Medway Council has appointed LUC to update the 2011 Medway Landscape Character Assessment. The update will ensure that the assessment is in accordance with current legislation, policy and guidance, including the ‘Approach to Landscape Character Assessment’ (2014, Natural England). 

The updated assessment will: 

• Offer a greater level of detail in the classification reflecting the diversity of the Medway landscape; 
• Provide a clear understanding of landscape values and sensitivities of each character area at the strategic level. This will provide information to help in future decision-making and a framework for any subsequent local landscape sensitivity assessments. 
• Integrate with the recently updated Kent Downs AONB Landscape Character Assessment (2023) and the Seascape Character Assessment for the South East Inshore Marine Plan Area (2018); 
• Align with the ambitions of the 25-year Environment Plan and objectives for landscape enhancement and nature recovery networks.

By August 2023, LUC aims to provide a strategic overarching landscape evidence base to assist in informing policy and in managing future change and development, particularly in meeting housing needs. 

LUC has extensive experience in undertaking Landscape Character Assessments and Landscape Sensitivity Assessments, especially in Kent landscape. Recent work in the Kent region includes a Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal for Canterbury District, a Landscape Character Assessment for Dover District, and a Local Landscape Designations Review for the neighbouring Swale District.  

Learn more about Landscape Planning & Assessment at LUC.