The site was an open field near the M3. A council assessment described a diverse landscape of varying land cover and degrees of enclosure whose tranquillity was disturbed in areas near the motorway. The inspector considered that the bund would create a more enclosed landscape, increasing the tunnel effect along sections of the motorway. Views from public footpaths would be affected and the bund and landscaping would increase uniformity in the landscape, he found.
He acknowledged that the motorway created an intrusive and utilitarian corridor with bridges, cuttings and a concrete central barrier. However, he did not favour further erosion to screen the motorway. After reviewing an acoustic barrier assessment, he did not consider that the noise attenuation or screening benefits of the plans would outweigh harm to the landscape.
DCS Number 100-069-522
Inspector John Woolcock; Written representations
