LUC is delighted to be working with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to produce a Landscape Character and Sensitivity Assessment for the ten constituent local authority areas.

This project will provide landscape evidence to underpin the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, aiming to target the right development to the right places, while also protecting and enhancing the natural environment and the important ecosystem services that it provides.

Our experienced landscape planners will be working alongside the ten Greater Manchester local authorities to define, describe and map a classification of Landscape Character Types (LCTs). For each LCT we will also undertake assessments of landscape sensitivity and landscape quality to help guide appropriately sited new development. This work will result in a complete and consistent coverage of strategic landscape evidence across Greater Manchester, nesting above available local studies such as our ongoing Landscape Character Assessment for Stockport Metropolitan Borough.  We are looking forward to working with GMCA again following our Green Belt Assessment work that was completed in 2016.

LUC has been at the forefront of the approach and application of LCA since its inception in the 1990s, preparing the original national guidance for England and Scotland (2002). We also updated the guidance on behalf of Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and Scottish Natural Heritage – the basis for the 2014 approach document published by Natural England. LUC has also undertaken numerous Landscape Sensitivity Assessments including the Plymouth integrated Landscape/Seascape Character and Sensitivity Assessment, which was Highly Commended at the 2017 Landscape Institute Awards.

For more information on our Landscape Character Assessment and Sensitivity Assessment work, please visit our Landscape Planning & Assessment service page.