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Survey Details for CRMRTVS195 - 2026-06-05

CRMRTVS195

Visual and Sensory

LLansawel Basin

Carmarthenshire

2015-02-06

  • Level 1: Lowland
  • Level 2: Lowland Valleys
  • Level 3: Mosaic Lowland Valleys

Monitoring

Q1 - Date of monitoring?

  • 2015-02-06

Q1a - Monitoring undertaken by

  • Stages 1, 2 and 3 change detection, field verification and amendment completed by Bronwen Thomas, in conjunction with the planning authority.Quality Assurance completed by White Consultants.

Q1b - Has this record been updated following monitoring work?

  • This record remains unchanged following monitoring work

Q1c - Change indicated by

  • No Answer

Q1d - What has changed?

  • No Answer

Q1e - Has the information ever been verified in the field?

  • Yes
    • 1:10,000

Q2 - Does this area have a special or functional link with an adjacent area?

  • Yes
    • The area has a functional link to the hills around it, - it is the basin into which these rivers drain - as well as the upper and lower reaches of the Cothi to the north east and west.

Q2a - During which season(s) was fieldwork carried out?

  • Empty value

Description

Q3 - Summary Description

  • Llansawel Basin contains the confluence of the Cothi with a number of other rivers - the Marlais, Melinddwr and Twrch. The narrow upland valleys in the surrounding area open out into a much larger river basin creating a much more open landscape with longer views. The area combines gently rolling land with flatter valley bottom land. The majority of this is improved agricultural land with a small amount of woodland. The hedgerows and hedgerow trees contribute to the area suggesting a fair degree of tree cover. There are few views of the rivers within the Aspect Area. In Pumsaint there are examples of an estate landscape, particularly well demonstrated in the style of the buildings. At the Glan yr Rannell Hotel there are some elements of a planned/parkland landscape. Small settlements of which Llansawel is the largest, and scattered farms.

Q4 - Physical Form And Elements: Topographic Form?

  • Hills/Valleys

Q5 - Physical Form And Elements: Landcover Pattern?

  • Field Pattern/Mosaic

Q6 - Physical form and elements: Settlement pattern

  • Mixture

Q7 - Physical form and elements: Boundary type

  • Mixture

Q8 - Aesthetic Qualities: Scale?

  • Large

Q9 - Aesthetic Qualities: Sense of Enclosure?

  • Open

Q10 - Aesthetic Qualities: Diversity?

  • Simple

Q11 - Aesthetic Qualities: Texture?

  • Medium

Q12 - Aesthetic Qualities: Lines?

  • Curved

Q13 - Aesthetic Qualities: Colour?

  • Moderate Contrasts

Q14 - Aesthetic Qualities: Balance?

  • Balanced

Q15 - Aesthetic Qualities: Unity?

  • Unity

Q16 - Aesthetic Qualities: Pattern?

  • Organised

Q17 - Aesthetic Qualities: Seasonal Interest?

  • Mixed

Q18 - Other Factors: Level of Human Access?

  • Frequent

Q19 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q20 - Other Factors: Use of Construction Materials?

  • Generally Inappropriate

Q21 - What materials? Give Details:

  • Generally inappropriate use of material in recent years e.g. bungalows and other new housing typically do not always make use of appropriate materials, not just building, but also in the surrounds of new homes, fencing , walls etc do not usually reflect traditional styles. Good examples of restoration in Pumsaint by the National Trust.

Q22 - Attractive views (of high scenic quality, variations and typical views)?

  • Yes
    • Also refer to questions 62 to 64 on visible settings and key views. There are attractive views within and out from this area.

Q23 - Detractive views (of low or degraded scenic quality, variations and typical views)?

  • No
    • . Also refer to questions 62 to 64 on visible settings and key views.

Q24 - Perceptual and Other Sensory Qualities

  • Attractive
  • Tranquil
  • Settled

Q25 - What is the sense of place/local distinctiveness

  • Strong
    • Strong to moderate sense of place - the basin is set amongst the hills of NE Carmarthenshire. Pumsaint has a stronger sense of place than other parts of the area because of its history as being part of an estate and this is emphasised through the style of its buildings. The settlement of Llansawel also has a fairly strong sense of place. There are other basins of this type in the county (Llanfynydd, Llanpumsaint) but this is probably the largest.

Condition

Q26 - Are there any significant threats to the current integrity and condition of the visual & sensory features of the area?

  • Not known

Q27 - Condition:

  • Unassessed

Q28 - Trend:

  • Constant

Recommendations

Q29 - Existing management

  • Generally Appropriate

Q30 - Management recommendations

  • Agriculture appears to be maintaining this landscape but it is vulnerable to intensification, which may well be contributing to the deterioration of the hedgerows in this area. Agri-environment schemes could address this issue. Conserve and enhance hedgerows and trees in this landscape. Conserve the hedgerows and trees in the landscape, inc hedgerow and field trees. Seek opportunities for new planting. Resist linear development on the edges of settlements. Ensure that new developments fit in well with the landscape and reflect the vernacular building styles of the area. Conserve and enhance the traditional buildings in this area and their settings.

Q31 - Define the key qualities that should be conserved and enhanced

  • The unity of the area, the fact that it is not interrupted by developments that disrupt the landscape.

Q32 - Define the key qualities that should be changed:

  • Empty value

Q33 - Define the key elements that should be conserved and enhanced

  • Throughout the area conserve the hedgerows and trees. In Pumsaint continue to conserve and enhance the estate features in the landscape. Enhance the field boundaries where these have been neglected.

Q34 - Define the key elements that should be changed:

  • On purely visual grounds river defence work should avoid the use of block stone and seek softer alternatives.

Tranquillity & Dark Skies

Q35 - Tranquillity information and links

  • Q35 Link to Tranquillity & Place Programme Overview and Index. Containing summaries and links relating to themes, indicators, reports, downloads, headlines, StoryMaps, webapps and guidance. https://landmap-portal.naturalresources.wales/downloads/Tranquillity_Place_Programme_Overview_Index_April_2026.docx Visit the NRW Local Tranquillity Assessment Guidance Dashboard, for a link to the published Guidance and use of the interactive mapping tool at https://luc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/0441bb4b932f49c582cad6803fc4da21

Q36a - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) <0.5

  • 99.5
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36b - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 0.5-1

  • 0.5
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36c - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 1-2

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36d - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 2-4

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36e - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 4-8

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36f - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 8-16

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36g - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) 16-32

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q36h - Dark Skies light pollution % (Theme 3) >32

  • 0.0
    • Data has been classified into eight colour bands of brightness values (nw/cm2/sr). <0.5 (darkest); 0.5 - 1; 1 - 2; 2 - 4; 4 - 8; 8 - 16; 16 - 32 and > 32 (brightest). Lower values equate to lower light pollution and darker skies.

Q37a - Sound Environment Combined category 0 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.00
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37b - Sound Environment Combined category 1 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.11
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37c - Sound Environment Combined category 2 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.41
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37d - Sound Environment Combined category 3 % (Theme 4)

  • 1.25
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37e - Sound Environment Combined category 4 % (Theme 4)

  • 3.66
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37f - Sound Environment Combined category 5 % (Theme 4)

  • 6.20
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37g - Sound Environment Combined category 6 % (Theme 4)

  • 56.72
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37h - Sound Environment Combined category 7 % (Theme 4)

  • 25.63
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37i - Sound Environment Combined category 8 % (Theme 4)

  • 6.01
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37j - Sound Environment Combined category 9 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.01
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q37k - Sound Environment Combined category 10 % (Theme 4)

  • 0.00
    • Tranquillity and Place Sound Environment (Part 2) Report No: 736 https://naturalresourceswales.sharefile.eu/share/view/scb65ef647e91414faa82449c8410704f/fof17cc7-0d05-469d-a183-bd0fb08a28eb

Q38a - % in visually tranquil category 1

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38b - % in visually tranquil category 2

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38c - % in visually tranquil category 3

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38d - % in visually tranquil category 4

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38e - % in visually tranquil category 5

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38f - % in visually tranquil category 6

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38g - % in visually tranquil category 7

  • 3.04
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38h - % in visually tranquil category 8

  • 87.79
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38i - % in visually tranquil category 9

  • 9.17
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q38j - % in visually tranquil category 10

  • 0
    • Sourced from the nationally consistent Tranquillity & Place Visually Tranquil Areas version 2 re-published 2024 (rural themes 1, 2 and 3 combined). The visually tranquil categories range from 1 (least visually tranquil) to 10 (most visually tranquil).

Q39a - Tranquillity & Place overall category 1 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39b - Tranquillity & Place overall category 2 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39c - Tranquillity & Place overall category 3 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39d - Tranquillity & Place overall category 4 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39e - Tranquillity & Place overall category 5 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Q39f - Tranquillity & Place overall category 6 % (Theme 6)

  • 0.34

Q39g - Tranquillity & Place overall category 7 % (Theme 6)

  • 16.31

Q39h - Tranquillity & Place overall category 8 % (Theme 6)

  • 82.52

Q39i - Tranquillity & Place overall category 9 % (Theme 6)

  • 0.82

Q39j - Tranquillity & Place overall category 10 % (Theme 6)

  • 0

Aspect Area Boundary

Q40 - To what level was this information site-surveyed?

  • Level 3

Q41 - At 1:10,000, how much of the Aspect Area boundary is precise?

  • Most
    • Field visits aerial photos and OS data.

Q42 - What baseline information source was used for Aspect Area boundary mapping?

  • OS Raster

Q43 - If OS Data was used, what was the scale?

  • 1:10,000 and 1:25,000

Q44 - What is the justification for the Aspect Area boundaries?

  • The boundary identified the edge of the basin, and the break of slope above which are the hills. Beyond the boundary the observer no longer feels as if they are in the basin, but looking into it. Field boundaries have been utilised where possible to give a definite boundary.

Natural Beauty

Q45 - Contribution of this area to natural beauty

  • No Answer

Evaluation

Q46 - Evaluation Criteria: Scenic quality

  • High
    • The area has considerable scenic quality, it is an extensive area with an attractive and gentle pastoral landscape framed by the higher hills. Little disrupts this area.

Q47 - Evaluation Criteria: Integrity

  • High
    • Little disrupts this landscape.

Q48 - Evaluation Criteria: Character

  • High
    • A distinctive character created by the confluence of the rivers resulting in a broad river basin among the hills.

Q49 - Evaluation Criteria: Rarity

  • Moderate
    • This is one of the larger river basins in the county but not the only one see also Llanpumsaint and Llanfynydd.

Q50 - Evaluation Criteria: Overall Evaluation

  • High
    • The area has considerable scenic quality, it is an extensive area with an attractive and gentle pastoral landscape framed by the higher hills. Little disrupts this area. High particularly because of its scenic quality and integrity.

Q51 - Justification of overall evaluation

  • An attractive landscape resulting from geomorphological processes and then the activity of man. A very gentle lowland landscape that contrasts with the hills and forest areas around.

Information Sources

Q52 - Sources and additional assessments

  • No Answer

Q53 - Landscape Institute Landscape character assessment database

  • . Check the online resource for Wales for links to other relevant assessments e.g. NLCA, NMCA, LCA, LSCA, management plans, sensitivity assessments https://landscapeinstitute.org/technical-resource/landscape-character-assessment-lca-database/

LMP 14 & 09

Q54 - LANDMAP derived landscape types (LMP14)

  • Valleys and rolling lowland (mosaic 20-50% wooded, hedgerow character)

Q55 - LANDMAP derived landscape types (LMP09)

  • Lowland mosaic >20% wooded

Unused

Q56 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q57 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q58 - Unused

  • No Answer

Q59 - Unused

  • No Answer

SLAs

Q60 - List the Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) in this local authority or region

  • Yes
    • Llanllwni Mountain, Teifi Valley, Drefach Velindre, Lower Taf Valley, Carmarthenshire Bay and Estuary, Gwendraeth Levels, Pembrey Mountain, Swiss Valley, Llwchwr Valley, Mynydd y Betws, Cothi Valley, Bran Valley, Mynydd Mallaen, Talley, Cwm Cathan, Tywi Valley, North Eastern Uplands, Carmarthenshire Limestone Ridge

Q61 - SLA policy and resources

  • Local Plan Policy EQ6 Special Landscape Areas & Appendix 4. http://www.cartogold.co.uk/CarmarthenshireLDP/english/text/Appendix-4.htm . The Special Landscape Areas GIS dataset is available from DataMapWales https://datamap.gov.wales/layers/geonode:nrw_special_landscape_area . Note the next Local Development Plan for Carmarthenshire out for consultation does not currently include any SLAs.

Visible Settings

Q62 - Visible settings of LANDMAP V&S areas

This is a Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV), calculated using a 30 metre Digital Terrain Model (DTM), using multiple observer points scattered across the area, 1.5m above ground level, and taking into account the Earth’s curvature. The data does not extend beyond 35km from an observer point, meaning that more distant views may also be possible.

Q63 - Visible Settings of Designated Landscapes

Q64 - Key views into or out from Designated Landscapes