KHAIRUL HISYAM KAMARUDIN, PHD Lecturer/Researcher in Planning (Rural Development & Sustainable Tourism) UTM Razak School of Engineering & Advanced Technology UTM Kuala Lumpur http://khairulhkamarudin.wordpress.com Head Geo-Sustainability Research Cluster UTM-High Impact Research on Royal Belum (TRANSROYAL) http://royalbelumconference2014.wordpress.com Central Committee Member Malaysian Chapter Rural Research & Planning Group (RRPG) http://rrpg.org
Landscape character assessments (LCAs) Source: https://www.gov.uk/landscape-and-seascape-character-assessments Landscape character assessment (LCA) is the process of identifying and describing variation in character of the landscape. LCA documents identify and explain the unique combination of elements and features that make landscapes distinctive by mapping and describing character types and areas. They also show how the landscape is perceived, experienced and valued by people.
Landscape assessment context of sustainable development The need to incorporate landscape considerations into decision-making is not new, but has grown in importance as the emphasis on sustainable development has increased. The Government s Sustainable Development Strategy, sets out the following definition of sustainable development: social progress that recognises the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment; prudent use of natural resources; and maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.
Landscape Character Assessment is a tool which can make a significant contribution to the objectives that relate to environmental protection and prudent resource use as cornerstones of sustainable development. In particular, Landscape Character Assessment can help in processes which: identify what environmental and cultural features are present in a locality; monitor change in the environment; understand a location s sensitivity to development and change; inform the conditions for any development and change.
Who should prepare LCAs LCAs can be done at any scale and prepared by: 1. local councils 2. planning departments 3. community groups 4. consultants 5. developers 6. private practices 7. land owners Source: https://www.gov.uk/landscape-and-seascape-character-assessments
What LCAs are used for planning policies and decisions sensitivity and capacity studies land management plans landscape and visual impact assessments local council studies minerals planning place making green infrastructure agri-environment schemes forest and woodland strategies waterways strategies renewable energy national park management plans LCAs are also useful for monitoring change across the landscape.
Figure 2.1: Landscape character areas and types rarely conform to administrative boundaries Source
What to include Capture the characteristics of the landscape including: 1. topographic features 2. flora and fauna 3. land use 4. sights, sounds, touch and smells 5. cultural associations, history and memories The completed LCA will be a document detailing the character of the landscape and an annotated map showing the character areas or types. You can also include photos, diagrams and survey results.
KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE CURRENT APPROACH Four key principles are central to the understanding and appropriate use of Landscape Character Assessment: 1. the emphasis placed on landscape character; 2. the division between the process of characterisation and the making of judgements to inform decisions; 3. the roles for both objectivity and subjectivity in the process; 4. the potential for application at different scales.
How to carry out an LCA 1. Define the purpose and scope of your LCA, e.g the area it will cover, its scale, level of detail and resources available to carry out the work (TOR). 2. Conduct a desk study collect, review and analyse data and documentation and speak to stakeholders involved with the landscape. 3. Conduct a field survey test, refine and add to the outputs from the desk study, capturing aesthetic, perceptual and experiential qualities of the landscape. 4. Classify, map and describe the landscape s character areas, types and characteristics including geological, other physical and socio-cultural influences.
DESK STUDY Map overlays from Sefton Landscape Assessment
Using old LCAs There may be an existing LCA for your area of interest. You can use, or update, an existing LCA but bear in mind its original purpose, age, scale and how much has changed since it was written. For example, a 10-year-old LCA for a small housing development would not be appropriate to inform a local council s tourism strategy. Record keeping Keep all the work that informed your LCA for future reference and make sure it s easily accessible. Older LCAs can remain useful for monitoring change in the landscape.