on thefiltered winter views from residential properties on Little Benty (WestDrayton), through the intervening adjacent tree belt, resulting in aslight adverse significance of effect on winter views. Summerviews to gantries G2-12 and G2-11 will be screened by theintervening vegetation;

c) eastbound, the part reduction in the width of the intervening treebelt will partially reveal the construction activity, high sided vehicleson the M4 over the intervening noise barrier, and night time streetlighting beyond. This is due to the vegetation removal andconstruction activity associated with the installation of gantry G2-07and the nearby ERA E2-B1, which will have a respective short termmoderate adverse and short term minor adverse magnitude ofimpact on the partially filtered winter views and the filtered summerviews, through the remaining intervening adjacent tree belt. Theimpact on the filtered views from residential properties at TheBrambles, (West Drayton) will result in a moderate adverse andslight adverse significance of effect respectively;

d) eastbound, the part reduction, over a short length, in the width ofthe intervening tree belt will partially reveal the construction activityassociated with the installation of gantry G2-04 and the removal ofthe existing gantry, high sided vehicles on the M4 over theintervening noise barrier, and night time street lighting beyond. Thisis due to the vegetation removal and construction activityassociated with the installation of gantry G2-04. As such, theScheme will have a temporary moderate adverse and short term



REV 2PAGE 8-79

minor adverse magnitude of impact on the partially filtered winterviews and the filtered summer views respectively, through theremaining intervening adjacent tree belt. The impact on the filteredviews from the residential properties on Wordsworth Way (WestDrayton) will result in a moderate adverse to slight adversesignificance of effect respectively;

e) eastbound, the part reduction in the width of the intervening treebelt will partially reveal the construction activity, high sided vehicleson the M4 over the intervening noise barrier, and night time streetlighting beyond. This is due to the vegetation removal associatedwith the junction 4 off slip realignment. Consequently, the Schemewill have a short term moderate adverse and short term minoradverse magnitude of impact on the partially filtered winter viewsand the filtered summer views respectively, through the remainingintervening adjacent tree belt. The impact on the filtered views fromresidential properties on Keats Way (West Drayton) will result in amoderate adverse and slight adverse significance of effectrespectively; and

f) eastbound, the part reduction in the width of the intervening treebelt will have a limited impact on the overall width of the interveningtree belt at this location. However, there is the potential for morefrequent glimpses through the vegetation to the construction activityand high sided vehicles on the M4 over the intervening noisebarrier, beyond, particularly in winter. This is due to the vegetationremoval associated with the junction 4 off-slip realignment. As aresult, the Scheme will have a short term negligible adverse andno change magnitude of impact on the partially filtered winter viewsand mostly screened summer views respectively through theremaining intervening adjacent tree belt. The impact on the filteredwinter views from residential properties on Vine Close (WestDrayton) will result in a slight adverse significance of effect. Theimpact on the summer views will result in a neutral significance ofeffect.



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Landscape

8.12.16 On both sides of the Scheme within LCA A4: Fray’s Island to StanwellMoor, the new gantries G2-15 and G2-12 will typically be contained by theexisting retained vegetation and other adjacent vegetation outside thehighway boundary and will form isolated minor elements within theimmediate landscape. Consequently, the Scheme will have a medium tolong term negligible adverse magnitude of impact on the character of thisLCA resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.12.17 Eastbound, the part retained continuous tree belt along the south edge ofthe West Drayton urban area will help to reduce the intrusion of theadjacent new gantries, which will be partially visible over the adjacentintervening noise barrier, on its immediate setting. The Scheme will have amedium to long term negligible adverse magnitude of impact on the edgeof the urban area resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

8.12.18 Westbound, the cuttings and existing retained vegetation within thehighway boundary will help to contain the Scheme. However, the newgantry G2-08 will form a very minor element above the cutting. In thecontext of the wider discordant character of LCA K1: Harmondsworth andLCA K2: Harlington, the Scheme will have a no change magnitude ofimpact on the character of these areas resulting in a neutral significanceof effect.

Visual amenity

8.12.19 The effects in relation to specific visual receptors are set out within theVES in Appendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 10to 11). The main visual impacts are:

a) eastbound, gantries G2-12 and G2-11 will be partially visible overthe adjacent intervening noise barrier, and seen in the context ofthe nearby footbridge, and will have a permanent minor adversemagnitude of impact on typically short range filtered views for usersapproaching from the north and on the north section of thefootbridge, at chainage 15+450.000, resulting in a slight adversesignificance of effect;



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b) eastbound, gantries G2-12 and G2-11 will be partially visible overthe adjacent intervening noise barrier, and seen in the context ofthe nearby footbridge. These isolated elements will have a minoradverse magnitude of impact on the filtered winter views fromresidential properties on Little Benty (West Drayton) resulting in apermanent slight adverse significance of effect;

c) eastbound, gantry G2-07, transient high sided vehicles on the M4and night time street lighting will be partially visible over theadjacent intervening noise barrier and through the reduced widthintervening tree belt. These elements will have a medium to longterm moderate adverse and medium to long term minor adversemagnitude of impact on the partially filtered winter views and thefiltered summer views respectively. The impact on the filtered viewsfrom residential properties at The Brambles (West Drayton) willresult in a moderate adverse and slight adverse significance ofeffect respectively;

d) eastbound, although gantry G2-04 will be visible, particularly in thefiltered winter views, it will not appear too dissimilar to the previousgantry which is to be removed, which forms part of the existingview. In addition, the transient high sided vehicles on the M4 andnight time street lighting will be partially visible over the adjacentintervening noise barrier and through the slightly reduced widthintervening tree belt. These elements will have a medium to longterm negligible adverse and no change magnitude of impact onthe partially filtered winter views and the screened summer viewsrespectively. The impact on the filtered winter views from theresidential properties on Wordsworth Way (West Drayton) will resultin a slight adverse significance of effect. The impact on thesummer views will result in a neutral significance of effect;

e) eastbound, the reduced width intervening tree belt will partiallyreveal transient high sided vehicles on the M4 and night time streetlighting beyond. These elements will have a medium to long termmoderate adverse and medium to long term minor adversemagnitude of impact on the partially filtered winter views and thefiltered summer views respectively. The impact on the filtered viewsfrom residential properties on Keats Way (West Drayton) will resultin a moderate adverse and slight adverse significance of effectrespectively; and



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f) eastbound, the reduced width intervening tree belt will, to somedegree, reveal transient high sided vehicles on the M4. Thistransient element will have a medium to long term negligibleadverse and no change magnitude of impact on the partiallyfiltered winter views and screened summer views respectively. Theimpact on the filtered winter views from residential properties onVine Close (West Drayton) will result in a slight adversesignificance of effect. The impact on the summer views will result ina neutral significance of effect.


Landscape

8.12.20 Within LCA A4: Fray’s Island to Stanwell Moor, the established plantingadjacent to gantry G2-12 will help to further reduce the impact of thisgantry, although gantry G2-15 will continue to form an isolated elementwithin the immediate landscape. As such, the Scheme will have apermanent negligible adverse magnitude of impact on the character ofthis LCA resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.12.21 Eastbound, the established planting on the south side of the part retainedcontinuous tree belt, along the south edge of the West Drayton urbanarea, will help to reinstate this as a feature similar to the baseline situation.Consequently, the Scheme will have a no change magnitude of impact onthe edge of the urban area resulting in a neutral significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.12.22 Eastbound, the established planting between the M4 and the south edgeof West Drayton, in combination with the retained tree belt, will provide asummer screen and winter filter which is similar to the baseline situation.The Scheme will, in the case of most receptors, have a no changemagnitude of impact resulting in a neutral significance of effect. However,the properties on Little Benty (West Drayton) and users of the adjacentPRoW will have on-going filtered views to the adjacent gantries G2-12 andG2-11. These gantries will have a permanent minor adverse magnitudeof impact on these views resulting in a slight adverse significance ofeffect. The properties on Keats Way (West Drayton) will have on-goingviews through the reduced width tree belt to the high sided traffic on theM4 over the noise barrier. This will have a permanent moderate adverseto minor adverse magnitude of impact on the winter and summer views



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respectively, resulting in a moderate adverse and slight adversesignificance of effect.



Landscape

8.13.1 This Scheme link is covered by the Hillingdon Landscape CharacterAssessment (2012) (Ref 8-38). The LCAs that relate to this Scheme linkcomprise LCA K2: Harlington and LCA K3: Cranford and are locatedprimarily to the south of the M4 corridor. The Hayes urban area runs alongthe north side of the M4 corridor between Warrington Street overbridgeand junction 3 and the Hounslow urban area lies to the east of junction 3.These LCAs and urban areas are shown on Drawing 8.1 (sheets 15 to 16).

8.13.2 Between junctions 4 and 3, the M4 passes through LCA K2: Harlington.This is a disturbed urban fringe landscape containing a number ofdisparate elements. Eastbound, this comprises the Bourne FarmRecreation Ground and Cherry Lane Cemetery, with some scatteredpockets of leisure and industrial development further to the north. Furthereast is the Sam Philp Recreation Ground. Westbound is an area ofworking gravel extraction with the Sipson Recreation Ground to the south.Further east the M4 passes close to the north edge of the HarlingtonConservation Area with associated pockets of farmland to its westernfringe. East of Harlington, the M4 then passes through a pocket offarmland on the eastern fringe of the Harlington Conservation Area.Westbound, east of the Warrington Road overbridge the M4 passesthrough LCA K3: Cranford comprising a pocket of farmland before passingto the north of Cranford Park, a designed landscape. This Park extends tothe north of the M4 just west of junction 3, although at this point it lieswithin the adjacent Hayes urban area. Cranford Park is designated as aconservation area and countryside park. The latter extends westwards toFuller subway. The River Crane flows though the east part of CranfordPark. The Park borders the A312, The Parkway along its east edge. Theurban area of Hayes lies to the north of the M4 and comprises modernresidential estates. The existing mature vegetation which lies adjacent tothe M4, particularly within the east part of the link, helps to limit theinfluence of highway infrastructure within the adjacent landscape.However, taller elements, such as lighting and the occasional sign and



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gantry, protrude above the planting, forming typically isolated, minorintrusive elements in the landscape (see viewpoint 12, Drawing 8.3 (sheet12)).

8.13.3 In terms of the night-time characteristics of the landscape within this link,the M4 has existing highway lighting together with occasional illuminatedsigns. With reference to the night time photograph for Viewpoint 12,Drawing 8.3 (sheet 12)), the disturbed urban fringe landscape within LCAK2: Harlington and the designed and designated LCA K3: Cranford areconsidered to be ILP E2 Environmental Zones – low district brightnessareas and the Hayes urban area is ILP E3 Environmental Zone – mediumdistrict brightness area.

8.13.4 In accordance with IAN 135/10, in light of the presence of the existing M4,the urban and industrial influences on the discordant landscape within LCAK2: Harlington this area is considered to have a low value (sensitivity).Similarly, the influence of the M4 on the setting of the adjacent urban areaof Hayes also gives it a low value (sensitivity). The designated anddesigned LCA K3: Cranford has a moderate value (sensitivity).

Future baseline


Visual amenity

8.13.6 The locations of the visual receptors within this Scheme link are shown onthe VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 15 to 16), and described within the VES inAppendix 8.3. The visual receptors within this Scheme link includeresidential and leisure properties within the Hayes urban area and theHarlington Conservation Area. Other receptors include: severalrecreational routes, such as users of the London Loop/Hillingdon Trail,which follows the course of the River Crane within the CranfordCountryside Park, within LCA K3: Cranford; users of the Sam PhilpRecreation Ground within the Hayes urban area and road users on theA437, High Street, A312, The Parkway and the local road, ShepistonLane.



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Mitigation

Construction

8.13.7 A schedule of the existing vegetation to be retained within this Scheme linkis identified in Appendix 8.4. This link contains several locations wherethere are trees covered by a TPO or which fall within a designatedconservation area. The mitigation requirements for this vegetation are setout in paragraph 8.4.17 and are contained in the Outline CEMP (Appendix4.2). In addition, the existing vegetation along the M4, particularly where itis adjacent to residential properties at the south edge of Hayes, helps toscreen the motorway traffic and its associated infrastructure in summer. Inwinter, where the vegetation is deciduous, it filters views to transient highsided vehicles, signs and gantries over the noise barrier. The requirementsfor this vegetation are also set out in paragraph 8.4.17 and are containedin the Outline CEMP (Appendix 4.2). The locations of these trees are:

a) eastbound, individual trees immediately adjacent to the Order limitsboundary between chainage 13+330.000 to 13+140.000 andcovered by TPO 549 (London Borough of Hillingdon);

b) westbound, individual trees within the designated HarlingtonConservation Area which lie immediately adjacent to the Orderlimits between chainage 12+570.00 to 12+460.000;

c) westbound, individual trees within the designated Cranford ParkConservation Area which lie immediately adjacent to the Orderlimits between chainage 11+280.000 to 11+010.000; and

d) eastbound, existing trees which lie adjacent to gantries G1-09, G1-08, G1-07 and G1-04.


8.13.8 The mitigation proposals within this Scheme link are shown on the EM(Document Reference 7.4, Annex A, sheet 30) and include woodlandplanting (EE L2.10) to replace the vegetation lost as a result of theScheme.



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Construction

Landscape

8.13.9 The vegetation removal as part of the site clearance within this area will belimited and will typically be within the highway verge and set back no morethan 3m from the carriageway edge. However, the 3m off-set will be locallywidened at specific locations to take account of the working areas adjacentto the gantries, ERAs and slip road realignments.





d) the removal of four gantries,

e) the localised carriageway widening at two ERAs;

f) the realignment of the slip roads at the junctions; and

g) the creation of construction compound 11 and its associatedmovement of plant and vehicles and material stockpiles located tothe north east of junction 4.

8.13.11 Within LCA K2: Harlington, the vegetation clearance associated with theinstallation of the gantries, the ERAs and the slip road realignments atjunction 4, will typically be low key requiring the removal of low level scruband grasses within the highway boundary. The construction activitiesassociated with the installation of gantries G1-13, G1-12, G1-11, G1-10,G1-09 and G1-07, between junction 5 and St Peters subway, will be in alocation where there is intermittent vegetation with occasional trees alongboth sides of the M4. These gantries will form a series of minor intrusiveelements within a discordant and disturbed landscape. Eastbound, andalso within LCA K2: Harlington will be located construction compound 11on the east side of the A408, Stockley Road to the north east of junction 4.This is a partially contained open grassland site comprising a perimeterbelt of tree planting on its west side along the A408, Stockley Road. Largescale industrial sheds run along the north side of the site, intermittentvegetation, with the occasional tree runs along the east side with playingfields and Cherry Lane Cemetery beyond, and Shepiston Lane runs alongthe south side. The existing perimeter vegetation and other vegetation



REV 2PAGE 8-87

within this area will be retained in order to help minimise the visualintrusion of the compound and the perimeter hoarding. As such, theScheme will have a short term minor adverse magnitude of impact on thisdiscordant landscape resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.

8.13.12 Likewise, within LCA K3: Cranford, lying further east, the vegetationclearance associated with the installation of the gantries and the slip roadrealignments at junction 3 will typically be low key requiring the removal oflow level scrub and grasses within the highway boundary. Theconstruction activities associated with the installation of gantries G1-05and G1-03 and G1-02 between Warrington Road overbridge and junction3 will be in a location where the M4 is contained by adjacent maturevegetation on both sides. These gantries will form a series of very minorelements within the landscape to the south. At Cranford Park the densemature vegetation along its north edge with the M4 is such that it isunlikely the installation of the adjacent gantries G1-04 and G1-02 will beperceptible through this vegetation. As a result, the Scheme will have ashort term negligible adverse magnitude of impact on this landscaperesulting in a neutral adverse significant effect.

8.13.13 Eastbound, the Scheme will not have a direct impact on the urban edge ofHayes. The construction activities associated with the installation of theadjacent gantries G1-08 and G1-04 will require the removal of some scruband grasses within the verge and up to the noise barrier, which will remainin-situ. The adjacent construction activities, visible above the noise barrierwill form isolated very minor intrusive elements within the setting of thisarea. However, the retention of the vegetation between the noise barrierand the adjacent residential properties will help to minimise the presenceof these activities. As such, the Scheme will have a short term negligibleadverse magnitude of impact on the edge of the urban area resulting in aneutral significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.13.14 The main visual receptors within this Scheme link are set out in the VES inAppendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 13 to 14).The main visual receptors affected by the construction are outlined below:

a) eastbound, the creation and operation of construction compound 11will have a short term moderate adverse magnitude of impact onfiltered views for users of the Bourne Farm Recreation Ground,resulting in a moderate adverse significance of effect;



REV 2PAGE 8-88

b) eastbound, the creation and operation of construction compound 11will have a short term negligible adverse magnitude of impact onfiltered views for residential properties on Bourne Avenue andSkipton Drive (Hayes), resulting in a slight adverse significance ofeffect;

c) eastbound, the creation and operation of construction compound 11will have a short term minor adverse magnitude of impact onfiltered views for visitors to Cherry Lane Cemetery, resulting in aslight adverse significance of effect;

d) eastbound, the installation of gantry G1-13 will have a temporaryminor adverse magnitude of impact on visitors to the hotel onShepiston Lane, resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect;

e) eastbound, the installation of gantries G1-07 and G1-06 will have, atemporary minor adverse and temporary negligible adversemagnitude of impact on intermittent filtered winter views andthrough gaps in the tree canopy in summer respectively for users ofthe Sam Philp Recreation Ground (Hayes), resulting in a slightadverse significance of effect;

f) westbound, the installation of gantry G1-07 will have a temporaryminor adverse magnitude of impact on oblique views from acluster of residential properties on the north west edge of theHarlington Conservation Area, resulting in a slight adversesignificance of effect;

g) eastbound, the removal of the adjacent gantry at chainage11+690.000 will have, a temporary minor adverse and temporarynegligible adverse magnitude of impact on filtered winter viewsand through gaps in the tree canopy in summer respectively fromresidential properties on Moston Close (Hayes), resulting in a slightadverse significance of effect; and

h) eastbound, the installation of gantry G1-04 will be visible over theadjacent noise barrier and will have, a temporary minor adverseand a temporary negligible adverse magnitude of impact onfiltered winter views and through gaps in the tree canopy in summerrespectively, from the residential properties on Wilkins Close andCranford Drive (Hayes), resulting in a slight adverse significanceof effect.



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Landscape

8.13.15 Within LCA K2: Harlington, the gantries G1-13, G1-12, G1-11, G1-10, G1-09 and G1-07, will form a series of minor intrusive elements within adiscordant and disturbed landscape. The Scheme will have a long termnegligible adverse magnitude of impact on this landscape resulting in aneutral significance of effect.

8.13.16 Likewise, within LCA K3: Cranford, the gantries G1-05 and G1-03 and G1-02, between Warrington Road overbridge and junction 3, will form a seriesof very minor elements within this landscape. At Cranford Park, the densemature vegetation along its northern edge with the M4 is such that it isunlikely gantries G1-04 and G1-02 will impact on the wider characteristicsof the Park. Consequently, the Scheme will have a long term negligibleadverse magnitude of impact on this landscape resulting in a neutralsignificant effect.

8.13.17 Eastbound, within the urban area, the gantries G1-08 and G1-04, althoughvisible in winter above the noise barrier, will be very minor elements withinthe setting to this area. As such, the Scheme will have a long termnegligible adverse magnitude of impact on the edge of the urban arearesulting in a neutral significance of effect.

Visual amenity

8.13.18 The main visual receptors within this link are set out within the VES inAppendix 8.3 and are shown on the VED, Drawing 8.2 (sheets 15 to 16).The main visual receptors affected by the Scheme in Opening Year (2022)are outlined below:

a) eastbound, gantry G1-13 will have a long term minor adversemagnitude of impact on visitors to the hotel on Shepiston Lane,resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect;

b) eastbound, gantries G1-07 and G1-06 will have, a long term minoradverse and temporary negligible adverse magnitude of impacton intermittent filtered winter views and through gaps in the treecanopy in summer respectively for users of the Sam PhilpRecreation Ground (Hayes), resulting, at worst, in a slight adversesignificance of effect;



REV 2PAGE 8-90

c) westbound, gantry G1-07 will have a long term minor adversemagnitude of impact on oblique views from a cluster of residentialproperties on the north west edge of the Harlington ConservationArea, resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect;

d) eastbound, the removed gantry at chainage 11+690.000 will have, along term minor beneficial and long term negligible beneficialmagnitude of impact on filtered winter views and through gaps inthe tree canopy in summer respectively from residential propertieson Moston Close (Hayes), resulting in a slight beneficialsignificance of effect; and

e) eastbound, gantry G1-04 will be visible over the adjacent noisebarrier and will have, a long term minor adverse and a long termnegligible adverse magnitude of impact on filtered winter viewsand through gaps in the tree canopy in summer respectively, fromthe residential properties on Wilkins Close and Cranford Drive(Hayes), resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect.


Landscape

8.13.19 Limited mitigation proposals are required within this link and, as such, theimpacts of the Scheme on landscape and urban character will be similar tothose stated for Opening Year (2022) – namely there will be a permanentnegligible adverse magnitude of impact resulting in a neutral significanceof effect.

Visual amenity

8.13.20 Likewise, as limited mitigation proposals are required within this link, theimpacts on the visual receptors will be similar to those reported inparagraph 8.13.18 – namely there will be a permanent slight adversesignificance of effect on the winter view from properties on Wilkins Closeand Cranford Drive (Hayes) and, there will be a permanent slight adversesignificance of effect on the view from the hotel on Shepiston Lane, on theview for users of the Sam Philp Recreation Ground and on the view fromresidential properties at the north west edge of the HarlingtonConservation Area. There will also be a permanent slight beneficialsignificance of effect on the view from residential properties on MostonClose (Hayes).



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8.14 Cumulative Effects

8.14.1 The development proposals under consideration have been previouslyidentified under each of the Scheme links within the main assessmentabove. In this section, these developments are assessed in combinationwith the Scheme. A more detailed description of these developments isprovided in Appendix 16.1, and their locations are shown on Drawing 16.1.

8.14.2 The most notable changes to the future baseline are likely to occur in thewest part of the junction 11 to 10 Scheme link within LCA I3: GrazeleyFarmed Clay Lowlands and LCA J3: Spencers Wood Settled and FarmedClay. There are a number of proposed developments in the vicinity ofThree Mile Cross and Shinfield, which will result in the urbanisation ofthese LCAs. The Scheme i.e. its gantries, in addition to this future urbanexpansion, will have a negligible adverse magnitude of cumulativeimpact resulting in a neutral significance of cumulative effect bearing inmind the context of the existing M4 as a locally intrusive feature.

8.14.3 Within the junction 6 to 5 Scheme link, the gravel extraction at RidingCourt Farm within LCA 13d: Datchet and the rail/road freight depot withinthe uncharacterised landscape to the south west of junction 4b will resultin change to the future baseline. Elsewhere, the proposed developments,particularly those within the urban areas, will result in limited or minorchange to the future baseline. Bearing in mind the relatively minoroperational impacts of the Scheme on the local landscape and urbancharacter at these locations, the Scheme in, addition to these otherdevelopments, will have a negligible adverse magnitude of cumulativeimpact resulting in a neutral significance of cumulative effect.

8.15 Limitations in Compiling the ES Chapter

8.15.1 As it has not been possible to determine exactly the likely extent of thevegetation clearance at some locations such as gantries and ERAs, aprecautionary approach has been adopted for the landscape assessment.In these locations, the worst case scenario has been assumed wherebythe majority of vegetation within the Order limits adjacent to these featureswill be removed. In order to minimise the impacts on visual receptors,particularly residential properties, specific requirements have beenprovided in the ES and in the Outline CEMP (Appendix 4.2) for theContractor to look at measures to retain and protect existing vegetation atsensitive locations.



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8.16 Summary

8.16.1 The Department of Transport National Policy Statement for NationalNetworks (2014) recognises (see Table 8.1) a number of criteria which thistype of Scheme should address. In particular, it requires such Schemes torespect and enhance the landscape, but at the same time it recognisesthat the nature of the project can limit the extent to which it can contributeto the enhancement of the quality of the area. In addition, one of theprincipal objectives of the Scheme should be to eliminate or substantiallymitigate identified problems and minimising adverse Impacts. In thisrespect, this chapter has considered the landscape character throughwhich the Scheme passes and shows that the adverse impacts identifiedduring its construction will effectively be mitigated by the Design Year(2037). However, there will be some local impacts which cannot be fullymitigated resulting in a slight adverse significance of effect on LCA 14bBray and LCA 26.2 Dorney within the junction 8/9 to 7 Scheme link.

8.16.2 The NN NPS also recognises that visual appearance is a key designconsideration and that design is a material consideration in decisionmaking. In this respect, the design of the Scheme has considered thelocations of the gantries in relation to residential properties and has re-located one gantry to avoid significant adverse visual effects. This chapterhas considered the worst case scenario in terms of vegetation removal atsome sensitive locations i.e. where vegetation removal is in closeproximity to residential properties. It also provides measures to be put inplace by the Contractor to look at further minimising the loss of vegetationduring the Scheme construction. With reference to the principal objectiveof the NN NPS to minimise adverse impacts, this chapter shows that theadverse visual impacts identified during construction will effectively bemitigated by the Design Year (2037). However, there will be some localimpacts which cannot be fully mitigated resulting in a moderate adversesignificance of effect on one residential visual receptor due to thepresence of the adjacent gantry G4-16 within the junction 6 to 5 Schemelink. Elsewhere, throughout the Scheme there will be the occasionalsporadic slight adverse significance of effect on other visual receptorswhere they have a view to an adjacent gantry.

8.16.3 This chapter has also assessed the impacts of the Scheme on the NorthWessex Downs AONB, which lies at the western extent of the study area.It shows that the Scheme will result in a neutral significance of effect onthis nationally important landscape.



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8.16.4 The residual effects that will arise from construction and operation of theScheme are set out in Table 8.2.



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Table 8.2 Landscape and visual impact summary table

Impact Description Receptor(s) Affected Mitigation Significance of ResidualEffect

Scheme Link Junction 12 to 11 – North Wessex Downs AONB

TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Construction impactslimited to theinstallation of onegantry within an areaalready impacted byurban developmentand the existing M4,its traffic andinfrastructure. No lossof M4 highwayvegetation within theAONB.

Landscape receptorsLCA 8a: HermitageWooded Commons.Visual receptorsNo receptors identified.

Construction best practiceto minimise disruption, e.g.protection of retainedexisting vegetation.

LandscapeSlight adverseVisual amenityNone affected

PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Situation will besimilar to the baselineconditions. Noimpacts reported.

Landscape receptorsNone affected.Visual receptorsNo receptors identified.

No replacement required.

LandscapeNeutralVisual amenityNone affected

CumulativeImpacts

No otherdevelopmentIdentified.

None affected None required. Neutral



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Scheme Link Junction 12 to 11 – NCA 115 ( Thames Valley)

TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Construction impactsresulting from localvegetation removal,the installation ofgantries onembankment andconstructioncompound 2.

Landscape receptorsLCA C1: Kennet Woodlandand Heathland Mosaic.LCA H4: Cold Ash.LCA I3: Grazeley FarmedClay Lowland.Urban Area.Visual receptorsResidential properties atReading (Calcot).Users of PRoW within therural area.

Construction best practiceto minimise disruption, e.g.protection of retainedexisting vegetationincluding trees covered byTPOs which lie adjacent tothe Order limits.

LandscapeSlight adverseVisual AmenityModerate to largeadverse for residentialproperties within the urbanarea (Calcot).Slight adverse for usersof PRoW.

PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Localised visualimpacts as a result ofnew infrastructure i.e.gantries where theyare on embankmentsuch as G9-19, G9-17, G9-16 and G9-15.

Landscape receptorsNone affected.Visual receptorsUsers of PRoW within therural area.

Woodland (EE L2.9),Scrub Planting (EE L2.5)and Tree and ShrubPlanting (EE L2.3) toreplace the vegetation lostwithin the Order limits.

LandscapeNeutralVisual amenitySlight adverse for usersof PRoW within the ruralarea.Neutral elsewhere



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CumulativeImpacts

Solar energy schemeand other minordevelopment withinthe rural area andretail and commercialdevelopment withinthe urban area.

None affected None required Neutral



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TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Construction impactsresulting from localvegetation removal,the installation ofgantries onembankment and therealignment of theeastbound off slip atjunction 10.

Landscape receptorsLCA C1: Kennet Woodlandand Heathland Mosaic.LCA H4: Cold Ash.LCA I3: Grazeley FarmedClay Lowland.Urban Area.Visual receptorsUrban residentialproperties at WhitleyWood, Sindlesham andWinnersh.Rural residential propertieson Mill Lane.Users of PRoW within therural area.

Construction best practiceto minimise disruption, e.g.protection of retainedexisting vegetation,including trees covered byTPOs which lie adjacent tothe Order limits.

LandscapeSlight adverseVisual amenitySlight adverse tomoderate adverse forresidential within the urbanarea (Whitely Wood andWinnersh).Major adverse forresidential properties onMill Lane and Sindlesham.Slight adverse for usersof PRoW



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PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Presence of newgantries either onembankment or inclose proximity toresidential propertiessuch as G8-22a andG8-05.

Landscape receptorsLCA J1: Wokingham-Winnersh Settled andFarmed Clay.Visual receptorsUrban residentialproperties at WhitleyWood, Sindlesham andWinnersh.Rural residential propertieson Mill Lane.Users of PRoW within therural area.

Woodland edge planting(EE L2.10); woodlandplanting (EE L2.9) and treeand shrub planting (EEL2.3) to replace thevegetation lost.

LandscapeSlight adverse over timereducing to neutralVisual amenitySlight adverse forresidential propertieswithin the urban area(Whitely Wood,Sindlesham and Winnersh)and two rural properties onMill Lane.Slight adverse for usersof PRoW within the ruralarea.

CumulativeImpacts

Major new residentialand commercialdevelopment to southand southeast ofjunction 11 betweenThree Mile Cross andShinfield.

None affected None required Neutral



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Scheme Link Junction 10 to 8/9 – NCA 115 (Thames Valley)

TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Construction impactsresulting from localvegetation removaland the installation ofgantries.

Landscape receptorsLCA I1: Ashridge FarmedClay Lowland.LCA 6a: Braywoodside.LCA 7a: Shurlock Row.LCA 8a: Waltham.LCA 8b: Ockwells.LCA 8c: Holyport.Visual receptorsUsers of PRoW within therural area.Rural residential propertiesat Paley Street.


LandscapeSlight adverseVisual amenitySlight adverse tomoderate adverse forusers of PRoW).Slight adverse forresidential properties atPaley Street



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PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Presence of gantriessuch as G7-04 andG7-02.

Landscape receptorsNone affected.Visual receptorsRural residential propertiesat Paley Street.Users of PRoW within therural area.

Tree and shrub planting(EE L2.3) to replace thevegetation lost.

LandscapeNeutralVisual amenitySlight adverse reducingover time to neutral forrural residential propertiesat Paley Street.Moderate adversereducing overtime to slightadverse for users ofPRoW in the vicinity ofStud Green AccessoverbridgeSlight adverse reducing toneutral for users of otherPRoW within the ruralarea.

CumulativeImpacts None identified None affected None required Neutral



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Scheme Link Junction 8/9 to 7–NCA 115 ( Thames Valley)

TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Construction impactsresulting from worksto gas main,overbridgerealignments,embankmentstrengthening,vegetation removal,installation of gantriesand constructioncompound 5.

Landscape receptorsLCA 8b: Ockwells.LCA 8c: Holyport.LCA 14b: Bray.LCA 26.2: Dorney.Visual receptorsResidential properties atBray Wick Bray andDorney Reach.Users of the Thames PathNational Cycle Route 4and other PRoW.

Construction best practiceto minimise disruption, e.g.protection of retainedexisting vegetation,including trees covered byTPOs within andimmediately adjacent tothe Order limits and withina conservation area.

LandscapeModerate adverseVisual amenityModerate adverse tolarge adverse forresidential receptors andusers of PRoW includingthe Thames Path.



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PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Presence of realignedoverbridges andassociatedearthworks,engineeredembankment slopesand gantries either ontop of embankmentsor in close proximityto residentialproperties i.e. G6-11,G6-10, G6-09, G6-08and G6-07 at ThamesBray.

Landscape receptorsLCA 14b: Bray.LCA 26.2: Dorney.Visual receptorsResidential properties atBray Wick Bray andDorney Reach.Users of the Thames PathNational Cycle Route 4and other PRoW.

Woodland (EE L2.9) andnew tree and shrubplanting (EE L2.3) toreplace the vegetation lost.

LandscapeModerate adversereducing over time toslight adverseVisual amenityModerate adversereducing over time toslight adverse forresidential receptors andusers of PRoW includingthe Thames Path.




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TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Construction impactsresulting fromoverbridgerealignments andvegetation removal.

Landscape receptorsNone affected.Visual receptorsResidential properties onMercian Way, Two MileDrive and Wood Lane andusers of the Mercian WayRecreation Ground andPRoW (Wood Lane).


LandscapeNeutralVisual amenityModerate adverse

PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Presence of realignedoverbridges.

Landscape receptorsNone affected.Visual receptorsResidential properties onMercian Way, Two MileDrive and Wood Lane andusers of the Mercian WayRecreation Ground andPRoW (Wood Lane).

Woodland Edge (EEL2.10), Tree and ShrubPlanting (EE L2.3) andIndividual Trees (EE L2.2)to replace the vegetationlost.

LandscapeNeutralVisual amenitySlight adverse reducingover time to neutral




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TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Construction impactsresulting fromconstructioncompound 8,overbridgerealignments,earthworksstrengthening andnew gantries.

Landscape receptorsLCA 13d: Datchet.Langley urban area.Visual receptorsResidential properties onSpackmans Way, B3027,Ragstone Road, Winvale,and (Datchet Meadows) offB376, Datchet Road(Chalvey) and SovereignHeights, Regency Court onGrampian Way (Langley).Users of the Jubilee Riverpath, National Cycle Route61 and Herschel Park(Chalvey).

Construction best practiceto minimise disruption, e.g.protection of retainedexisting vegetation,including trees covered byTPOs or withinconservation areas lyingimmediately adjacent tothe Order limits.

LandscapeModerate adverse onlandscapeSlight adverse the urbanareaVisual amenityModerate adverse tomajor adverse



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PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Presence of gantrieson embankment suchas G4-16.

Landscape receptorsNone affected.Visual receptorsResidential properties onSpackmans Way, B3027,Ragstone Road, Winvale,and (Datchet Meadows) offB376, Datchet Road(Chalvey) and SovereignHeights, Regency Court onGrampian Way (Langley).Users of the Jubilee Riverpath, National Cycle Route61 and Herschel Park(Chalvey).

Woodland (EE L2.9) andtree and shrub planting(EE L2.3) to replace thevegetation lost.

LandscapeNeutralVisual amenityModerate adversereducing over time toslight adverse or neutral.Moderate adverse on oneresidential receptor atWinvale (Chalvey)

CumulativeImpacts

Gravel extraction atRiding Court Farm. None affected None required Neutral



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Scheme Link Junction 5 to 4b – NCA 115 ( Thames Valley)

TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Construction impactsresulting fromoverbridgerealignment andconstructioncompound 9 andassociated siteclearance.

Landscape receptorsLCA 26.3: Colne Valley.Urban area at junction 5.Visual receptorsResidential properties onTrent Way, off Sutton Lane(Brands Hill), Little SuttonLane, Old Slade Lane, ThePoynings, at the southedge of Richings Park.Users on PRoW includingthe Colne Valley Trail inthe vicinity of Old SladeLane.

Construction best practiceto minimise disruption, e.g.protection of retainedexisting vegetation,including trees covered byTPOs which lieimmediately adjacent tothe Order limits.

LandscapeSlight adverseVisual amenityModerate adverse



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PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Presence of gantrieson embankment.*Removal of gantry inclose proximity toresidential properties.

Landscape receptorsLCA 26.3: Colne Valley.Visual receptorsResidential properties inthe vicinity of junction 5and one residentialproperty on Old SladeLane.*One residential property,eastbound at chainage19+200.000.

Woodland edge (EE L2.10)and tree and shrubplanting (EE L2.3) toreplace the vegetation lost.

LandscapeSlight adverse reducingover time to neutral.Visual amenityModerate adversereducing over time toslight adverse.*Slight beneficial

CumulativeImpacts

Rail/road freight inter-change. None affected None required Neutral



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Scheme Link Junction 4b to 4–NCA 115 ( Thames Valley)

TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Installation of gantriesand ERA, junction 4eastbound off-sliproad realignment andassociated siteclearance.

Landscape receptorsLCA A4: Fray’s Island toStanwell Moor.West Drayton urban area.Visual receptorsResidential properties onLittle Benty, The Brambles,Wordsworth Way, KeatsWay and Vine Close (WestDrayton).Users of the footbridge atchainage 15+450.000.

Construction best practiceto minimise disruption, e.g.protection of retainedexisting vegetation,including importantintervening tree beltbetween residentialproperties at the southedge of West Drayton andthe M4.

LandscapeSlight adverseVisual amenityModerate adverse.



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PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Presence of gantriesin close proximity toresidential propertiessuch as G2-11, G2-07 and G2-04.

Landscape receptorsWest Drayton urban area.Visual receptorsResidential properties onLittle Benty and Keats Way(West Drayton).

Tree and shrub planting(EE L2.3) to replace thevegetation lost.

LandscapeSlight adverse reducingover time to neutral.Visual amenityModerate adverse inwinter views fromproperties on Keats Way(West Drayton).Slight adverse in winterviews from Little Benty(West Drayton).




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Scheme Link Junction 4 to 3 – NCA 115 (Thames Valley)

TemporaryImpacts

(Construction)

Installation of gantriesand associated siteclearance andcreation ofconstructioncompound 11.

Landscape receptorsLCA K2: HarlingtonVisual receptorsResidential properties onBourne Avenue, SkiptonDrive, Moston Close,Wilkins Close andCranford Drive (Hayes).Users of the Bourne FarmRecreation Ground, CherryLane Cemetery, the hotelon Shepiston Lane andSam Philp RecreationGround.

Construction best practiceto minimise disruption, e.g.protection of retainedexisting vegetation,including trees covered byTPO, within conservationareas and the importantintervening tree beltbetween residentialproperties at the southedge of Hayes and the M4,lying in or immediatelyadjacent to the Orderlimits.

LandscapeSlight adverseVisual amenityModerate adverse



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PermanentImpacts

(Operation)

Presence of gantry inclose proximity toresidential properties.*Removal of gantry inclose proximity toresidential properties.

Landscape receptorsNone affected.Visual receptorsResidential properties onWilkins Close andCranford Drive (Hayes).Hotel, Shepiston Lane;Sam Philp RecreationGround.*Residential properties atMoston Close (Hayes).

Woodland planting (EEL2.10 to replace the

vegetation lost

LandscapeNeutralVisual amenitySlight adverse*Slight beneficial


8 landscape - planning inspectorate · function, ecological effects are assessed in chapter 9...

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