Overview of Planning & Development in the National Landscape
How does the National Landscape Partnership deal with planning and development consultations?
Who is the statutory consultee for landscape?
Overview
The fundamental principle underlying planning and development management in National Landscapes is that any new development within the National Landscape that has a materially adverse impact can only proceed where it is demonstrated that it satisfies an over-riding national need. All development is expected to conform to a very high standard of design, to be in keeping with local landscape character and should seek to conserve and enhance the National Landscape’s natural beauty.
Within Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) there is a duty on all relevant authorities to have regard to this purpose in exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect land in, National Landscapes. Sections 88 & 89 of the Act state that each local authority and Conservation Board shall prepare and publish a Management Plan for their National Landscape, which should then be reviewed at intervals of no more than 5 years. Management Plans are adopted statutory policy of the local authority.
The Government has confirmed that the landscape qualities of National Landscapes and National Parks are equivalent, so the protection given by the land use planning system to natural beauty in both types of area should also be equivalent. The National Landscape designation is also of international importance, recognised as a Category V Protected Landscape by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
A local planning authority has a duty to have regard to the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty. This is achieved through partnership with National Landscapes and by reference to their Management Plans as a material consideration.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) also provides specific planning guidance for development planning and decision-making in relation to National Landscapes. It confirms that great weight should be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty, and that National Landscapes have the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.
How does the National Landscape Partnership deal with planning and development consultations?
The National Landscape Partnership is not a statutory consultee for planning applications or the formulation of Local and Neighbourhood Plans affecting the area. However, the National Landscape Partnerhip delegated authority to the National Landscape Unit to provide advice and guidance on planning and landscape-related matters where this is sought by local planning authorities, highway authorities, government agencies, developers and communities.
Any landscape planning advice and guidance offered by the National Landscape Unit is based on the objectives set out in the statutory National Landscape Management Plan and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Landscape Character Assessment (2009). The National Landscape Landscape Character Assessment offers analysis on overall landscape sensitivity and guidelines for managing landscape change within the National Landscape. More details on landscape characterisation and copies of the assessment can be found at http://www.forestofbowland.com/Landscape-Character-Assessment.
The National Landscape Partnership also produces position statements and guidance dealing with specific landscape planning issues (e.g. renewable energy or obtrusive lighting). Copies of these position statements can be downloaded here:
Who is the statutory consultee for landscape?
Natural England is the statutory consultee for landscape-related planning matters, alongside its broader land use planning remit for conservation and protection of the natural environment. The National Landscape Unit liaises with Natural England's Land Use Planning team on these and other related matters. A protocol between the National Landscape Partnership and Natural England sets out agreed working arrangements between both organisations in responding to development management and planning policy consultations affecting the National Landscape.
Contact
If you would like to discuss any landscape planning matters relating to the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, please contact Principal National Landscape Officer, Tony Lund on 01200 448000 or tony.lund@lancashire.gov.uk
