3.1 Baseline Characteristics and Design Opportunities


21 The proposed site, although at an elevated level, is well screened with surrounding woodlands and interlocking hedges and hedgerow trees that intervene to provide effective screening (see Figure 3.2 ‘Baseline Context and Analysis’, wherein woodlands surrounding the site are highlighted).


22 The surrounding areas are predominantly rural in nature. However, immediate areas do exhibit some urban characteristics due to the existing National Grid electrical substation, transmission lines and pylons.


23 Different architectural styles and materials for external facades for residential areas, recreational buildings, barn conversions and barns were observed during the site visit (see Figure 3.2 ‘Baseline Context and Analysis’). The distinct vernacular style for the wall treatment in the local area for barns and associated buildings, including some residential buildings, was observed to be weatherboard cladding as stand alone or in combination with either rendered walls or brick walls.


24 Contemporary barn buildings are generally clad in steel for durability and resistance to weathering. The claddings for the side walls and openings are either vertical or horizontal. However, many of the recent developments have used traditional horizontal weatherboarding for aesthetic purposes as well as to integrate the building into the landscape


25 The review of baseline characteristics suggests design opportunities to explore cladding and external finishes in an innovative way which responds to, and mimics, the local vernacular, thus minimising visual intrusion.


Outline Converter Station Design Principles Statement. Version 3


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