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The Park and Ride Car Park is situated on farmed land in the original flood plain of the River Ribble. Three properties located within the site, and affected by the development, have been demolished. Existing vegetation generally comprises hedgerows of thorn, elder and some privet. Several mature beech and oak trees are currently situated in the grounds of one of the demolished properties known as "Flats House". Other tree planting comprises holly, rowan, birch, ornamental plane and Lombardy poplars. These trees are significant in this sparsely planted landscape because of the visual impact of the Park and Ride site. In the main, mature oak and beech trees are to be retained. On completion of the civil engineering works, a landscaping scheme will be implemented. On the north side of the River Ribble, the visual impact of the site will be addressed by introducing a mixed species hedge to 3 sides (north, south and west) of the car park comprising thorn, elder, blackthorn, holly and dogrose. Within the Park and Ride site, tree planting will be used to visually compartmentalise the parking layout. Species such as Ash, Holly and Oak are proposed. These will have an under-storey ground cover of ivy. |