Landscape and Biodiversity Management Strategy - Runnymede ...

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Item Landscape and Biodiversity Management Strategy 3. LANDSCAPE AND BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY VISION The landscape infrastructure provides an opportunity to enhance the existing landscape assets within the site, including the woodlands and tree belts. Whilst creating a variety of open space throughout the proposed development, establishing a robust landscape for the proposed development to integrate into the local landscape. Planning policy guidance outlines the importance of creation, protection, enhancement and management to the biodiversity and green infrastructure networks. The site already offers existing landscape assets, including the woodlands and watercourse offering visual amenity, which could be enhanced and incorporated into the green infrastructure. 3
Item Landscape and Biodiversity Management Strategy 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE SITE AND THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE 4.1 Site Context The site, roughly triangular in plan, is approximately 43 hectares and lies to the north of the M3 motorway. It is bound by the Reading to Waterloo railway line and the Wentworth golf course and estate to the north; and Burma Road and Chobham Common, Special Area of Conservation, and Special Protection Area to the west. The site lies within the county of Surrey and falls largely within the administrative area of Runnymede Borough Council and some within the administrative area of Surrey Heath Borough Council. Chobham Common is located to the west of the Application Site, an area of 647.63ha. It is the largest National Nature Reserve in the south-east. Chobham Common is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and as a National Nature Reserve. It is also component part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) and the Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The area consists of lowland heaths and broadleaves, mixed and yew woodland. The SSSI boundary extends to a section of woodland adjacent to the southwest corner of the site. The Application Site is located within Longcross, Surrey. The landscape to the east is farmland divided by wooded hedgerows, to the west and south is Chobham Common, an area of lowland heathland and to the north is Wentworth golf course and the settlement of Virgina Water. The site is a brownfield area, predominantly used as a film studio and other uses, dominated by numerous buildings of varying sizes with associated hardstanding. Access to the site is from Chobham Lane and Burma Road. The majority of the siteʼs perimeter is wooded with deciduous and evergreen species. 4.2 Existing Landscape Components The site includes the following landscape and habitat components, taken from the Ecological Appraisal and surveys by EPR in 2012: • Woodland • Grassland • Pond • Stream These landscape and habitat components are described in further detail below; 4.3 Woodland The majority of the siteʼs perimeter is wooded, visually containing the existing buildings. There are two distinct tree belts within the site itself, travelling north to south, forming strong landscape structures. The eastern end of the site, comprises of a triangle of woodland. The predominant species are Scots Pine and Birch, with few ornamental or exotic species. Woodland in the central parts also includes Oak, Sweet Chestnut and Beech. The woodlands have been planted in the last 100 years, therefore there are no ancient woodlands within the site. 4
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Landscape and Biodiversity Management Strategy - Runnymede ...

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