Landscape Character Assessment and the Neighbourhood Planning Process
Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is an important process used to identify elements and features that make a landscape distinct. An LCA document maps and describes different identifiable landscape types, whilst also considering how a landscape is perceived, experienced, and valued.
Assessments can vary in scale from National Character Area documents to regional or county level studies, with more detailed reports also compiled to provide an in-depth appraisal at a local scale.
A typical report will include a combination of desktop analysis and fieldwork observations to profile key landscape characteristics including:
- Topography
- Land use
- Flora and Fauna
- Cultural and historic associations
- Settlement pattern
- Key views
LCAs are often commissioned as part of wider strategic planning work such as the development of Local Plans or Sensitivity and Capacity Studies. In recent years, following increased recognition of Neighbourhood Plans within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Wynne-Williams Associates have produced local LCAs for various parish councils. Our assessments have played an important part in outlining valuable landscape characteristics that need to be protected and enhanced, whilst also identifying opportunities for future sustainable development.
Funding and advice is now readily available to support parish councils and community groups looking to create a Neighbourhood Plan. Interested parties can apply for up to £10,000 as a basic government grant, with some eligible to an additional £8,000. Click here to find out more.
We are happy to discuss any potential LCA projects, please contact us here.