Landscape character and design

Landscape and Design Supplementary Planning Document

The Landscape Character and Design SPD aims:

  • To protect and enhance the character, appearance and features important in the landscape.
  • To provide detailed guidance on landscape issues to be considered as part of any proposal
  • To illustrate and encourage good practice
  • To help developers in their submission of planning applications.

The Supplementary Planning Document is divided into topic areas, with specific issues, it is unlikely that all of the issues will apply to all development sites. Local Plan policies that are relevant to landscape and design are found throughout the Local Plan.

“Supplementary planning documents (SPDs) should build upon and provide more detailed advice or guidance on policies in an adopted local plan. As they do not form part of the development plan, they cannot introduce new planning policies into the development plan. But they are a material consideration in decision-making.

The Supplementary Planning Document presents background information for design issues related to landscape character. It provides an important reference point for developers on design standards, ensuring that future development protects or enhances the character and local distinctiveness of the landscape.

The key sections are:

Planning standards

  • Legislation and Planning Policy
  • Landscape Character
  • Bio-diversity
  • Landscape Designations
  • Protected Trees
  • Hedgerows and the Hedgerow Regulations

Landscape Design standards

  • Landscape Design and Development Sites
  • Landscape and Visual Impact assessment
  • Development Sites with Trees
  • Boundaries including Walls, Hedges and Fences
  • Domestic Curtilages

Planting standards

  • Planting

Related Documents

Please download a copy of Landscape Character and Design Supplementary Planning Document (Adopted September 2018)

Please download a copy of the Landscape Character and Design Adoption Statement September 2018

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