Policy ENV1: Landscape

Policy ENV1:  Landscape

Development will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated, through a suitable assessment, that the proposals are sympathetic to the character and visual quality of the area concerned. Development proposals must respect, enhance and not be detrimental to the character or visual amenity of the landscape likely to be affected, paying particular regard to:

1. The particular qualities identified within the council’s landscape character assessment and any subsequent updates or relevant guidance;
2. The visual amenity and scenic quality;
3. The setting of a settlement, including important views to, across, within and out of settlements;
4. The local character of buildings and settlements, including important open areas;
5. Trees, ancient woodland, hedgerows, water features such as rivers and other landscape features and their function as ecological networks;
6. Intrinsically dark landscapes;
7. Historic landscapes, parks and gardens and features; and
8. The character of the borough’s rivers and tributaries, including the River Loddon, Test, and Enborne which should be safeguarded.

Development proposals must also respect the sense of place, sense of tranquillity or remoteness, and the quiet enjoyment of the landscape from public rights of way. Development proposals will not be accepted unless they maintain the integrity of existing settlements and prevent their coalescence. Development proposals also need to take account of, but not be limited to, identified features in Neighbourhood Plans, such as views and important open areas.

Where appropriate, proposals will be required to include a comprehensive landscaping scheme to ensure that the development would successfully integrate with the landscape and surroundings. The assessment of character and visual quality and the provision of a landscaping scheme should be proportionate to the scale and nature of the development proposed.

Designation of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape reflects the national importance of that landscape and its setting. Development proposals in the National Landscape or its setting will also be determined in accordance with national planning policy and criteria set out in the North Wessex Downs Management Plan and associated documents, such as position statements.

Landscapes of particularly high value outside of the National Landscape are identified as Valued Landscapes on the Policies map. Development proposals will only be permitted in these areas where they protect and enhance features that contribute to the character, quality and interpretation of these landscapes.

Valued Landscapes are shown on the Policies Maps and are:

• Ecchinswell Lowland and Wolverton Lowland;
• Pamber Forests and Heaths;
• Loddon Floodplain;
• Test Valley;
• Ellisfield Valleys, and Candover Valley Floor and Lower Valley Sides.