Conserving and Enhancing the Landscape and Landscape Character
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.
Placemaking Plan Policy NE2 seeks to protect, conserve and enhance the character and quality of the landscape of the district and within new developments.
The purpose of Policy NE2A is to protect, conserve and enhance the landscape setting of settlements.
Introduction of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA), Section 245 (Protected Landscapes) and the updated NPPF (Dec 2024) since the previous Options consultation require Policy NE2 to be updated to ensure alignment with national policy. In addition, the policy will benefit from providing clear links with Policy NE2A (Landscape Setting of Settlements) and wider natural environment policy as well as clarifying approaches to both designated (protected) and non-designated landscapes. With proposed updates, the policy remains fit for purpose.
Update to existing policy NE2 – Proposed Options
| No | Options | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 1 | Retain policy NE2 with amendments to align with national policy, reference approach to non-designated landscapes, and link with wider natural environment policy. | Adopted policy tested recently at LPPU examination. | None identified. |
Whilst Policy NE2A remains fit for purpose overall and appears effective in use, since the previous Options consultation, work has progressed on a review of the policy. An option is proposed to update the wording of NE2A to strengthen the policy. These amendments would make it a requirement for development proposals within or affecting the mapped Landscape Setting Areas of included settlements to demonstrate how it will conserve and enhance the positive contributions which the Landscape Setting Area and its identified components make to their distinctive character, identity, and sense of place. Additionally, development must seek to conserve identified views to and from landmarks or areas.
Alongside this, work has progressed on a review of the evidence base of NE2A, including the Landscape Setting Areas assessment methodology. The purpose of this review is to improve clarity and better reflect current guidance and local strategies, and incorporate recommendations from a review relating to the landscape setting of Saltford. The review includes the addition of a landscape setting for six new settlements (See appendix X):
- Chew Magna
- Chew Stoke
- Corston
- Farmborough
- Freshford
- Pensford
In addition, a review of the Saltford Landscape Setting Area has been undertaken, which was previously assessed in 2015. The supporting evidence which has informed this review can be found on the council’s website.
As such, the council presents options to retain or strengthen Policy NE2A and to include the Landscape Setting Area amendments to reflect the Saltford review and defined setting for the six new settlements added.
A process of reviewing some of the landscape settings of existing settlements in line with the revised methodology is anticipated in preparation of the Draft Local Plan.
The revised methodology for assessing Landscape Setting Areas can be viewed on the council’s website.
Update to existing policy NE2A – Proposed Options
| No | Options | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 1 | Retain policy NE2A as written with amendments to reflect review and defined setting for new settlements added. | Adopted policy is well used by Development Management in determining planning applications. | None identified. |
| 2 | Revised policy wording for NE2A with amendments to strengthen the policy as set out in para 9.113 above and the defined setting for new settlements added. | Adopted policy is well used by Development Management in determining planning applications. |