Galloper Wind Farm Project - National Infrastructure Planning

2842_SLVIA
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Rolling Estate Claylands
4.2.32. The Rolling Estate Claylands landscape character type comprises a series of
gently sloping valley sides and plateau fringes. Land-use is characterised by
an organic field pattern, modified by later realignment, as well as a number of
coverts and plantations and some pockets of ancient woodland. There are
also several landscape parks with a core of wood pasture. Minerals workings
and related activity can also be found within this landscape character type,
most notably in the Gipping valley.
4.2.33. This landscape character type lies at a minimum distance of 37.6km from the
nearest WTG.
Sensitivity to Change
4.2.34. The quality of this landscape character type is very variable and is often
influenced by major transport routes and the presence of large settlements.
4.2.35. The containment of woodland vegetation and the enclosure of sloping
landform combine with existing areas of disturbed landscape to moderate the
potential sensitivity of this landscape character type. A number of historic
landscape features increase its sensitivity to the type of change proposed.
However, views of the sea or the role of the sea in forming part of the setting
of the landscape character type are not referred to in the Suffolk Landscape
Character Assessment description, and it is not described as being sensitive to
offshore development. It is, therefore, considered that the sensitivity of this
landscape character type to the type of change proposed by the offshore wind
farm, outwith its area, is Low.
Rolling Estate Sandlands
4.2.36. The Rolling Estate Sandlands landscape character type includes a series of
sloping or rolling river terraces and coastal slopes, with areas of sandy, free
draining soils and areas of heathland. The landscape structure is influenced
by late enclosure, as evidenced by a pattern of tree belts and straight hedges.
There are also numerous plantations scattered throughout the landscape. A
number of parklands form notable features in the landscape, as do occasional
and significant semi-natural woodlands and ribbons of wet woodland. There
is a focus of settlement, with 19th century red brick buildings, with black
glazed pan tiles, often found in the east and the buildings in the Lark valley
commonly being built with brick or flint with tiled or slate roofs. The views
within the landscape are short and confined. The combination of the above
elements results in a complex and intimate character to the landscape,
particularly on the valley sides.