Area of Separation (a) Between Stoney Stanton and Sapcote
Question
Question 1:
Does the land fully separate the two settlements and are there physical features to prevent merging?
Answer
Yes the land physically separates Stoney Stanton and Sapcote. There are no specific permanent features to prevent merging although the eastern part of the area has a sizable area of established tree planting.
Question 2:
Does the land have an open and undeveloped character and are there areas of intervisibility?
The land is predominantly open space consisting of the Stoney Stanton Memorial Playing Fields and semi-natural green space. Land to the west of the Area of Separation is currently mainly agricultural (arable use).
Some outdoor sports and recreation features are present in the north of the area, however these are not considered to conflict with the open nature of the land.
There is some intervisibility with views of Stoney Stanton possible from the edge of Sapcote on Sapcote Road and nearby footpaths. Likewise, views of Sapcote are possible from the recreation areas by the edge of Stoney Stanton as well as some residential streets such Hinckley Road on the west edge of the settlement and Howe Close.
Question 3:
Does the land contribute to maintaining the character and identity of either of the separated settlements?
The edge of both settlements is characterised by residential development. The land prevents the two settlements from merging although there are no strong boundary features. There are tree lines and hedgerows set back into the land however, which serve as intervening features when viewed across the open land, reinforcing the perception of separateness between areas.
E3