Cherwell District Council commissioned TEP to support their development plan process by preparing a Landscape Sensitivity Assessment and Local Green Space Designations Study.
The Landscape Sensitivity Assessment provides a comparative assessment of landscape sensitivity and value around the principal locations of Banbury, M40 Junction 10, Bicester, Heyford Park and the Kidlington, Yarnton and Begbroke area. It identifies the key characteristics and features which contribute to landscape sensitivity, and sets out a judgement of overall sensitivity for built development, woodland planting and recreation scenarios.
Local Green Space (LGS) designation was introduced in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in March 2012. The designation can only be made in Local Plans or Neighbourhood Development Plans and, once designated, LGSs receive protection broadly consistent with national Green Belt policy thereby only permitting development in exceptional circumstances. TEP’s report considers potential LGS sites within Cherwell District to determine which meet the LGS threshold.
Both of these documents form part of the evidence base for the New Local Plan. The consultation draft of the Cherwell Local Plan Review 2040 has now been published and the Local Plan Consultation is open until Friday 3rd November.
TEP has extensive experience in undertaking district-scale Landscape Sensitivity Assessments and Landscape Character Assessments. Learn more about Landscape Planning and Assessment at TEP.
