Making the most of LCA

Landscape character assessments can help planners and policy makers assess the potential threats to the countryside.

It takes us beyond the boundaries of specially designated areas to appreciate the wider countryside, the countryside that is often valued most by local people.

Generally, landscape character work should be used to influence particular processes or decisions.

Key areas to influence

Land management
Use your findings to make a case to your local authority for the preparation of a local landscape strategy or character assessment

Feed ideas to your regional Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs office

Highlight any recommendations for new woodland or better woodland management to the Forestry Commission

Land use planning
Use your findings to include or improve policies on protecting local landscape character in the local development framework. Ensure that any local landscape assessment is adopted as a supplementary planning document or area action plan in the framework

• Use your work to get local authority support for preparing village design or countryside design statements
• Use your evidence at planning meetings, inquiries or other events to challenge inappropriate development