Comment

Representation ID: 1444

Received: 08/07/2008

We recognise Landscape Protection was omitted from Issues & Options consultation.
We are concerned that Landscape Protection has not been captured in the objectives. We would advise this is addressed & that any objectives & policies regarding landscape as set in the 2004 Local Plan are clearly included with the objectives.
Natural England advises that the policy itself needs to be within the Core Strategy & not within Supplementary Development Plans or other Development Plan Documents.
In helping to bring about development which is sensitive to its landscape context. Natural England strongly advocates the use of Landscape Character Assessment. LCA provides a sound base for guiding, informing & understanding the ability of any location to accommodate change, & make positive proposals for conserving character, enhancing or regenerating it as detailed proposals are developed. A fundamental part of sustainable development is the need to incorporate landscape considerations into decision-making & LCA is a powerful tool which can make significant contributions to achievement of sustainable development objectives, recognised by the Governments Rural White Paper as well as PPS1 & 7 & PPG15.
Countryside Character Areas for England have been mapped to produce the 'Countryside Character' series of volumes. Information regarding the Character Area within which the proposal site lies is contained in volume 7 (South East & London) (publication ref:CA13). Descriptions are also available from www.naturalengland.org.uk under our landscape pages.
Guidance on the LCA is also available - 'LCA:Guidance for England & Scotland' April 2002 (publication ref:CAX84)
LCAs,Countryside Design Summaries, Concept statements, Village Design Statements, Town Design Statements are becoming increasingly common & can provide useful insights into how development can affect the character of these areas. They also provide info.on what types of development are most likely to be acceptable, & how design & materials are used. Further info. re these tools & techniques from the positive planning pages of http://www.naturalengland.org.uk./