Dogfennau Cefndirol Ymgynghoriad gwelliannau maes parcio Pont ar Daf Rhagfyr 2016 Background documents Proposed car park improvement consultation at Pont ar Daf December 2016
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Dogfennau Cefndirol Ymgynghoriad gwelliannau maes parcio Pont ar Daf Rhagfyr 2016
Background documents Proposed car park improvement consultation at Pont ar Daf December 2016
Contents Appendix 1
1. Protected species survey & review (2014) 2. Biological survey report (2011) 3. Archaeological Survey (2010)
Appendix 2
1. Archaeological Assessment (2015) Appendix 3
1. Engineering layout Appendix 4
1. Current usage photos (2014) 2. Cut and fill plan 3. Construction details 4. Construction phase method statement
Appendix 5 1. Tree Protection Plan 2. Stakeholder consultation (2014) 3. Screening opinion (2014) 4. Concept master plan (2011)
Appendix 6
1. BWW Management Plan
Appendix 5 1. Tree Protection Plan 2. Stakeholder consultation (2014) 3. Screening opinion (2014) 4. Concept master plan (2011)
Arboricultural Method Statement and
Tree Protection Plan at
Pont Ar Daf Car Park Storey Arms,
Brecon
Inspected by:- Julian Wilkes BSc.For, MSc.Land Man, MIC.For, TechArborA Treescene Ltd The Walled Garden Old Coedarhydyglyn St Nicholas Cardiff CF5 6SG Tel No. 029 20599300
12th December, 2016 Registered Office: Treescene Limited
The Walled Garden, Old Coedarhydyglyn, St. Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SG Tel. 029 205 99300 Email. [email protected]
1. BRIEF
I have been instructed by Catherine Etchell of Catherine Etchell Associates Ltd to prepare an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) and a Tree Protection Plan (TPP) for a proposed car park development at Pont Ar Daf, Storey Arms, Brecon.
2. TREE SURVEY The information in the AMS and TPP relates to the Treescene Tree Survey dated 15.04.15. 3.TREES TO BE REMOVED A) Arboricultural Reasons
Trees G1, T2, T3, G8, T11, G12, T13, T33, T50, T54, and G84 are recommended for removal in the Tree Survey due to poor quality (U category).
B) To Facilitate Development The following trees are proposed for removal to facilitate development: G4, T6, G7, T9, T10, G18, T19, G20, T21, G22, G24 (1 tree on north-eastern boundary of group), T25, G28 (9 trees on eastern boundary of group), T29, T31, T34, G38, G39, G51, T62, G64 (9 trees on northern and eastern boundaries of group), G67, T68, T69, T70, T73, T75 and G83 (2 trees on eastern boundary of group). These are all C category trees.
4. TREE PRUNING Many of the trees to be retained contain structural defects/deadwood or may impede vehicle/pedestrian movements within the site. Works to improve tree safety or remove a potential source of nuisance are details in the Preliminary Management Recommendations within the Tree Survey. All tree felling and pruning works will be undertaken by a suitably qualified and experienced Arboricultural contractor in compliance with BS3998 (British Standards for Tree Work 2010).
5. SILVICULTURAL MANAGEMENT
In order to manage the woodland shelterbelt adjacent to the A470 to improve the quality of the trees and sustainability of the landscape feature it is proposed to undertake a 25% thinning operation of the even-aged Ash woodland. Trees to be thinned will be marked on site (spray paint) by the Arboricultural Consultant; the thinning operation will be directed towards removing poorer quality specimens and favouring those trees of good form and vigour.
6. TREE PROTECTION PLAN The position of the protective barriers is indicated on the enclosed Treescene TPP 12/2016. The tree protection will be installed immediately after the conclusion of the tree works and before the commencement of any construction activity on site.
7. TREE PROTECTION BARRIERS
Protective barriers in accordance with BS5837:2012 and the enclosed drawing (Figure 2) will be installed in the locations indicated on the TPP under the supervision of the Arboricultural Consultant. The protective barriers will remain in situ until the completion of the construction work and final site landscaping. No materials that are likely to have an adverse effect on tree health, such as oil, cement and bitumen will be stored or discharged within the protective barriers. No fires will be lit within 15m of the crown spread of retained trees and concrete will not be mixed or transported within 10m of the trunk of any tree.
8. ROOT PROTECTION AREA (RPA) INCURSIONS The development proposals do not conflict with the RPAs of any trees to be retained. It is therefore not necessary to implement any special construction techniques, eg. “no-dig” methodologies, in order to minimise the impact of the development on the health and stability of retained trees.
9. MONITORING AND SUPERVISION The Arboricultural Consultant will undertake site inspections and monitoring/supervision at the following times:
a) Pre-commencement meeting with tree contractor to agree tree removal, thinning and pruning. b) Supervision of installation of protective fencing. c) Monitor condition of fencing every month during construction. d) Supervision of removal of fencing following completion of project.
434.617
433.219
435.564
437.561
433.980
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442.5
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435.0
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432.5
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432.5
432.5
432.5
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432.5
432.5
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430.0
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430.0
440.0
440.0
442.5
440.0
440.0
440.0
440.0
440.0
432.5
432.5
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French-drain u/constn.
Stone RW to ditch
Trace of P/W
Stone
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prox. 1
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Steel post
Stone RW
Stone RWTarmac footpath
Kerb
Kerb
Kerb
Tarmac road
Post/wire fence
Small conifers
Unsurfaced grass
Unsurfaced grass verge
Undergrowth
Kerb
Tarmac path
Mature conifer plantation
Drainage ditch
Mixed conifer/deciduous woods
French-drain Tarmac road
Poorly-defined Stone RW
Tarmac path
Kerb
Earth bank
Drainage ditch
French-drain
Post/wire
Mixed deciduous and conifers
Channel
Tarmac access road
Wooden posts/sign
Drainage ditch
Drainage ditch
Drainage ditch
Drainage ditch
Ditch sinks
Post/wooden rail 1.1h
Post/wooden rail 1.1hGrass
Rough grass-open
KO
Stream
Stream
Deciduous woods
Deciduous woods
Stone wall
Poorly-defined SRW
Tarmac path
Tarmac pavementE.o.tarmac
Stream
Ditch
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Post/wooden rail 1.2h
Stream sinks
Ditch
Conc
rete
post
Post/wire fence
Tarmac
Sign
Bin
Tarmac pavement
Kerb
DKDK
Kerb
Tarmac
Tarmac
P/WR 0.9h
Conc.
Conc.
FL
Toilet block
Kerb
P/WR 1.2h
UnsurfacedKerb
Stone wall
Entrance
Overgrown bank
Timber ramp
Timber bridge
Edge of tarmac
Mixed woods
Low SW
Post/wire
SRW
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Stone walls
Tarmac
Laid stone to river
A
F
O
N
T
A
F
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Stone wall
PostUnsurfaced
Broken poorly-defined tarmac
Stone wall
Post/WR 1.2h
Mixed woodland
Turning area [tarmac]
Post/WR 1.2h
SW 1.
0h
SW varying ht.[collapsed]
Unsurfaced track
Mixed woods
Grass b
ank
Unsurfaced boulders
I/C[BT]
I/C[BT?]
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Poorly-defined "French-drain"
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Unsurfaced track
Trace of boundary bank
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A470 MERTHYR TUDFUL
Mature conifer plantation
Mature conifer plantation
Mature conifer plantation
Mature conifer plantation
Mature conifer plantation
Mature conifer plantation
Mature conifer plantation
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200
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213
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222
228
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252
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1.2
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SCALE BAR
10 20 40 500
28
47
65
103
126
G1
T2
T3
G4
T5
T6
G7
G8
T9
T10
T11
G12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
G18
T19
G20
T21
G22
T23
G24
T25
T26
T27
T29
G28
T30
T31
T32
T33
T34
T35
T36
T37
G38
G39
T40
T41
T42
T43T44
T45
T46
T47
T48
T49
T50
G51
G52
G53
T54
T55
T56
T57
T58
T59
T60
T61
T62
T63
G64
G65
T66
G67
T68
T69
T70
G71
G72
T73
T74
T75
T76
T77
T78
T79
T80
T81
G82
G83
G84
T85
T86T87
G88
G89
Pont Ar Daf Car Park
Tree Protection Plan
T44
Tree Category
Root Protection Area
Tree Number
Canopy Spread
Tree Protection Plan
Category C Trees
Category U Trees
12/2016
Category B Trees
Category A Trees
Scale 1: 00 @A3
Protective Fencing
Position of
Trees to be Removed
N
15
10m
d
E 931.8
50 N 1322.095
El 103.9
34
104.785
104.726
103.912
104.051
103.893
103.354
Gully
103.366
G
ully
103.712
Gully
104.713
Gully
103.663
Gully
103.894
Gully
103.895
Gully
104.080
Gully
104.212
G
ully
104.236
Gully
104.329
Gully
104.328
Gully
104.035
Gully
104.343
102.96
Bottom of B
ank
103.09
Bottom
of B
ank
103.12
Bottom of B
ank
1
0
4
.
2
0
3
103.659
103.718
103.758
103.876
104.123
104.333
104.222
104.374
104.482
104.546
104.630
104.716
104.785
104.871
104.381
104.330
104.240
104.132
104.107
104.028
104.028
104.061
104.081
104.105
104.156
104.176
104.239
104.279
104.320
104.337
104.336
104.344
104.351
104.333
104.319
103.322
103.441
103.668
103.827
103.958
104.090
104.179
104.247
104.328
RG
RG
RG
St
St
St
POST
POST
STN
INV
MH
MH
MH
MKR
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KO
KO
KO
KO
KO
KO
KO
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440.0
440.0
437.5
437.5
437.5
437.5
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
Drainage ditch
Mixed conifer/deciduous woods
French-drain
Tarmac road
Poorly-defined Stone RW
Tarmac path
Kerb
French-drain
Post/wire
Mixed deciduous and conifers
Channel
Tarmac access road
Wooden posts/sign
Drainage ditch
Ditch sinks
Post/wooden rail 1.1h
Post/wooden rail 1.1hGrass
Rough grass-open
KO
Deciduous woods
Poorly-defined SRW
Tarmac path
Tarmac pavementE.o.tarmac
Mature conifer plantation
432.50
432.50
4
3
3
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0
0
4
3
3
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5
0
4
3
3
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5
0
4
3
3
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4
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T2
T3
G4
T5
T6
G7
G8
T9
T10
T11
G12
T13
T14
T15
T16
T17
G18
T19
G20
Pont Ar Daf Car Park
Tree Protection Plan
T44
Tree Category
Root Protection Area
Tree Number
Canopy Spread
Tree Protection Plan
Category C Trees
Category U Trees
12/2016
Category B Trees
Category A Trees
Scale 1: 00 @A3
Protective Fencing
Position of
Trees to be Removed
N
3
10m
d
E 931.8
50 N 1322.095
El 103.934
e
E 964.0
75 N 1250.690
El 103.148
103.912
104.051
103.800
103.964
Gully
102.754
Gully
103.048
Gully
103.190
Gully
103.366
Gully
103.712
103.171
103.317
103.426
103.549
103.659
103.718
103.758
102.695
102.762
102.852
103.006
103.150
103.227
103.322
103.441
St
St
St
St
POST
POST
POST
POST
MH
MH
MH
MH
MH
MH
KO
KO
KO
KO
KO
KO
ts
C.Tv
C.Tv
C.Tv
STMP
STMP
434.617
435.564
440.0
440.0
437.5
437.5
437.5
437.5
437.5
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
440.0
KO
Stream
Stream
Deciduous woods
Deciduous woods
Stone wall
Poorly-defined SRW
Tarmac path
Tarmac pavementE.o.tarmac
Deciduous woods
Post/wooden rail 1.2h
Stream sinks
Tarmac
Sign
Bin
Tarmac pavement
Kerb
DKDK
Kerb
Tarmac
Tarmac
P/WR 0.9h
Conc.
Conc.
FL
Toilet block
Unsurfaced
Stone wall
437.00
4
3
4
.
0
0
4
3
4
.
5
0
4
3
5
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0
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4
3
5
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4
3
5
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5
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4
3
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0
4
3
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0
4
3
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5
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4
3
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5
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4
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S
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A
M
437
83
157
158
S
W
A
L
E
185
245
252
253
261
1.8
1.2
3
47
65
G18
T19
G20
T21
G22
T23
G24
T25
T26
T27
T29
G28
T30
T31
T32
T33
T34
T35
T36
T37
G38
G39
T40
T41
T42
T43T44
T45
T46
T47
T48
T49
T50
G51
G52
Pont Ar Daf Car Park
Tree Protection Plan
T44
Tree Category
Root Protection Area
Tree Number
Canopy Spread
Tree Protection Plan
Category C Trees
Category U Trees
12/2016
Category B Trees
Category A Trees
Scale 1: 00 @A3
Protective Fencing
Position of
Trees to be Removed
N
3
10m
E 964.075
El 103.1
48
Gully
101.619
Gully
101.856
Gully
102.066
Gully
102.285
Roadsign
Roadsign
101.970
102.255
102.324
101.697
101.806
101.952
102.085
102.202
102.304
102.488
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
POST
POST
POST
POST
PIPE
MH
MH
MH
KO
KO
KO
KO
KO
ts
ts
C.Tv
C.Tv
C.Tv
437.561
440.0
437.5
437.5
437.5
437.5
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
Drop kerb
Tarmac
DKDK
Kerb
Conc.
FL
Toilet block
Kerb
P/WR 1.2h
UnsurfacedKerb
Stone wall
Edge of tarmac
Mixed woods
Low SW
Post/wire
SRW
Stone wall
Stone walls
Tarmac
Laid stone to river
Flood-plain
Post/wire fence
Stone wall
PostUnsurfaced
Broken poorly-defined tarmac
Stone wall
Post/WR 1.2h
Mixed woodland
4
3
6
.
0
0
4
3
6
.
5
0
437.00
4
3
7
.
5
0
4
3
9
.
5
0
439.00
4
3
8
.
5
0
437.50
4
3
7
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0
4
3
6
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0
4
3
5
.
5
0
4
3
5
.
5
0
4
3
6
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5
0
437.00
137
148
158
169S
W
A
L
E
170
186
200213
8.9
103
126
T50
G53
T54
T55
T56
T57
T58
T59
T60
T61
T62
T63
G64
G65
T66
G67
T68
T69
T70
G71
G72
T73
T74
T75
T76
T77
T78
T79
T80
T81
G82
G83
Pont Ar Daf Car Park
Tree Protection Plan
T44
Tree Category
Root Protection Area
Tree Number
Canopy Spread
Tree Protection Plan
Category C Trees
Category U Trees
12/2016
Category B Trees
Category A Trees
Scale 1: 00 @A3
Protective Fencing
Position of
Trees to be Removed
N
3
10m
c
E 982.032
N 1154.744
El 101.728
Gully
101.189
Gully
101.433
Gully
101.619
Gully
101.856
101.542
101.640
101.793
101.970
101.085
101.190
101.331
101.440
101.529
101.616
101.697
101.806
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
St
POST
MH
KO
KO
KO
KO
KO
ts
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
435.0
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
432.5
430.0
430.0
430.0
430.0
430.0
430.0
430.0
Post/WR 1.2h
Mixed woodland
Turning area [tarmac]
Post/WR 1.2h
SW 1.
0h
SW varying ht.[collapsed]
Unsurfaced track
Mixed woods
Grass b
ank
Unsurfaced boulders
I/C[BT?]
Rough grass
Poorly-defined "French-drain"
Mature conifer plantation
Mature conifer plantation
Mature conifer plantation
4
3
5
.
5
0
4
3
5
.0
0
4
3
5
.
0
0
4
3
4
.
5
0
137
138
POND
T75
T76
T77
T78
T79
T80
T81
G83
G84
T85
T86T87
G88
G89
Pont Ar Daf Car Park
Tree Protection Plan
T44
Tree Category
Root Protection Area
Tree Number
Canopy Spread
Tree Protection Plan
Category C Trees
Category U Trees
12/2016
Category B Trees
Category A Trees
Scale 1: 00 @A3
Protective Fencing
Position of
Trees to be Removed
N
3
10m
Catherine Etchell Associates 16 May 2014
Pont ar Daf Consultation, Storey Arms15 May 2014
Returned comments sheets:Julian Atkins, Countryside & Land Mgt, BBNPAAnne Pritchard, BBNP Soc Walks SecPC50 Jason Hawkins 8160, Dyfed Powys PoliceMark Jones, Brecon Mountain RescueMolly, Coed Owen Farm & Bunkhouse (rep. Commoners)Colin Powell, Penstar (rep. Commoners)Staff at Storey ArmsJulia Haslett, Dwr Cymru Welsh WaterMartin Lewis Rees, Ymddiriedolaeth Genedlaethol (NT)
• There was a request to be updated with changes and work start dates [email protected]
• Julian Atkins will be happy to discuss proposals further and offers to liaise with NPAofficers 01874 620457 (could invite to pre-app?)
Summary:Generally there was extensive support for our proposals. Julian Atkins considered that “thisscheme sets the standard”!! Most respondents liked the layout, and car park capacity,considered it in sympathy with the landscape, approved of the fact that parking would beremoved from the A470, improvement of the toilets, and a staff presence on site. Someconcern that tree screening would not too dense, and some concern that it would be too little.Desire for scheme to be implemented ‘sooner rather than later’.
Particular points to note include:• Car park egress for walkers coming late off the hill (e.g. using split access with
dragons’ teeth). However Mountain Rescue would prefer a system with easy accessafter hours (without key).
• Refreshment facilities available until at least 5pm.• RV point required for mountain rescue and emergency services; stone surface under
grass to provide exclusive and free parking for 10-30 vehicles in events area (candouble park) plus 2 at main access to hill; night time toilet access (Refer to Mike Jones’email to JD 15/5/14: other issues are dependent upon specific VC proposals andnegotiation)
• More signs requesting dogs be kept on leads (suggestion of free leads and kennels!)• Mitigation measures to protect water bodies during construction works• Use of oil interceptors for additional drainage protection (although this will be
unnecessary once our proposals are in place as hydrocarbons will be filtered out byswale system)
• Concerns over cost of parking and policing, and possible transfer of overflow to StoreyArms layby unless charging is made here too
• Re-siting of bus stop to new car park with undercover area• Signage to prevent people mistaking Storey Arms for a public facility.• BBNPA may require Viewpoint Analysis• Entry features, swales etc should have rural rather than urban character.• Trail head details, orientation and signage will be important; request to work with
BBNPA on interpretation.
T: 01904 [email protected]
Pont ar Daf Car Park and Visitor CentreConcept Masterplan - Concepts
REVISION C31st May 2011
635-RP01
CONCEPTS & PROPOSALS
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency 3
KEY
Proposed Public car park
Events / Military areas
Emergency / Mountain rescue parking areas
Forestry vehicle storage and loading areas
Highways edge shrub and small deciduous tree planting
Phased replacement of coniferous woodland with deciduous woodland
Built Form
Areas associated with visitor centre
Car park currently managed by Powys County Council/ Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency.
Area associated with Storey Arms Centre
OVERALL VISION
Not to scale
In order to describe the proposals, the site has been divided into different character areas and will be explained as such in the following section of the document. Please refer to Diagram 1 for further information.
The National Trust’s vision for the Pont ar Daf is that:
• We will create a real sense of arrival, a fitting welcome that reflects the grandeur of the Beacons and their place in the Welsh culture and identity of mid Wales
• We will anticipate and exceed the expectations of all our visitors
• Our facilities will be tailored to the needs of hill walkers, reflect the highest standards of design, sustainability, function and sensitivity for the spirit of the place.
• Our staff will be friendly, welcoming, well informed about the National Trust and the local area, able to communicate with enthusiasm and will go the extra mile to prove a world class standard of service.
Diagram 1 - the character areas of the site
1
24
3N
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency4
The car park opposite the Storey Arms Centre detracts from views
1
The first consideration in regards to the creation of a paid car park at Pont ar Daf is the future of the Storey Arms car park, located opposite the Storey Arms Centre. If it remains as a free public car park, it will always be a preferred parking option to the paid Pont ar Daf car park, causing congestion problems and possible parking on the verges of trunk road, which would detract from the concept for the development of the Pont ar Daf visitor centre.
As described in the site analysis section of this report, this car park provides approximately 50 free car parking spaces, some of which are used by the visitors to the Storey Arms Centre. The location of the car park creates some issues with pedestrian crossing of the road, with users being attracted to cross to the Storey Arms Centre assuming that it is a public building, and therefore crossing at an unsafe section of the trunk road.
Ideally this car park would be removed or relocated to a safer and more suitable location, as it is currently highly visible within this sensitive landscape, and does not provide any signage or information to visitors to the area. If it is removed, a new car park could be provided for the Storey Arms Centre within the National Trust woodland. For this option to work the new car park proposed at Pont ar Daf would have to
1A second option would be to retain the Storey Arms car park opposite the Storey Arms Centre, however making it a paid car park run by the National Trust with the same tariffs as the Pont Ar Daf car park. In this situation the car park itself should be amended to deter people from crossing the road at unsafe locations. Its currently poor condition should be upgraded and tied in with its setting in the Brecon Beacons. One possible change could be the addition of a natural stone wall to surround the car park and match the walls in the surrounding area. This would contain and partially disguise the car park from view, as well as helping to direct users to cross the road in alternative locations, with the help of signage in the area.
This second option is the one that is explored within this report, as we are not certain of the ability to remove this car park from use as it is currently owned by Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency. We have, however, tried to accommodate additional spaces in the main Pont ar Daf car park in case this removal of the Storey Arms car park is the preferred option following consultation of all interested parties prior to planning.
The unsafe crossing point beyond the brow of the hill on the A470
Unsafe crossing point
Hidden brow
Views of car park
The Storey Arms Centre is clearly visible and tempts people to cross the road from the Storey Arms car park.
PARKING: STOREY ARMS CAR PARK AND ACCESS TO STOREY ARMS CENTRE
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency 5
The A470 trunk road is a very busy, fast moving road and the existing pedestrian routes currently skirt both sides. Pedestrians currently cross this road at potentially unsafe locations, and then have to walk along the sides of the road to get to Pont ar Daf and routes to Pen y Fan, or to return to the car park. This document suggests an improvement to this situation.
The diagram opposite shows how pedestrians could be encouraged to cross the road at what we believe to be safer locations on this road. These locations should be informed by a specialist in road safety.
Between the car park and the route to Pen y Fan opposite, pedestrians could continue to cross at location A, which is at the top of the brow of a hill, where there is a clear view of traffic approaching in both directions. Where pedestrians need to walk between the highways car park and Pont ar Daf, location B is a sufficient distance away from the hidden brow of the hill to provide a view of traffic approaching in both directions, provided that some of existing tree growth is cut back. From this crossing point people could be directed into the woodland, which is proposed to be transformed into an attractive and ecologically diverse deciduous woodland. On the return journey to the highways car park pedestrians could walk through the woodland and a signpost would lead pedestrians to the car park, at location B, preventing the temptation to cross at alternative less safe locations.
For walkers using the trail network (see diagram 4 on page 7), which currently runs along the side of the trunk road, the amendment to the vehicle access for the Storey Arms Centre allows for the widening of the footpath at location C, shown on the diagram opposite.
Signage point to highways car park
Crossing point at location where longest clear views of the road
Pathway to car park moved away from road edge
Crossing point most safe on top of the brow of the hill, where clear vision of traffic in both directions
TRACK TO PONT AR DAF
Existing pathway widened and made good
CONIFEROUS WOODLAND PHASED TO DECIDUOUS WOODLAND
THE STOREY ARMS CENTRE
Pathway provided through woodland
Diagram 2 - to show pedestrians being directed through the woodland, rather than the road edge, then sign posted towards car park at a safe crossing point.
A
B
C
PARKING: STOREY ARMS CAR PARK AND ACCESS TO STOREY ARMS CENTRE
Buffer planting within woodland to screen views of the road and discouragecrossing in alternative loctaions
Not to scale
N
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency6
A470
Existing Bus stops to be retained and upgraded
Stone walls to surround car park and The Storey Arms Centre
Footpath to Pen y fan
THE STOREY ARMS CENTRE
LAND ASSOCIATED WITH THE STOREY ARMS CENTRE
CAR PARK
Footpath
Footpath
NEWSTOREY ARMS CAR PARK
NATIONAL TRUST WOODLAND
HEATHLAND
HEATHLAND
Car park surrounded by natural stone wall Path to car park
moved away from the road edge
Verges mounded to prevent parking on road edge
Reduced to single entrance to Storey ArmsCentre
Road edge pathway widened at this point
The existing double vehicular access to the Storey Arms Centre causes several problems to the users of this site and creates a complicated junction with the trunk road. The eastern access is awkward for vehicles to pass through due to the orientation and gradients in this location, whilst also forcing a narrowing of the road side pedestrian footpath.
Removal of the eastern access point, and replacement with a wider single western entrance point, allows for the widening of the roadside footpath (as described on previous pages), along with the simplification of the junction with the trunk road. It also allows for the addition of a private car park for users of the Storey Arms within the National Trust owned woodland.
This also provides an opportunity to amend the frontage to the Storey Arms Centre, with an aim to prevent people crossing with the thought that it is a publicly accessible building, and to create a more private entrance. New natural stone walls to match the existing ones, could be used to create a visually stronger front boundary and help with the level change and path widening to the eastern end of the site. A deciduous woodland planting could be used to buffer views of the Storey Arms from the car park, to help it look more like a private property.
Verges could also be mounded to discourage crossing of the road at certain locations, along with diverting footpaths as far from the road edge as possible. Thought should be given to possible relocation of the bus stops form the Storey Arms to the Pont ar Daf car park. At present they encourage crossing of the road at unsafe locations.
EXISTING BUS STOP
EXISTING BUS STOP
PARKING: STOREY ARMS CAR PARK AND ACCESS TO STOREY ARMS CENTRE
Not to scale
N
Diagram 3 - to show the proposals for the Storey Arms Centre
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency 7
PEDESTRIAN ROUTES
In order to move pedestrians away from the edge of the trunk road, the pedestrian route on the south / west side of the trunk road could be moved down the existing road side embankment, as shown in the Sections opposite. This would have a dual benefit for the scheme, as follows:
1. The route along the bottom of the embankment is much less noisy, being shielded from traffic noise by the level change. It is also a more attractive route and feels much safer than walking along the edge of the trunk road.
2. To prevent cars from parking on road edges in a bid to avoid the proposed parking charges, the verges could be mounded, as shown in Section B. Mounding to the road side verges would also discourage people from crossing the road at particular points, where required.
SECTION A - showing the existing pedestrian footpath along the side of the trunk road.
SECTION B - showing the proposed pedestrian route along the base of the roadside embankment and the option to mound the road side verge, increasing the noise shielding to the new footpath route, and discouraging cars from parking on the road side.
Diagram 4 - to show how the proposed forestry rides and footpaths connect to and improve existing routes and encourage an increased number of pedestrians that will walk through the Pont ar Daf area.
Proposed forestry rides Proposed new route to the Storey Arms car park The existing Beacons Way The proposed alteration to the Beacons Way moved away from the road The existing Taff Trail between Cardiff and Brecon The proposed alteration to The Taff Trail along a new forestry ride route Other existing routes
Storey Arms Centre
Pont ar Daf
KEY:
Route to Pen y Fan
Route to Pen y Fan
Route to Fan Fawr
Not to scale
N
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency8
2 The vision for the car park is to provide sufficient parking spaces within an ecologically diverse and attractive deciduous woodland. Small lengths of parking could be broken up with patches of natural woodland and understory species, indigenous to the Brecon Beacons. The aim for Pont ar Daf is to create a 200 capacity car park, and if the Storey Arms car park is closed an additional 50 spaces will need to be incorporated.
This proposal provides 219 public parking spaces, with additional parking areas provided for 3 coaches, staff parking, events parking, military parking, forestry vehicles within the loading bay, mountain rescue near to the main route to Pen y Fan and visitor bicycle parking. Provision has also been made for the access of emergency, refuse and delivery vehicles to the site, however this layout is indicative and the car park layout will need to be tested by a traffic engineer in consultation with the various interested parties.
Second World War defensive structures in this area have been Scheduled as an Ancient Monument and need to be carefully considered with regards to construction and site use.
2PARKING: MAIN CAR PARK PROPOSALS
Native buffer planting
Diagram 5 - to show the proposed layout of the main car park at Pont ar Daf for the new Welcome point
Cars within a deciduous woodland
Swales to pick up surface runoff
Single entry / exit point
Coach turning, drop off point and military parking area
Footpath towards highways car park
Forestry loading bay with security gate
Forestry rides and footpaths
Extended car park area
Visitor centre
Increasedparking
Track to Pen y Fan
One way route for delivery and refuse vehicles
Pill Boxes listed as Scheduled Monuments
Not to scale
N
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency 9
PARKING: MAIN CAR PARK PROPOSALS
SECTION C - to show the proposed car park layout within a deciduous woodland
Stone walls to surround the car park
Permeable hoggin surface
Low level timber bars could be used to prevent cars from parking over the woodland understorey planting.
The surface material of the car park should be permeable to reduce run off, possibly constructed from compacted hoggin gravel sourced from a local quarry, to provide a simple yet robust surfacing solution to reinforce the sense of place. This could also be used to surface footpaths, with stone kerbs.
Surface run off could be picked up by swales located in the woodland swathes, being treated by reedbeds. The potential contamination of ground water in this area should be carefully considered by specialists in consultation with Welsh water, to ensure that the reservoirs in the area are not affected, both during and after construction.
Please see the ecology section below for more information on the woodland planting proposed in this area, and the phased removal of the existing coniferous woodland.
The single access and egress point from the trunk road into the site is the preferred option for Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency and has therefore been retained in this design proposal. The existing parking area and access road are proposed to be widened to allow for 2 rows of cars parked end on, with a central access route towards the visitor centre and the car park and disabled parking has been located within 50m of the proposed location for the visitor building.
It is proposed that access to the car park will be controlled through the use of secure field gates, to allow the car park to be closed at night to deter its use for illicit activities.
The area indicated for the extension of the car park (see diagram), is relatively flat and will require the least earthworks intervention and the proposed car park will integrate into the surrounding rural landscape through the use of a simple palette of materials. Robustness, simplicity, and local provenance are intended as a design ethos for the site.
The existing stone walls will be retained where possible and these could be rebuilt, using stone sourced from local quarries where possible, to contain the additional parking areas, to help set the car park within the existing landscape character.
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency10
Local materials used for built form
VISITOR CENTRE
3 The location of the proposed visitor centre has been chosen to enable the National Tust to meet and welcome visitors to the area. It is near to the main route up to Pen y Fan, and also visible from the routes through the car park. The creation of a new building within such a beautiful landscape should be carefully considered and undertaken in a very sensitive manner and therefore only local materials are proposed for use in this area.
The National Trust would like to create a small building, maximum 185 square meters, with a separate toilet block to replace the existing block, which is currently in poor condition. The building will provide a small retail outlet for walkers, a basic catering facility and information to visitors, as well as providing the National Trust with their desired point of interaction with visitors to the Brecon Beacons.
Other required interpretation for the site could be associated somehow with the Pill box, which will be easily accessible from the proposed car park. This would provide visitor interaction with one of the historic aspects of the site itself.
3 Existing coniferous trees removed
Existing bridge remains as the main entrance to the path to Pen y Fan
Building set within woodland Shared pedestrian / vehicle surface
Existing walls to be retained
The diagram opposite indicates the location of the building and the arrangement of the required areas of activity associated with this welcome point.
It is important that the building has views out into the woodland and beyond to the heathland leading up to Pen y Fan and the indicated location seeks to achieve this.
A pedestrian zone is proposed to extend across the existing track, up to the front of the building. This area will indicate pedestrian priority, allowing access for all users including those parking in the disabled bays within the extended parking area. This will be a shared access area allowing the entry of vehicles to the extended area of car park and ambulance parking near to the route to Pen y Fan.
A formal seating area is associated with the cafe, as well as informal seating areas in the form stones surrounding fire pits and logs arranged through the woodland. The existing woodland will be felled and replanted to frame the new visitor buildings when seen from the car park and main entrance
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency 11
KEY:1. VISITOR BUILDING2. TOILETS3. MAINTENANCE AREA4. SHARED PEDESTRIAN ZONE ENTRANCE TO BUILDING5. AMBULANCE PARKING
VISITOR CENTRE
Diagram 6 - to show to proposed layout of the area surrounding the new visitor centre
FIRE PITS AND INFORMAL SEATING AREAS IN DECIDUOUS WOODLAND
Shared pedestrian / vehicle surface
Deciduous woodland plantingEvents reception areas
Informal events glades Woodland understorey planting
Not to scale
5.
VISITORBIKES
PEDESTRIAN ROUTE TO CAR PARK
VIEWS OF BUILDING FROM CAR PARK
REFUSESTAFFEMERGENCYEVENTS
VIEWS OUT TO HEATHLAND1.
EVENTS AREAS
SEATING
2,
ROUTE TO PEN Y FANAND GRAZIER ACCESS
3.
4.
CAR PARK
Existing walls to be retained
The existing woodland surrounding the proposed location for the buildings, is unattractive dense and overgrown coniferous planting, which is proposed to be replaced with deciduous woodland and understory growth over time. Obviously this woodland will take time to mature and set the building into the landscape so the method of phasing this work will be important to the success of the site. We suggest that this is seen as an opportunity to set an example of excellence for the replacement of coniferous planting with deciduous woodland.
More informataion about the requirements of the deciduous woodland in this area of the Brecon Beacons is described in the ecology section of this report.
GATE
N
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency12
VISITOR CENTRE: ASSOCIATED FACILITIES
EVENTSGLADE
EVENTSGLADE
EVENTSGLADE
PATHS FROM PEN Y FAN
TOILETS
FORMAL SEATING AREA
MOUNTAINRESCUE PARKINGAREA
EVENTS PARKING AREA
STAFF PARKING
RECYCL/ REFUSE
STAFF BIKE STORAGE
RESTRICTED ACCESS
MAINTENANCE AREA
DECIDUOUS BUFFER WOODLAND PLANTING
There are several requirements associated with buildings which need to be accommodated in a sensitive way, such as the storage of refuse, staff parking, cycle storage and a maintenance area. These have been provided in a restricted access area near to the visitor buildings. It provides the following necessary requirements:
- Staff parking
- Recycling and refuse storage
- Refuse vehicle access
- Delivery access
- Maintenance area
- Events parking
- Mountain rescue parking
- Staff bike storage
- Staff entrance to the building
This area would be surrounded by deciduous woodland buffer planting to help disguise it within the surrounding landscape. No large growing species of trees are proposed to be planted within the trunk road side buffer planting, as these would present a maintenance issue next to the busy trunk road.
Events areas are required for different user groups and have been provided as glades within the woodland, ready for the events teams to set up their own facilities. Parking for the events teams has been provided nearby within the restricted access area for ease of use.
Diagram 7 - to show the area associated with the visitor buildings and events areas
VISITOR BUILDING
DECIDUOUS BUFFER WOODLAND PLANTING
Not to scale
N
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency 13
Small trees planted as a buffer to the road edge.
Emergency vehicles
Timber gate to restrict access
Informal seating could be provided within the woodland areas in several forms using natural materials, as indicated in the diagram. For example, boulders or rocks taken from a local quarry could be used to create informal circles surrounding fire pits, orientated to benefit from views out of the woodland to the heathland leading up to Pen y Fan. Other seating could be provided using the logs provided by the removal of the existing coniferous plantation.
Views out from informal seating and firepit areas
Navigation signage required
Signage required to inform visitors
Signage required to inform visitors
Sketch to show proposed fire pits as informal seating areas
Signage of the proposed car park needs to be carefully considered. It needs to be minimal and suitable for the sensitive landscape surroundings, while informing people of the location of the car parking facilities, the direction of flow within the car park, the facilities available at Pont ar Daf and the footpath networks and connections to the wider landscape that are available.
Key signage locations to indicate location of National Trust car park
Key signage location to indicated directional flow of car park
VISITOR CENTRE: ASSOCIATED FACILITIES
N
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency14
PLAY
4 4The area to the north of the main car park is the ideal location for any play opportunities required on site. There has been the suggestion for informal, natural play sites helping to inform children about the woodland area and lead them to explore the site further.
Pont ar Daf is aiming to be a welcome point for visitors to Pen y Fan, rather than an attraction in itself, therefore any play opportunities should be natural and informal rather than off the shelf play equipment.
Informal play opportunities
Informal play opportunities
Informal play opportunities
Informal play opportunities Informal play opportunities
Informal play opportunities
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency 15
As previously mentioned the phased transformation of the existing coniferous woodland planting into attractive and ecologically valuable deciduous woodland, in keeping with the surrounding area needs to be undertaken with its importance to the success of the site in mind. The advice from an ecological consultant will be essential to this aspect of the proposals.
A number of key objectives underpin the selection of plant species for the new car park proposals :
• The retention and enhancement of the immediate landscape setting to the car park and sense of place, in keeping with the wider landscape setting to Pont ar Daf.
• The selection of appropriate species which will broaden biodiversity, and encourage a wider range of fauna to frequent the site.
• Present more organic planted groupings in the landscape, with a varied texture and shape, more sympathetic to the lie of the land and broader visual framework.
• The creation of an environment which accords with the management capabilities and capacity of the National Trust team.
ECOLOGY
There will be phased reversion of the conifer plantation to upland oak woodland, extending the character of the strip of oaks at the northern edge of the site. Upland Oak Woodlands are a Priority Habitat in the Brecon Beacons National Park Local Biodiversity Action Plan, and are especially important habitats for mosses, liverworts and lichens.
The palette of trees and shrubs will be taken from the List of Species Native to the Brecon Beacons National Park (Appendix 3 of the Unitary Development Plan), and where possible, plants will be of local provenance. Species will include:
Quercus patraea Sessile oak Betula spp Birch Corylus avellana Hazel Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Ilex spp Holly Prunus spinosa Blackthorn Sorbus aucuparia Rowan
In wetter areas, species may include:
Alnus glutinosa Alder Fraxinus excelsior Ash Ulmus spp Elm Viburnum opulus Guelder Rose In order to provide am immediate level of maturity to the site, it may be necessary to import some larger mature deciduous trees to plant. This would provide a level of interest and form to the site from the beginning of its development, and allow an increased degree of shelter and disguise of the development within the landscape.
The conifers will be felled in stages, as recommended in the Ecological Survey (2010), to maintain humidity levels for the existing mosses and lichens. The mature conifers will also provide protection for the saplings.
Areas of woodland are prominent features due to the open, expansive character of this part of the National Park. Thus they need to be managed with regard for their visual as well as ecological impact.
Moss and lichen to be protected
Existing Ash tree to be retained
Quercus patraea
Corylus avellana Prunus spinosa
Existing coniferous woodland to be replaced
Informal play opportunities
Informal play opportunities
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency16
It is proposed the woodland edge and understorey will be enhanced with shrubs and herbaceous species to provide a gradual transition from woodland to heath. Groundcover planting in woodland areas will include;
Allium ursinum Ramsons Dryopteris filix-mas Male fern Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler fern Erica cinerea Bell heather Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell Mercurialis perennis Dog’s mercury Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry The existing woodland will be thinned, and glades created with scalloped edges, allowing a greater diversity of ground species to develop. In particular, the existing swathes of ferns will be extended.
The same planting palette will be used for the soft landscaping within the new car park, to create a unified character.
New tree and shrub screen planting will provide a native landscape buffer between the car park and the A470, and help soften the edges of the car park.
The road verge between Pont ar Daf and the car park opposite the Storey Arms Centre will be managed to encourage a species-rich sward. Where possible, species typical of neutral grassland will be promoted.
Where suitable, the existing streamside vegetation will be enhanced by tree thinning to allow more light to reach the woodland floor. This will encourage a richer bankside, which can be enjoyed from the new visitor building and outdoor seating areas.
ECOLOGY
Mercurialis perennis
Allium ursinum
Vaccinium myrtillus
Dryopteris dilatata Dryopteris filix-mas
Bluebells
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency 17
It is proposed that surface water runoff from the car park will be managed through the adoption of a sustainable drainage system and a series of bio-swales located along the existing contours of the site.
The sustainable drainage system proposals include limited hard standing surface to ensure maximum percolation of surface water. In addition, bioswales will collect this surface water runoff from the car park and provide attenuation along the length of the swales.
Reedbeds are a Priority Habitat in the Brecon Beacons Biodiversity Action Plan. The bioswales will be planted with species from this action plan where possible, including;
Phragmites australis Common reed Ranunculus spp Buttercup Bidens curma Bur marigold Caltha palustris Marsh marigold Butomus umbellatus Flowering rush Carex spp Sedge
The replanting of the site with broad-leaved trees, together with the re-introduction of ground flora and introduction of understorey planting will also add to bio-retention and sustainable surface water management.
These sustainable drainage proposals will provide the National Trust with an opportunity to develop interpretation for visitors on the impacts of increasing levels of surface water and how these impacts can be designed out by developing sustainable best practice techniques. This will also provide an opportunity for the National Trust to further develop the visitor experience.
ECOLOGY
Ranunculus species
Example of a reed bed
Phragmites austra
Butomus umbellatus Caltha palustrisDryopteris filix-mas
Phragmites australis Bluebells
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency18
Pont ar Daf Concept MasterplanThe Landscape Agency 19
Report compiled by:
The Landscape AgencyAviator CourtClifton Moor
YorkYO30 4UZ
Tel 01904 691630
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