Landscape Character Assessment

LUC is one of the premier practices developing and undertaking landscape character assessment in the UK. The practice is at the forefront of developing new approaches to landscape character assessment and piloting new methods and applications.

Our conceptual understanding is informed by and has evolved through extensive experience in the practical application of assessment techniques.

Development of characterisation techniques

LUC has been instrumental in using the technique of landscape character assessment, which provided the foundations for the first Countryside Commission guidance on the subject. We also played a leading role in developing;

• the Countryside Character Initiative through our work on the pilot study for the South West of England: ‘New Map of England ’ - developing the methodology that was subsequently adopted at national level.
• the Landscape Character Assessment Guidance for the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) and Scottish Natural Heritage.

LUC is also at the forefront in developing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in landscape character assessment and are joint authors of Topic Paper 4: 'Use of Geographic Information Systems and other Computer Methods'. Published by The Countryside Agency (now Natural England) and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Preparation of landscape character assessment

LUC’s extensive experience has included a wide range of landscape types across the UK and Europe, from remote upland areas, to settled landscapes and agricultural lowlands. We have also undertaken innovative work to apply the principals of landscape character assessment to urban areas and to the seascape. Methods are tailored to the regional, county, district or local level and developed within a logical and consistent hierarchy of landscape types.

Application

Characterisation can be used to make judgements about landscape character which will inform particular decisions. We have knowledge of the range of evaluative techniques including ‘Quality of Life Capital’.

Our experience encompasses a wide range of practical applications, including:

• Landscape guidelines
• Design guidelines
• Designation of landscapes of special value
• Development plan policies
• Studies of development potential
• Understanding sensitivity / potential for new land uses, e.g. woodland expansion or wind energy development
• Devising and targeting agri-environment schemes
• Informing the restoration and creation of new landscapes

A hallmark of LUC’s work in landscape character assessment is our multidisciplinary and integrated approach involving specialists in landscape design and management, ecologists and environmental planners. We frequently work in partnership with archaeologists and specialists in facilitating community involvement.