LUC was asked to draw together and complete the landscape character assessment for Northumberland, alongside preparing a landscape strategy and a sensitivity study for key land uses.
Our landscape character assessment, landscape strategy, key land use sensitivity study and recommended areas for protection will serve as the evidence base underpinning policy, the new Local Development Framework, and decision-making for all projects and proposals which may potentially affect the landscapes and seascapes of Northumberland.
The work provides guidance to manage change within the landscape, as well as to help steer development proposals to the least sensitive areas. It will help safeguard those landscapes which are special to Northumberland as well as enhance those which may offer scope for positive change. We also include guidance on approaches to dealing with climate change, and cover measures which humankind is implementing to mitigate and respond to the challenges this faces us with.
LUC is proactive in developing methodologies to rise to the challenge of preparing wide scale landscape strategies such as demanded by this project. Our understanding of the requirements of the end product, as well as the varied demands of the users of the work, be they land owners or managers, developers, tenants, the local authority, or statutory bodies, assists us in preparing focussed and useful documents, recommendations and guidance. This is reinforced by our experience in working on projects from strategic planning stages such as this, through to working with developers on detailed proposals and implementation at a local scale.
The project is ongoing, and to date we have enjoyed the challenge of this exciting and large-scale piece of work, as well as the knowledge that it will help shape the landscape of Northumberland for many years to come.
The client is very pleased with what we have achieved so far: "The work that LUC is doing in Northumberland will be pivotal in developing our Core Strategy Issues and Options. As well as filling the gaps in our landscape character coverage, the emerging reports are feeding vital information on landscape sensitivities into the process. These will guide us in setting options on how settlements can expand; on where to draw the Green Belt extension; and on how to prioritise areas for future mineral extraction, waste management and renewable energy generation. Throughout the project, we have found LUC helpful, professional and easy to work with." (Jonathan Nicholson, Northumberland County Council)
