Landscape Guidelines for Denby Dale Parish

Background

The development of these guidelines follows the completion in November 2002 of a Landscape Character Study of the Parish. Wide consultation on the Study has been carried out at a series of public meetings and other forums, taking feedback verbally and from questionnaires. The guidelines have been formulated, based on this wide-ranging feedback.

Objectives

The objectives of these landscape guidelines are to:

  • Identify priorities for action
  • Help in formulating responses to landscape issues
  • Provide guidance to landowners and potential developers

The document is aimed at all of those who have an interest in the management of land in the Denby Dale Parish. It is important to note here that the guidelines are focused on landscape issues. However, it is widely recognised that the principal adverse landscape impacts in the area are resulting from wider fundamental changes in the local economy, changes in the structure and nature of farming and the increasing urbanisation of the previously rural area.

The cultural landscape of the Parish, and its special sense of people and place, has developed out of peculiar local circumstances and the intimate linkages between the rural and formerly industrial economies. A flourishing local economy, with the rural and recent urban influences mutually dependent and supportive, will be the key to a healthy and thriving landscape in the future.

Landscape Factors and Guidelines

A wide range of factors affecting the landscape and of cause for concern were identified in the Landscape Study and the public consultation which followed. These can be broadly categorised under the following headings:


New Residential developments

We should seek to conserve the attractive character of the clustered village settlements. Further expansion of these small villages could very quickly erode their character.

New development should respect the small-scale dispersed settlement pattern of farmsteads and clustered villages. Consistency of traditional building materials, details and design should be maintained to provide a unifying feature, and prevent the area becoming more diverse and 'suburban' in character.

The Local Development Framework should take into account the cultural background of the Parish as a whole. Location of developments and materials used should respect the historical traditions.

Where new development is considered, it could best be assimilated by observing the following criteria:

-         gaps between settlements must be maintained, to preserve their distinct identities;

-         any further peripheral developments up the hillsides should be carefully controlled to retain the existing views of the surrounding countryside;

-         the wooded and rural backdrop to the valley settlements should be maintained and enhanced;

-         affordable housing should be included which is in character with the cottages and small terraces arising from the industrial heritage of the area.

Roads/traffic

An effective transport system, both into and within the Parish is essential to maintain rural lifestyles. The roads infrastructure must support the needs of the local residential and business communities. Highways improvements aimed at improving the flow of through traffic should not be to the detriment of pedestrians and local traffic.

The needs of walkers, cyclists, horse riders and other users are as important as those of motor traffic.

Consider the cumulative landscape impact of small-scale changes. The network of winding lanes with grassy verges is particularly vulnerable to change through highways improvements such as road widening and kerbing, which can result in a loss of 'rural' character. Standard urban design may often be inappropriate in a rural setting.

The preservation of the local rail link and transport developments around it are vital elements of an integrated transport network.

It is important that farm diversification projects (see below) are managed and kept in scale to ensure that increased traffic does not put undue pressure on the local road network.

All new residential developments and diversification projects should provide adequate and appropriate parking facilities.

Stone vernacular buildings & traditional styles of building

Support the restoration and sensitive conversion to new uses of buildings of industrial heritage interest and the distinctive vernacular architecture associated with the textile and agricultural industries.

New wide span buildings or detached warehouses will generally not be sympathetic to the character and distinctive form of the area. Where approved, adequate screening and non-intrusive lighting should be provided.

Farmsteads & Isolated farm buildings

Farm diversification projects should be encouraged where they help sustain management of the landscape fabric.

Diversification into new activities should be encouraged where is does not have an adverse impact on landscape character and, in particular, should not introduce undue new pressures to the area.

Changes in farming practices and economics mean that traditional farm buildings become impractical. Conversion to residential use can be positive if carried out sympathetically, provided that the new ‘hamlets’ do not become the focus of further, inappropriate new developments.

Wide span farm buildings may be necessary to accommodate modern machinery but are out of keeping with the landscape. Careful choice of colour, location and screening can mitigate their impact.

Developments should be monitored to ensure that their original purpose is not changed at a later date.

 


Historical Continuity

The real sense of historical continuity that the area retains must be protected and encouraged. Village trails, leaflets and information boards can all help to raise awareness of our history.

Historic routes

Conserve, maintain and promote the historic network of footpaths and packhorse trails that cross the area. There should be an emphasis on quality, not just quantity.

Conserve and restore historic features such as stone stiles, milestones, historic signposts, drinking troughs and wells. Describe, inform, protect and promote these features.

Historic buildings and groups of buildings

Encourage the restoration, protection and management of landscape features relating to the industrial heritage including millponds, races and leats. In some cases these sites may have developed considerable nature conservation interest and this should be respected, conserved and enhanced.

Stabilise and conserve vernacular features such as the redundant mills which can be found in all of the villages. The conversion or restoration of these buildings to new economic uses could be appropriate if carried out sensitively. Appropriate commercial use is to be preferred, but residential conversions are preferable to demolition. Pedestrian features such as ‘ginnels’ and ‘snickets’ should be preserved wherever possible.

Evidence of mining, textile and quarrying industries

Conserve and promote the distinctive landscape features arising from historic mineral workings, including spoil heaps and pits, and recognise their cultural significance and industrial heritage potential. Re-colonised small stone quarries may also have developed considerable biodiversity interest which should also be conserved and enhanced.

The Bell Pits are a unique and little known feature of the industrial past and hence their protection and preservation are important.

In the Parish there are several relics of the industrial past which are currently preserved by private enthusiasts. These include the small Textile Museum in Skelmanthorpe (containing important relics going back to the industrial revolution), ‘Violet’ (the mill engine at Nortonthorpe Mills) and the Kirklees Light Railway at Clayton West. Efforts should be made to ensure their long term futures.

 


Sense of the rural environment

The sense of living in a rural environment is precious and should be preserved.

Ancient broadleaved woodland

Promote sympathetic management of the existing woodland resource particularly the ancient woodlands.

Other woodland

Promote sympathetic management of the existing broadleaved woodlands

Extend broadleaved woodland, on a small scale. The emphasis should be on natural regeneration as opposed to new planting. Note that the open character of the upland summits should be retained and should not be planted (see below).

Encourage the creation of new areas of broadleaved woodland. Priorities are to:

augment, extend and link ancient woodlands;

create wildlife corridors;

promote shelter, screening and visual containment around new developments, using appropriate, locally sourced native species;

restore hedgerows where appropriate (see below).

Green pockets within the villages (such as East Hill Wood in Denby Dale) should be retained and managed as a community resource.

Semi-natural grassland

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and the Kirklees BAP both identify semi-natural grassland as a priority habitat. The few such areas of in the Parish, including Denby Delf and Turpin Hill, should be preserved, enhanced and restored.

Opportunities to re-create these habitats should be pursued.

Heathland

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and the Kirklees BAP both identify heathland as a priority habitat The small area of heathland at Denby Delf should be preserved, enhanced and restored.

Dry stone walls

Conserve the upland enclosures and stone walls, where the land remains in agricultural use. Encourage repair and restoration of those walls which continue to have a stock proofing function.

Seek to maintain the characteristic landscape pattern created by the small and medium sized grazed pastures enclosed by gritstone walls.

Encourage the repair and restoration of stone wall boundaries, particularly those:

-         that occur alongside or in the view of the footpath and lane network;

-         that are important in the views across the area

Ensure that stone wall repairs are undertaken in an appropriate style and form of construction. Promote education and skills development in this traditional craft.

The stone walls that bound the narrow lanes crossing the area are particularly vulnerable to damage, for example from increased traffic and heavy farm machinery. The roadside walls are highly visible and should be maintained to a good standard.

Hedgerows and Hedgerow Trees

Hedgerows form an important element of the landscape and natural environment of the Parish. Efforts should be made to encourage and support farmers and landowners to manage existing hedgerows appropriately and to restore and replant where appropriate. Promote education and skills development in this traditional craft.

Mechanised hedgerow management is detrimental to the development of young new trees; hence the existence of hedgerow trees is under long-term threat. Farmers should be encouraged to identify and retain new saplings in appropriate locations.

Watercourses

The River Dearne and its tributaries are essential features of the parish landscape that have shaped the development of the community and contribute strongly to its present form. The river creates a link to the neighbouring local authorities of Wakefield MBC and Barnsley MBC via the Dearne Way. Increased public access to the riverside and the provision of ‘green’ areas would increase the river’s amenity value.

Seek to retain permanent pasture along the watercourses on the valley floor as a buffer zone and to conserve visual and ecological continuity. Opportunities for wider wetland habitat restoration and creation on the floodplain should also be considered. Building on areas subject to flooding should be avoided.

Seek to maintain a natural river form and avoid canalisation, bank hardening and river straightening.

Consider opportunities for enhancing recreational use within the valleys including the creation of additional links along the river corridors, which connect the settled areas within the valleys. Footbridges and existing rights of way are essential elements of this and should be maintained having regard to both their safety and their visual distinctiveness.

Wildlife corridors

The importance to biodiversity of the wildlife corridors formed by hedgerows, walls, river banks, roadside verges and railway embankments should not be overlooked.

 


Open Plateaux

The high land above Birdsedge represents an area with a distinctive feeling of remoteness that is unique in the Parish. This should be retained, avoiding any building or tree planting.

Stone walls should be maintained and restored where possible, being more appropriate in this area than hedgerows.

Emley Moor is another high plateau, although more developed. Its character should be preserved.

The creation of viewpoints at appropriate points would raise awareness of the local landscape and its place in the wider context.

Where developments are being considered, some of the types of screening suggested for many locations may be detrimental to the visual characteristics of these open plateaux.

Network of Lanes and Paths

Maintain, enhance and promote the extensive network of public rights of way that cross the area and consider options to enhance their recreational potential. Efforts should be made to widen accessibility, particularly supporting small-scale healthful recreation for a range of abilities.

Where appropriate, promote new opportunities for informal recreation within the valleys linking to existing settlement centres (e.g. riverside walks following the valley floors). Promote responsible use of the network and encourage and support landowners in the creation of additional permissive paths.

Consider opportunities to extend and promote recreational access within the wooded rural valleys. Recreation management may be required to control potentially damaging uses.

Ensure that recreation infrastructure (e.g. car parks and notice/information boards) is not located where it can impinge on the character of the area. Encourage the availability and use of public transport.

Landmarks

Emley Moor mast and the Denby Dale viaduct are two distinguishing landmarks of the Parish. Any developments should avoid damaging the views of these landscape features.

Wind Turbines

These are considered by many to be detrimental to the landscape and locally damaging. However they are also considered to be less damaging to the wider environment than alternative means of electricity generation.

There should be extensive consultation and public discussion on any proposals.

Pylons

Further tall structures will not be appropriate in the Parish, which is already degraded in some areas by views of pylons and energy developments.

Further Information

For further information please return to our main web site www.ddpet.co.uk , email Denby Dale PET or contact the Trust at:

Denby Dale Parish Environment Trust
c/o Council Offices
Commercial Road
Skelmanthorpe
Huddersfield
HD8 9DA