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Environmental Management

 

 

 

 

 

Landscape and Visual Impact (Operational Phase)

 

Planning Considerations

Obviously, the physical location of commercially viable minerals is the first criterion for site selection. That has to be the basis for the other criteria used in identifying Areas of Search and Preferred Areas in development plans.

Historically, landscape quality designations have been the basis of the "first sieve" - sieving-out (where possible) the national designations of AONBs and National Parks; and then the local landscape designations (eg. AGLV, AAL). However, PPS7 L0254 recognises that essential minerals may be found in areas subject to national or local designation, in which case they may still be worked subject to stringent controls. It is problematic when, for example, different districts within a county take different approaches to such local designations. Where an MPA's policy states a presumption against mineral extraction in a locally designated area, a district that is substantially covered with AGLVs or similar, will by default shift the emphasis of mineral extraction into neighbouring districts, which may not be in the best interests of the landscape as a whole.

The national guidance on landscape character as the basis for policy (discussed in a separate section), is seeking to avoid such problems to ensure that development is located where it can be accommodated within the landscape. Location selection therefore relies on landscape character assessment, looking at topography, vegetation cover, land use, maturity and diversity, historic/cultural associations and visibility, in order to locate development most appropriately.

EU Framework

The European Landscape Convention (ELC) is the first international convention to focus specifically on landscape, and became binding from March. It highlights the need to develop policies dedicated to the protection, management and planning of landscape. A Framework for Implementation has been drawn up by Defra, Natural England and English Heritage.

UK Planning Framework

A full description of the planning system as it relates to minerals development is given elsewhere in this website. A brief summary of the main elements concerning landscape and visual impact is given here.

PPS1

PPS1 L0253 gives a strategic commentary on planning policy. Sustainable development is a cornerstone of rural and planning policies. This is interpreted as meaning that the countryside should be managed in ways that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The guidance goes on to state that development should respect and where possible enhance the environment. Annex A on the handling of design issues states;

"Policies should be based on a proper assessment of the character of the surrounding built and natural environment, and should take account of the defining characteristics of each local area."

PPS7

Most mineral extraction takes place in rural areas. Mineral resources can only be worked where they naturally occur and are accessible, and local planning authorities should make appropriate provision in their development plans. Careful planning and control of mineral extraction is needed to avoid causing undue disruption to the environment or character of rural areas. Proper restoration and aftercare of mineral sites can ensure that land is returned to a beneficial condition and, in certain circumstances, provide positive gains for conservation or recreation. PPS7 L0254 provides government guidance on achieving good quality development and respecting local character in rural areas. Table 4 is an extract outlining the responsibilities of the MPAs in terms of countryside protection.

Table 4. An Extract from PPS7 outlining MPA responsibilities.
  1. Planning policies should provide a positive framework for facilitating sustainable development that supports traditional land-based activities and makes the most of new leisure and recreational opportunities that require a countryside location. Planning authorities should continue to ensure that the quality and character of the wider countryside is protected and, where possible, enhanced. They should have particular regard to any areas that have been statutorily designated for their landscape, wildlife or historic qualities where greater priority should be given to restraint of potentially damaging development
  2. When preparing policies for LDDs and determining planning applications for development in the countryside, local planning authorities should:
    1. support development that delivers diverse and sustainable farming enterprises;
    2. support other countryside-based enterprises and activities which contribute to rural economies, and/or promote recreation in and the enjoyment of the countryside;
    3. take account of the need to protect natural resources;
    4. provide for the sensitive exploitation of renewable energy sources in accordance with the policies set out in PPS22; and
    5. conserve specific features and sites of landscape, wildlife and historic or architectural value, in accordance with statutory designations.

 

MPS1 and the National and Regional Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England 2005-2020

These two documents L0216 L0370 provide guidance on how to ensure that the construction industry receives an adequate supply of material at the best balance of social, environmental and economic cost, whilst ensuring that extraction and development are consistent with the principles of sustainable development. It states, for example, that MPAs should bear in mind the opportunities for habitat creation and enhancement even where nature conservation may not be the primary end use for a site.

Landscape is listed as one of the material considerations that must be considered when determining planning applications.

Development plans

The majority of development plans contain countryside policies that relate directly to landscape designation and landscape character. In many areas, the county/district Landscape effects has status as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Policies that need to be considered in relation to the sensitivity of the local area and therefore the likely significance of potential landscape and Visual effects include those that cover the aspects in Table 5.

Table 5. Aspects of landscape that are likely to have policies associated with them.
Landscape Designation (National Park, AONB, local designation).
Landscape Character.
Conservation Area / Listed Building / Tree Preservation Orders.
Historic Parks and Gardens.
Protection of important trees, woodlands, hedgerows (e.g. ancient woodland, implementation of Hedgerow Regulations).
Public Rights of Way (National Trails, long distance paths, footpaths, bridleways etc).

 

Continued with Landscape Character Assessment TOP Return to Introduction

 

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