The support of the
European Landscape Convention and
Landscape Planning in the Gondor District Local Plan
For the Attention of:
Mr Richard Aragorn Department for Planning Gondor District Council February 2014
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Landscape Policy Guidance
LSC 313: Landscape Planning Project Student No. 110175636 Friday 7th February 2014 Department of Landscape, University of Sheffield
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Gondor District Council
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Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
Report Summary …………………………………………………………………………………………………. The Importance of Landscape ………………………………………………………………………………. The European Landscape Convention …………………………………………………………………… The Convention at the National Level …………………………………………………………………… Agencies ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Primary Guidance ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Landscape Character Assessment …………………………………………………………………………. Historic Landscape Characterisation ….…………………………………………………………………. Combining Methods……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Green Infrastructure …..…………………………………………………………………………………………. Using Landscape Character Assessment ……………………………………………………………….. Criteria Based Policy ………………………………………………………………………………………………. Concept Statements …..…………………………………………………………………………………………. Neighbourhood Plans ….………………………………………………………………………………………… Studies of Development Potential …………………………………………………………………………. Putting it all together …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Summary of Guidance Documents …….……………………………………………………………………. Local Authority Reference Documents …….……………………………………………………………… Key Websites …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Cited Works ….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Case Studies 1. Waveney District Landscape Character Assessment ….……………………………………………… 2. Bath and North East Somerset Green Infrastructure Strategy ……………………………………. 3. Waveney District Landscape Character Assessment: Criteria-based policy ………………… 4. Bassetlaw Landscape Policy Zones …..………………………………………………………………………… 5. Easington Colliery Former Coal Mine Site: Concept Statement ………………………………….. 6. Old Market Quarter Neighbourhood Plan …..……………………………………………………………… 7. Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Capacity Study …………………………………………………….. 8. Tendring District Council Local Plan …………………………………………………………………………….
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Gondor District Council
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1. Report Summary 1.1. The new district of Gondor has been created in the Yorkshire and Humber region. An area already recognised for its spectacular landscapes. The Gondor district demonstrates a stunning example of a range of distinctive rural landscapes, along with its small villages and the spectacular town of Gondor itself. 1.2. This is a great opportunity for Gondor District to take full advantage of the European Landscape Convention which is the first treaty solely focused on Landscape encouraging the creation of landscape policies to protect, manage and plan our landscapes. 1.3. Gondor must embrace the new National Planning Policy Framework which puts an emphasis on the need to protect our landscapes character and value with opportunities for Gondor to engage the rural communities in the planning process. 1.4. Following suitable guidance from key agencies (Natural England, English Heritage, Environment Agency and Landscape Institute) Gondor is in a good position to develop a new local plan grounded in an understanding of the existing state of our landscapes. 1.5. A strong evidence base is essential for Gondor to achieve the aims of the European Landscape Convention which should be achieved by at least a Landscape Character Assessment, Historical Landscape Character Assessment and a Green Infrastructure Strategy, all at the local and regional scales. 1.6. The interpretation of the evidence base will inform the policy making process greatly for Gondor by aiding to assist in a move from Local Landscape Designations towards criteria-based policies which covers all landscapes. 1.7. The NPPF provides new powers for the villages and towns of Gondor District to create neighbourhood plans to help protect and enhance their local landscapes, as well as developing Concept Statements to guide development at the site specific level. Both tools can be built upon an understanding of landscape sensitivity and quality. 1.8. Gondor will face increasing pressure to provide land for development with in the rural landscape and the evidence base can provide the means for undertaking a Landscape Capacity study to identify suitable sites for develop, particularly at the urban fringe. 1.9. If Gondor follows these methods, using the wealth of guidance available and looking into case studies from other local authorities, then it will be able to uphold the requirements of the European Landscape Convention which will best protect, manage and enhance its diversity of landscapes for many years to come. 1.10. The case studies provided are all valuable examples of how the different methods can be and where possible they have been illustrated at the district level to demonstrate how it can be implemented on the same scale as the District of Gondor
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2. The Importance of Landscape 2.1. The new District of Gondor requires the drawing up of a new Local Development Framework (LDF) and this is a prime opportunity to recognise the value of landscape in our everyday lives and implement policies to protect and enhance our unique landscapes.
What is Landscape? 2.2. The landscape is essential to supporting our basic human needs of providing a source of food and shelter. Humans have an innate desire for contact with nature, with green space offering a range of health and social benefits. (Swanwick, 2009, pp. S65-S66) 2.3. Unfortunately our landscape is often treated as an asset which is exploited for economic gain with pressures which threaten our rural landscapes and in a society which shows signs of becoming more detached from the landscape (Swanwick, 2009, p. S63) it is essential for Gondor District Council to implement rigorous landscape focused policies to protect the landscape of Gondor and re-engage society with their local landscapes. 2.4. The term landscape is often used interchangeably with nature, the environment and countryside and it is essential that the definition of landscape from the European Landscape Convention is made clear:
Landscape: an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of action and interaction of natural and/or human factors” (Council of Europe, 2013, p. 29)
2.5. Further definitions regard the landscape not only as the countryside, but also the cityscape, the townscape, the seascape, the everyday and even the degraded landscapes, as well as those highly protected landscapes. (Natural England, 2013) 2.6. The landscape is representation of our cultural and historical heritage linking our past with our present (Land Use Consultants, 2009, 2.1) and we should acknowledge and plan for the dynamic nature of the landscape 2.7. Fundamentally the landscape is “the context for, and consequence of, decision making and provides the spatial framework through which we plan and manage change” (Natural England, 2013)
Figure 1 What is landscape? (Swanwick, 2009, p. 2)
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3. The European Landscape Convention What is the European Landscape Convention? 3.1. With the new LDF is the opportunity to uphold the requirements of the European Landscape Convention which was the first international treaty to focus specifically on landscape in its own right. (Natural England, 2013) Its aim is to raise awareness of the degradation and transformation of our landscapes as well as recognising how landscape is essential to the quality of life for all people. (Council of Europe, 2013, p. 28) 3.2. The ELC was first adopted in Europe on the 20th October 2000, was ratified by the UK government on the 21st November 2006 and came into force in the UK on the 1st March 2007. (Council of Europe, 2013, p. 40)
What are the aims and implications of the European Landscape Convention? 3.3. The main aims of the ELC at a national level is to provide legal recognition of the landscape in law as a reflection of people’s historical and cultural identity, how it important it is to peoples quality of lives and the role it can play in securing sustainable development. Signatorees are also required to implement landscape polcies which protect,manage and plan the landscape. (European Council, 2011, pp. 27-29)
Landscape Policy: An expression by the competent public authorities of general principles, strategies and guidelines that permit the taking of specific measures aimed at the protection, management and planning of landscapes
Landscape Protection: Actions to conserve and maintain the significant or characteristic features of a landscape, justified by its heritage value derived from its natural configuration and/or from human activity,
Landscape Management: Action, from a perspective of sustainable development, to ensure the regular upkeep of a landscape, so as to guide and harmonise changes which are brought about by social, economic and environmental processes,
Landscape Planning: means strong forward-looking action to enhance, restore or create landscapes.
(Council of Europe, 2013, p. 29)
3.4. At the local level, the requirements for the Gondor District would be the:
Consideration all landscapes and not just the best, Identification, Analysis, and Evaluation of the landscape with the active participation of the concerned stakeholders Move to Criteria-Based Policy rather than traditional landscape designations, with local designations being base on the assessment of the landscape Raising awareness of the value, function and transformation of landscape amongst civil society, private organisations and public authorities, Public participation throughout the definition, implementation and monitoring of landscape policies and quality objectives Achieve landscape quality objectives in policy to guide developments to protect and enhance landscape quality. (Council of Europe, 2013, p. 29) (Land Use Consultants, 2009, p. 4) (European Council, 2011, pp. 27-29)
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3.5. Even though the ELC sets out these principle measures they are flexible to allow individual states, such as the UK, to interpret them in the way they feel is most appropriate to achieving their own overall aims. (Land Use Consultants, 2009, 2.2)
4. The Convention at the National Level 4.1. National Planning Policy Framework is the primary route through which the ELC can be implemented national, but the simplified framework has become somewhat ambiguous in matters relating to the ELC. (Shepley, 2012, p. 179) The NPPF was published on 27 March 2012 (RTPI, 2014) with an underlying emphasis on sustainable development. 4.2. New neighbourhood plans give the Gondor District Council a fantastic opportunity to achieve public participation in the policy making process and will help to raise awareness of the importance of landscape across the community. (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, pp. 4-5) Figure 2 The NPPF Document (Department of 4.3. The recognition of landscape character in the NPPF is an Communities and Local Government, 2012) essential part of the ELC landscape definition with the aim to protect, respond to and enhance local character within all planning decisions. (European Council, 2011, p. 17) (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 5)
4.4. The NPPF discusses the use of Landscape Character Assessment and Historical Landscape Character which are well recognised methods for assessing the value and unique qualities of landscapes and gives Gondor the opportunity to apply this to all landscapes. (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 41) This method can be used to create criteria based policies, similar to Landscape Quality Objectives. (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 26) 4.5. Establishing the Green Belt is a pivotal task for the Gondor district to protect the character of our landscapes from adverse development. (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 5) Capacity studies should identify suitable land for development based upon character assessments. 4.6. The designation of landscapes, such as green belt, national parks and AONB remain in the NPPF and additionally there is an emphasis on protecting and enhancing all valued landscapes and the use of criteria-based policies more in line with the ELC. (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 25)
4.7. Green Infrastructure (G.I) is not a part of the ELC, but is an emerging landscape planning initiative encouraged within the NPPF to create, protect, and enhance networks of G.I. G.I is being championed as a tool for achieving sustainable development which is essential to the ELC. (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 26)
5. Agencies 5.1. There is a wealth of information available to Gondor on the appropriate steps to take in developing landscape policy from the agencies. They can provide direct assistance in the policy making process as well as providing an expanse of well-trusted guidance on the best methods for developing landscape policy in line with the ELC.
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5.2. Natural England: NE is a non-governmental public body of the UK government who advises the government on the natural environment as well as being the statutory consultee for planners to ensure that all spatial planning helps to conserve and protect the natural environment. The role of implementing the ELC with in UK policy is being led by Natural England (NE) as chosen by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. (Natural England, 2014)
Figure 3 (Natural England, 2013)
5.3. The Environment Agency: The Environment Agency is a non-governmental Public Body responsible to the DEFRA who aim to protect and improve the environment and contribute to sustainable development through implementation of UK policy (Environment Agency,2014) Figure 6 (Environment Agency, 2014)
5.4. English Heritage: English Heritage is the lead advisory body to the Government for the historic environment and has a statutory role in the planning process. They give advice on the importance of heritage in England and how heritage makes a place distinctive and valued. They can be used to advise local planning authorities on the management of our heritage. (English Heritage, 2014)
Figure 4 (English Heritage, 2014)
5.5. The Landscape Institute: The Landscape Institute are the Royal Chartered Institute for landscape architects. They work alongside the Government to improve the planning, design and management of the landscape. They also encourage the education of landscape through accrediting university courses and providing policy guidance for professionals and the public alike, aiming to train and educate.
Figure 5 (Landscape Institute, 2014)
(Landscape Institute, 2014)
6. Primary Guidance 6.1. The primary guidance when looking to prepare landscape policy is Environmental Quality in Spatial Planning which was put together by the Countryside Agency (now Natural England), English Heritage, English Nature (now Natural England) and the Environment Agency. 6.2. The guidance recommends actions which local authorities should take to “achieve high standards of environmental quality in spatial planning.� Ref. The guidance strongly advocates for local planning authorities to consult with the agencies from the initial phases of plan making to help with understanding and assisting in the actions outlined.
Figure 7 (The Countryside Agency, 2005)
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6.3. The guidance emphasises the requirement that all landscape planning policies are founded upon an ambitious vision and a strong evidence base with a thorough understanding of the landscape which can give a clear picture of the state of the landscape and the demands that the future will have upon it. 6.4. Landscape Character Assessment and Historic Landscape Characterisation are two identified tools which should form the evidence baseline to underpin policies for the District of Gondor to help meets the requirements of the ELC.
7. Landscape Character Assessment Landscape Character Assessment 7.1. The Gondor evidence base must contain a Landscape character assessment (LCA) which has long been a vital tool in the identification, evaluation and understanding of landscapes in England helping us to make judgements which inform decisions. (Swanwick, 2002, p. 8) This well developed and holistic approach to landscape planning has been extensively developed by Natural England leading to the key guidance document, Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland. 7.2. The use of an LCA would identify and assess the features of the Gondor landscape which make it unique and distinctive from another neighbouring area. (Swanwick, 2002, p. 9)This approach goes beyond the NPPF criteria of using LCA for historic landscapes, and considers all landscapes. It also allows us to develop landscape objectives as planning moves towards criteria-based policies, much like the landscape quality objectives of the ELC.
Figure 8 (Swanwick, 2002)
(European Council, 2011, p. 30)
7.3. The guidance outlines the methods of undertaking a successful LCA and how the results can be used to guide and inform landscape policy and management in Gondor. 7.4. LCA can be done across a range of spatial scales, from national to local scales. Natural England has already identified 159 National Character Areas for England giving Gondor a strong starting point for its own LCA. (See Case Study 1)
Figure 9 The Character Map of England (Natural England, 2014)
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8. Historic Landscape Characterisation 8.1. Another approach which would strengthen Gondor’s evidence base is Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC), which has been advocated by English Heritage since 1994. The work is done in line with the ELC to identify the historic attributes of the modern landscape, whereas LCA focuses on the environmental features. (English Heritage, 2004, p. 6) 8.2. The emerging database of information can be integrated into the evidence base with guidance from English Heritage, Using Historic Landscape Characterisation. This source of guidance explains how HLC can be used in local policy making. (English Heritage, 2004, p. 12)
Figure 10 (English Heritage, 2004)
9. Combining Methods 9.1. The best approach would be to use both of these methods within the evidence base as together they cover a broader range of factors which make up our landscapes and will strengthen our understanding of the landscapes we have. 9.2. This need to bring together both aspects has been looked into through a joint guidance document by NE and EH, Topic Paper 5: Understanding Historic Landscape Character which begins to explore the relationship between these two methods. See Case Study 1. Figure 11 (The Countryside Agency, 2003)
Case Study 1
Waveney District Landscape Character Assessment The LCA for the Waveney District is a relevant and useful reference point for Gondor with regards to the methods required to undertake an LCA as well as demonstrating how LCA can be used to develop criteria-based policy Figure 12 National Character Areas for the East of England (Natural England, 2014)
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Case Study 1 The LCA was undertaken to provide “an evidence base to help underpin planning and management policy and decision making in the new LDF” and” future development planning documents” (Waveney Districy Council, 2008, p. 1). This follows the aims of the guidance in Environmental Quality in Spatial Planning.
Figure 14 National Character Areas for Waveney District (Waveney Districy Council, 2008, p. 11)
Figure 13 Historical Landscape Character Map for Waveney District (Waveney Districy Council, 2008, p. 31)
The National Character Area map from Natural England provided the initial basis for the assessment (Fig.11) and in this scenario the Historic Landscape Character Assessment for Suffolk has been used as part of the scoping phase. (Fig.14) This case study demonstrates how different scales of landscape characterisation can be done from National to Local level. The character map (fig.15) shows the different character types “each with a relatively homogenous character with similar physical and cultural attributes.” (Waveney Districy Council, 2008, p. 20)
Figure 15 Waveney Landscape Character Types Map (Waveney Districy Council, 2008, p. 41)
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Each character type has been further divided into character areas (fig.17) which “each have their own distinct and recognisable landscape identity.” (Waveney Districy Council, 2008, p. 20) Each character area is then summerised by outlining the key characteristics to provide a clear understanding of the particular area.
Figure 16 Character Type B: Rural River Valleys (Waveney Districy Council, 2008, p. 57)
Figure 17 Key Characteristics of area B1: Waveney Valley (Waveney Districy Council, 2008, p. 57)
10. Green Infrastructure 6.1 Another emerging landscape tool, which Gondor should use within the evidence base, is Green Infrastructure (G.I) which is encouraged in the NPPF, although not explicit in the ELC. G.I is a network of “natural and semi-natural features, green spaces, rivers and lakes that intersperse and connect villages, towns and cities” (Landscape Institute, 2013, p. 1) to provide a multifunctional resource across a range of spatial scales from neighbourhood level up to a national level. (Natural England, 2009, p. 8) 6.1 The Environmental Quality in Spatial Planning guidance outlines how action should be taken to ensure that plans are connected with the aim of “addressing the economic, social and environmental issues together” (The Countryside Agency, 2005, p. 7). Green Infrastructure has been shown to address these issues, becoming an essential tool for achieving sustainable development in line with both the ELC and the NPPF. 6.1 The use of G.I is strongly advocated by Natural England within spatial planning to maximise the benefits to the environment and has written the Green Infrastructure Guidance, which outlines how GI can to balance the environmental, economic, and social needs. It offers practical information of the process of using GI in the planning process and the range of benefits of GI. Figure 18 (Natural England, 2009)
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6.1 A recent position statement from the Landscape Institute, Green Infrastructure: An Integrated Approach to Land Use recognises the need for G.I to be at the core of planning policy and how G.I can cross administrative boundaries. The guidance offers an in-depth description of how G.I can assist in sustainable development in various situations and how the local or neighbourhood level can contribute to a wider landscape scale strategy. (Landscape Institute, 2013, p. 1)
Figure 19 (Landscape Institute, 2013)
Case Study 2
Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Green Infrastructure Strategy The Green Infrastructure Strategy for Bath and North East Somerset is an exemplary G.I strategy for reference and this up-to-date [2013] example will be used to inform the emerging core strategy for BANES and will be embedded in the local plan. The strategy recognises the wide range of benefits of G.I, with reference to “protecting and enhancing landscape character and heritage features� in line with the ELC. The strategy demonstrates the ways in which Green Infrastructure can help to achieve sustainable development. (Bath and North East Somerset Council, 2013, p. 12)
Figure 20 Green Infrastructure Plan for BANES District (Bath and North East Somerset Council, 2013, p. 68)
Figure 21 A Symbolic guide to the many benefits of Green Infrastructure (Bath and North East Somerset Council, 2013, p. 76)
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Case Study 2 A key feature of this strategy is the use of different spatial scales to achieve a successful G.I network. This has been achieved by taking a cross-boundary approach through the West of England Partnership (fig.22), as well as creating a plan at a district scale (fig.20). This helps in “achieving a consistency in approach” and “to ensure that G.I networks link across administrative boundaries.” (Bath and North East Somerset Council, 2013, p. 14)
Figure 22 The West of England Green Infrastructure Strategy (Bath and North East Somerset Council, 2013, p. 15)
At the neighbourhood scale (fig.20), the strategy can help in the making of neighbourhood plans by identifying key G.I areas for improvement. This level of landscape planning will strengthen local communities understanding of the value of landscape and help to protect, manage and plan their landscapes which build key aims of the ELC. (Bath and North East Somerset Council, 2013, p. 19) The policy emphasises a need for the natural environment to be at the heart of policy making for the benefits to be recognised. The key delivery strategy is that of delivering aims and objectives, similar to LCA which can be embedded in local policies. For more information please refer to:
Bath & North East Somerset Infrastructure Strategy West of England Strategic Green Infrastructure Framework 14
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11. Using Landscape Character Assessment 11.1. The Landscape Character Assessment Guidance is a valuable resource on the ways LCA can be used to form Landscape Policy. Landscape Character Assessment can be used in:
Criteria-Based Policy Influencing Site Planning and Design: Concept Statements Neighbourhood Plans
Development Capacity Studies
12. Criteria Based Policy 12.1. The current policy approach to landscape is through local landscape designations. Research shows that this common practice is often unjustified due to a weak evidence base. (Blandford, 2006, p. 12)Best practice for Gondor would be to develop criteria-based policy as supported in the NPPF and the ELC, which evolves from the robust evidence base of LCA, HLC and a G.I strategy 12.2. To achieve this LCA must go beyond identifying the key characteristics to including guidelines and objectives on how best to protect and manage the landscape with regards to future development. This would require the LCA to be included as a supplementary planning document (See Case Study 3) (Swanwick, 2002, p. 61)
Case Study 3
Waverley District Landscape Character Assessment
Figure 23 The policy guidance for B1: Waveney River Basin (Waveney Districy Council, 2008, p. 61)
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12.3. The best approach for Gondor would be to develop criteria-based policy based around all three of the studies into LCA, HLCA and G.I to create strong landscape policy. This can be achieved by combining all the judgements of landscape quality and sensitivity from the studies to form landscape policy zones by which specific policies are laid out depending on what form of management is necessary. See Case Study 4. 12.4. The use of landscape character assessment does not have to be seen as replacing local landscape designations, but should complement them by using LCA when determining the boundaries of an LLD. (Swanwick, 2002, p. 62) (Blandford, 2006, p. 7)
Case Study 4
Bassetlaw Landscape Policy Zones The Bassetlaw District LDF has used the LCA to group the different areas into policy zones (fig.26) depending on the management strategy required. Each policy zone is then given specific objectives for the appropriate management.
Figure 24 Policy Zone Map for Bassetlaw District (Bassetlaw District Council, 2011)
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Case Study 4 To reinforce these policy zones a specific policy has been made within the Core Strategy outlining the need for proposals to enhance the character of the landscapes as identified in the LCA.
Figure 25 Policy DM9 reinforcing the use of policy zones in development plans. (Bassetlaw District, 2011, p. 64)
13. Concept Statements 13.1. Both the ELC and the NPPF require local authorities to raise awareness and involve the public in the planning and development process. The involvement of local communities is also championed in the primary guidance Environmental Quality in Spatial Planning. 13.2. A tool which can be used in Gondor to achieve this is through Concept Statements (C.S), of which Natural England has provided key guidance with Concept Statements and Local Development Plans.
Figure 26 (The Countryside Agency, 2003)
13.3. The guidance describes C.S as “a simple, clear expression of the kind of place that new development should create�. (The Countryside Agency, 2003, p. 4) These are built upon an understanding of the assets of the site which are valuable to the site which has its roots in landscape character assessment. (The Countryside Agency, 2003, p. 10) They also show how policies and objectives from the LDF can be implemented at the site level and if the LDF is grounded with landscape policy then it will ensure that the landscape is protected, managed and planned at the site level. Concept statements can also work to deliver sustainable development. (The Countryside Agency, 2003, p. 5)
13.4. If Gondor was to adopt this proven planning tool it would help to empower local communities to get involved with the planning process by partaking in the development of concept statements. They could also help to tackle problems of future poor quality, unsustainable development. (The Countryside Agency, 2003, p. 4)
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Case Study 5
Easington Colliery Formal Coal Mine Site: Concept Statement This is an example of a concept statement which has been put together to create a succinct and clear plan for the site with identification of the key assets, development principles and concept map to inform future developers.
Figure 27 Concept Statement from Durham County Council. (Durham County Council, 2010)
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13.5. Concept statements are useful because they are easy to understand, helping to engage the wider community with future developments within their landscape. They also provide a clear brief to developers and local people on the expectations of future developments at the site specific level. (The Countryside Agency, 2003, p. 5) 13.6. To ensure that they receive the correct recognition they should be used to form an Area Action Plan which sets out how the landscape policies from the LDF will be implemented on the ground. This will give it the legal power to ensure developers follow the objectives outlined in the C.S. This should be part of the LDF as a supplementary planning document. (The Countryside Agency, 2003, p. 23)
14. Neighbourhood Plans 14.1. LCA guidance prescribes the use of Village Design Statements to help local people preserve the local character of their village and surrounding areas, but they cannot detail the type and location of development that should take place. (Planning Help, 2014) 14.2. Promising new equivalents are Neighbourhood Plans which have been encouraged through the NPPF. They are similar to the village design statements but give more power to local communities by allowing them to determine the location and quality of future development. (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 15) 14.3. Neighbourhood Plans are a valuable tool for creating a strong vision for the wider neighbourhood upon which site level objectives, like C.S, can be established. This helps to ensure a consistency in the aims and objectives of the community across a wider area. (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 5)
Case Study 5
Old Market Quarter Neighbourhood Plan
Figure 29 creating a vision. (Old Market Community Association, 2013, p. 18)
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Figure 28 Creating strategy’s for the wider area and not just on specific sites. (Old Market Community Association, 2013, p. 23)
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Case Study 5
Figure 30 A holistic approach to planning looking at transport connections across the neighbourhood. (Old Market Community Association, 2013, p. 37)
14.4. Additionally Neighbourhood Plans can look holistically at the wider area focusing on sites for development and the existing built form to establish objectives to improve all aspects of the neighbourhood. 14.5. Again neighbourhood plans must conform to the local plan, so if the LDF is grounded in landscape policy, the protection, management and planning of the landscape should come through at the smaller scales. (Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012, p. 1)
15. Studies of Development Potential 15.1. As explained, there are significant pressures for urban expansion as populations grow for additional housing. New development is going to be needed across the Gondor District and this will be mostly focused on the urban edges. Landscape Character Assessment and the resulting Policy Zones can be used to identify the landscapes capacity for change. (Swanwick, 2002, pp. 65-69)
15.2. The use of landscape capacity studies will be essential for Gondor at this early stage as part of a structure plan which identifies suitable space for development before Green Belt policies prevent any urban expansion. (Swanwick, 2002, pp. 65-69)
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Case Study 6
Basingstoke and Deane Landscape Capacity Study A capacity study was undertaken to identify the capacity of the landscape to accommodate change around the urban fringe. The study was undertaken using Landscape Character Assessment to identify the sensitivity and valueof the landscape as illustrated in fig.31
Figure 31 The assessment process for capacity study (Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, 2010, p. 2)
The study broke the landscape down into indivdual sites and each area was assessed against a criteria to produce a map of landscape capacity as illustrated in fig. 32
Figure 32 Map of sites assessed for their capacity for change (Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, 2010, p. 29)
16. Putting it all together 16.1. The report has outlined a range of options on steps which can be taken to meet the requirements of the ELC and put landscape at the centre of local policy making for Gondor. Please refer back to the report summary for an outline of the appropriate steps to take.
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16.2. The final case study is a brilliant example of up to date local policy which is bringing together many of the policy tools and methods outlined in the report to develop their new LDF in line with the requirements of the ELC. The Tendring District Local Plan is a suitable precedence for the Gondor District Planning Department to refer to when looking to create the new LDF.
Tendring District Council Local Plan
Case Study 7
The draft plan from 2012 favours a mixed approach to landscape which protects designated landscapes, as encouraged by the NPPF, but also shifts a lot of the focus to protecting landscape character, historical character, landscape value and creating a network of green infrastructure. The strength of this local plan comes from establishing a strong evidence base which includes studies into Landscape Character Assessment, Historic Landscape Characterisation and the Green Infrastructure network. These have been used to establish the following criteria based policies:
(Tendring District Council, 2012)
Landscape Character Landscape character is protected in Policy PLA5: The countryside Landscape which outlines the need to protect areas of outstanding natural beauty but to also protect the distinctive local character of the district and where possible to enhance. Any development which is detrimental to the landscape character will not be permitted. (Tendring District Council, 2012, pp. 106-107)
Figure 33 Tendring Landscape Character Map (Tendring District Council, 2001, p. 23)
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Case Study 7 Historic Landscape Characterisation The historic environment has been given its own unique policy in Policy PLA6: The Historic Environment where by the council will work to “understand, protect and enhance the historic environment” and have further specified the use of English Heritage to achieve this aim. Again development is subject to the impact it will have on Historic Character and will be refused if it should cause harm to the identified historic character.
Figure 34 Historical Character Areas of Tendring (Essex Works, 2008, p. 36)
(Tendring District Council, 2012, pp. 108-109)
Green Infrastructure The inclusion of Green Infrastructure has had great influence on the Tendring Local Plan with two policies put in place regarding G.I, as well as recognising the links with other planning policies, such as water conservation and play areas. G.I is also recognised as an important tool to meeting sustainable development.
Figure 35 Green Infrastructure Plan for Tendring District (Tendring District Council, 2009, p. 125)
Policy PEO19: Green Infrastructure supports the need to protect and enhance the exiting green network and local green spaces against development and any development that would jepordise these green assets will not be permitted. Any development will further be considered against the contribution it can make to making the green infrastructure network (Tendring District Council, 2012, p. 90)
Policy PEO22: Green Infrastructure in New Residential Development sets strict rules for any residential development to set aside 10% of the area to public open space, something which is not often achieved in current residential developments. (Tendring District Council, 2012, p. 95)
Landscape Capacity Study Tendring District Council was aware that brownfield sites were dwindling and additional land was required on the urban fringes to allow for future housing developments. (AMEC , 2010, p. 1)
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Case Study 7 As part of the evidence base for the local plan Tendring District Council undertook a two part Landscape Impact Assessment. Part 1 was required to identify the sites with capacity for change using Landscape Character, Historic Environment Character and Green Infrastructure (AMEC , 2010, p. 1)
Figure 36 Example landscape Capacity Study (AMEC, 2009, p. 39)
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Case Study 7 The second part of the LIA assessed the sites which were identified with having low sensitivity to development to “assess the suitability of land for housing development as part of the councils strategic housing land availability assessment� and outlined appropraite mitigation measures to minimise the impact of any future develop, similar to an Enivronmental Impact Assessment. (AMEC , 2010, pp. 2-3)
Figure 37 Mitigation measures plan (AMEC , 2010, p. 19)
Village Design Statements/ Neighbourhood Planning The local plan has outlined that development proposals will be scrutinised not only against the local plan but also against any existing neighbour hood plans and village design statements. (Tendring District Council, 2012, p. 40)
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Summary of Guidance Documents
The European Landscape Convention (European Council) The National Policy Planning Framework (HM Government) Environmental Quality in Spatial Planning (Natural England) Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for England and Scotland (Natural England) Using Historic Landscape Characterisation (Natural England) Topic Paper 5: Understanding Historic Landscape Character (Natural England) Green Infrastructure Guidance (Natural England) Green Infrastructure: An Integrated Approach to Land Use (landscape Institute) Environmental Quality in Spatial Planning (Natural England)
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Local Authority Reference Documents
Waveney District Landscape Character Assessment (Waveney district Council) Bath and North East Somerset Green Infrastructure Strategy (BANES) West of England Green Infrastructure Framework (West of England Partnership) Bassetlaw Landscape Policy Zones (Bassetlaw District Council) Old Market Quarter Neighbourhood Plan (Old Market Community Association) Basingstoke District Landscape Capacity Study (Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council) Tendring District Council Draft Local Plan (Tendring District Council) Tendring District Open Space Strategy (Tendring District Council) Tendring Landscape Impact Assessment (AMEC) Tendring Historic Landscape Characterisation (Tendring District Council) Great Holland Parish Plan and Village design Statement
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Key Websites: Natural England - http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ Landscape Institute - http://www.landscapeinstitute.co.uk/ English Heritage - http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Environment Agency - http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ The European Council - http://www.coe.int.
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20. Cited Works AMEC , 2010. Potential Areas for Development: Landscape Impact Assessment. [Online] Available at: http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/planning/planning%20policy/Land scapeImpactAssessmentStage2.pdf [Accessed 6 February 2014]. AMEC, 2009. Potential Areas for Development: Landscape Impact Assessment Stage 1 Report. [Online] Available at: http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/planning/planning%20policy/Land scapeImpactAssessmentStage1.pdf [Accessed 6 February 2014]. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, 2010. Landscape Capacity Study 2010: Site Options. [Online] Available at: http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/Resources/8/9/%7B895E4968-9638-4153-9F1EFD9C39456A06%7D/Documents/1%20Final%20Landscape%20Capacity%20Study%202010.pdf [Accessed 6 February 2014]. Bassetlaw District Council, 2011. Policy Zones. [Online] Available at: http://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/PDF/Figure%202_%20Policy%20Zones.pdf [Accessed 6 February 2014]. Bassetlaw District, 2011. Core Strategy & Development Management Policies DPD. [Online] Available at: http://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/pdf/Bassetlaw%20Adopted%20Core%20Strategy%20Dec%20201 1.pdf [Accessed 6 February 2014]. Bath and North East Somerset Council, 2013. Green Infrastructure Strategy for Bath and North East Somerset. [Online] Available at: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/default/files/e2389app.1_draft_gi_strategy_0.pdf [Accessed 06 February 2014]. Blandford, C., 2006. Review of Local Landscape Designations. [Online] Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/LLD-review_tcm6-23661.pdf [Accessed 5 February 2014]. Council of Europe, 2013. The European Landscape Convention. [Online] Available at: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/heritage/CEMAT/Presentation_en.pdf [Accessed 3 January 2014]. Department of Communities and Local Government, 2012. National Planning Policy Framework. [Online] Available at: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/knowledge/core-issues/national-planning-policyframework-(nppf)/ [Accessed 3 February 2014]. Durham County Council, 2010. Easginton Colliery Former Coal Mine Site : Concept Statement. [Online] Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/easington-concept-statement_tcm627
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22368.pdf [Accessed 6 February 2014]. English Heritage, 2004. Using Historic Landscape Characterisation. [Online] Available at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/using-historic-landscapecharacterisation/using-historic-landscape-characterisation2004.pdf [Accessed 6 February 2014]. English Heritage, 2014. What English Heritage Does. [Online] Available at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/who-we-are/how-we-are-run/what-wedo/ [Accessed 4 February 2014]. Essex Works, 2008. Tendring District Historic Environment Characterisation Porject. [Online] Available at: http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/planning/planning%20policy/Hist oricEnvironmentCharacterisationReport.pdf [Accessed 6 February 2014]. European Council, 2011. European Landscape Convention. [Online] Available at: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/heritage/landscape/Publications/Convention-TxtRef_en.pdf [Accessed 3 February 2014]. Land Use Consultants, 2009. Guidelines for Implementing the European Landscape Convention Part 1. [Online] Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/ELC-GUIDANCE-PART-1_tcm623584.pdf [Accessed 3 February 2014]. Landscape Institute, 2013. Green Infrastructure: An integrated approach to land use. [Online] [Accessed 4 February 2014]. Landscape Institute, 2014. About the Landscape Institute. [Online] Available at: http://www.landscapeinstitute.co.uk/about/ [Accessed 4 February 2014]. Natural England, 2009. Green Infrastructure Guidance. [Online] Available at: publications.naturalengland.org.uk/file/94026‎ [Accessed 2 February 2014]. Natural England, 2013. European Landscape Convention. [Online] Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/landscape/protection/europeanconvention/ [Accessed 3 January 2014]. Natural England, 2014. East of England National Character Area Map. [Online] Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/eastofengland.aspx [Accessed 2 February 2014]. Natural England, 2014. What We Do. [Online] Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/about_us/whatwedo/default.aspx [Accessed 4 February 2014].
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Old Market Community Association, 2013. Old Market Quarter Neighbourhood Development Plan. [Online] [Accessed 6 February 2014]. Planning Help, 2014. Village Design Statements. [Online] Available at: http://www.planninghelp.org.uk/improve-where-you-live/shape-your-localarea/village-design-statements [Accessed 6 February 2014]. RTPI, 2014. National PLanning Policy Framework (NPPF). [Online] Available at: http://www.rtpi.org.uk/knowledge/core-issues/national-planning-policyframework-(nppf)/ [Accessed 3 February 2014]. Shepley, C., 2012. As Usual, We'll Make it Work. Town and Country Planning, 81(4), pp. 176-180. Swanwick, C., 2002. Landscape Character Assessment: Guidance for England and Scotland. [Online] Available at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/2671754?category=31019 [Accessed 2 February 2014]. Swanwick, C., 2009. Societies Attitudes to and preferences for Land and Landscape. Land Use Policy, Volume 26S, pp. S62-S75. Tendring District Council, 2001. Landscape Character Assessment. [Online] Available at: www.tendringdc.gov.uk/.../LandscapeCharacterAssessment2001Vol1.pdf‎ [Accessed 2 February 2014]. Tendring District Council, 2009. Tendring Open Spaces Strategy. [Online] Available at: www.tendringdc.gov.uk/.../LandscapeCharacterAssessment2001Vol1.pdf‎ [Accessed 3 February 2014]. Tendring District Council, 2012. Tendring District Local Plan Proposed Submission Draft. [Online] Available at: http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/planning/local-plans-and-policies/view-our-localplan [Accessed 2 February 2014]. The Countryside Agency, 2003. Concept Statements and Local Development Documents. [Online] Available at: http://www.plancoop.co.uk/1pdfs/Concept%20Statements.pdf [Accessed 6 February 2014]. The Countryside Agency, 2003. Topic Paper 5: Understanding Historic Landscape Character. [Online] Available at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/lcatopicpaper5_tcm6-8176.pdf [Accessed 4 February 2014]. The Countryside Agency, 2005. Environmental Quality in Spatial Planning. [Online] Available at: http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/static/documents/Research/envqualityplansupp_1351829.pdf [Accessed 3 February 2014]. Waveney Districy Council, 2008. Waveney District Landscape Character Assessment. [Online] Available at: http://www.waveney.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?downloadID=123 [Accessed 2 February 2014].
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