About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:
Policy background
- Relevant national policy or regulations
- National or regional trends
- Local situation and needs/li>
- How we have dealt with this issue in the past
- The thinking behind the policy
Policy options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest a variety of approaches:
- Keeping existing policy as it is
- Making small changes
- Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Policy option analysis
- A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.
Read the Natural Environment Topic Paper, for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.
Explore the policy
Select a section below to read more.
9.217 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local authorities to take a criteria-based approach to protecting the landscape. This approach requires an understanding of landscape character that is valued and an understanding of the significance of landscapes and their components rather than just carrying out a crude check whether the landscape is designated or not. The established process of landscape character assessment is the key tool for guiding decisions.
Policy NE2 and sub-policies NE2A and NE2B
9.218 There are three policies in the Placemaking Plan which cover the approach to this landscape protection: Policies NE2, NE2A and NE2B.
9.219 Policy NE2 seeks to protect, conserve and enhance the character and quality of the landscape of the District. The current policy remains fit for purpose: it accords with national policy and local strategies, and was recently tested at the LPPU Public Examination. However, changes could be incorporated to ensure the policy has clear links to wider natural environment policy, including reference to non-designated landscapes.
9.220 Policy NE2A aims to protect, conserve and enhance the landscape setting of settlements. The current policy remains fit for purpose and appears effective in use: it accords with national and local strategies. The policy seeks to ensure that only development which conserves and enhances the landscape setting of a settlement takes place, and that development which would adversely affect the setting is not permitted. The currently defined landscape setting boundaries of individual settlements are well used by Development Management in determining planning applications, and are also considered to be effective and justified. However, through this consultation there is an opportunity to identify whether the boundaries of any existing landscape settings on the policies map below should be amended.
Landscape setting of settlements (Policy NE2)
9.221 Policy NE2B provides specific control over the enlargement of residential curtilages (extension of residential gardens in the countryside). Such enlargement can, depending on the circumstances, have a detrimental effect on the special landscape qualities and character of the area and lead to 'suburbanisation' of the countryside. The current policy remains fit for purpose: it accords with national and local strategies. The policy is therefore, included in the policies listed in Appendix 1: Policies to be retained without any changes.
Question 1: Policy NE2
Do you think it is appropriate to retain this policy, with slight amendments, to include reference to non-designated landscapes? Please give your reasons.
Question 2: Policy NE2A and map
Do you think all of the current settlement settings and boundaries on the map are justified and effective? If not, would you change any existing settings, or identify and add new ones? Please give your reasons.
Question 1: Policy NE2B
Do you agree that we can retain this policy without any changes? Please give your reasons.