Landscape Planning in the National Park Policy and decision making Landscape Character Assessment Historic Landscape Character Assessment Landscape Sensitivity Green Infrastructure
The purposes and duty of the National Park Purpose 1 To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area. Duty To seek to foster the social and economic well-being of the local communities within the National Park in pursuit of our purposes. Purpose 2 To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public. Sandford Principle: When there is conflict between the two purposes, the Authority shall attach greater weight to the purpose of conserving. Environment Act 1995
Considerations in National Parks National Planning Policy National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) specifically paragraphs 115-116 English National Parks and the Broads - UK Government Vision and Circular 2010 (DEFRA)
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Para.115: great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks which (together with AONBs and the Broads) have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty Para.116: Planning permission should be refused for major development in these designated areas except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated they are in the public interest.
How is this high level policy translated into decision making? Local Plan Policy 1. Countryside and outside settlement policy boundaries, Overall restrictions on types of development in the countryside Usually contains reference to enhancing/ not harming landscape character. 2. Within Settlement policy boundaries housing and economic policies normally refer to the need for good design, enhancing local distinctiveness, reflect settlement characteristics in terms of scale, form, and layout. Both policy structures need evidence/guidance to support decision making
The following documents are normally referenced as evidence for decisions at the application stage & then in more detail for an appeal; South Downs Integrated Landscape Character Assessment Other LCA at all levels from National through to Local assessments; Village Design Statements & Parish Plans where they exist; Local Planning guidance documents (Supplementary Planning Documents including site briefs and design guidance etc). The main evidence base for landscape is the South Downs Integrated Landscape Assessment which is generally given good weight in decision making, particularly by Inspectors at appeal.
Some myth busting by Planning Inspectors.
Myth 1. If you can t see it then there are no impacts ; The fact that the site is reasonably well screened, however, does not mean that development is not capable of causing harm to the landscape of the National Park. The site itself is part of that landscape. One of the statutory purposes of the National Park is the need to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area. This applies to all land within the South Downs National Park. Inspector Jennifer Tempest 29th January 2013 (APP/Y9507/A/12/2180369) Tywford Poultry Farm, Hare Lane, Twyford, Winchester SO21 1FR Appeal Dismissed
Myth 2. Sites within settlements don t affect the National Park Although I agree that the scheme would not have a significant impact on the wider landscape.. I find that in the context of the appeal site it would constitute over development and would fail to respond to the opportunities to improve the character and quality of the village. I consider that the potential benefits of the new housing proposed would be insufficient to outweigh the lasting and significant damage wreaked by this particular housing scheme. Inspector David Cullingford, 22 July 2013 (APP/Y9507/A/13/2190512) Inwood road, Liss, Appeal Dismissed
Burlands Field, Selborne Burlands Field, Selborne, Proposal for 30 houses, refused planning permission by SDNPA, the Public Inquiry is next week. The development (of 30 houses) would cause very limited changes to the landscape This is the site
Burlands Field, Selborne On completion of the development the landscape will not be fundamentally altered. Houses, green space and development are typical of this area within the National Park.
Myth 3. Development is acceptable if it does not result in substantive harm to the National Park The actual test in the NPPF is to conserve and enhance which is a higher standard
Myth 4. Screening planting is essential and desirable for all developments Screening planting can often be part of the problem. Planting which is inconsistent with surrounding landscape character can truncate views and affect how the landscape is percieved by making it more remote. This is particularly noticeable when planting is associated with artificial bunding. Inappropriate nonnative species of planting exacerbates this problem. If the development needs screening then questions should be asked whether it is in the right place, or of a suitable design.