Landscape Character Assessment
What is a Landscape Character Assessment?
A Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is a method used for understanding what the landscape is like, how it came to be like that, and how it may change in the future.
What is the purpose of a LCA?
The purpose of a LCA is to help ensure that change and development does not undermine what ever is characteristic or valued about a particular place, and ways of improving the character of a place. LCA aims to provide a strong and robust evidence base to help ensure future change and development conserve and enhance rather than erode landscape character
How is a LCA carried out?
The LCA presents a characterisation of the whole district describing 8 landscape types. These 8 landscape types are subdivided into component landscape character areas. There are 23 character areas in South Bedfordshire each with distinct and recognisable local identity. The character areas form the fundamental unit for this assessment and the basis for a detailed description and evaluation.
How will LCA be used?
The LCA provides key information that can be used to help make decisions on the appropriate location, scale and design of new development. It would also interest members of the public with an interest in their local landscape and would provide a framework for more detailed studies of local landscape character such as design statements. The assessment also has wider applications such as influencing land management decisions such as agri-environment schemes.
Consultation – Where to find out more information?
Stakeholder views are critical to the success and potential influence of a landscape character assessment. Local comments strengthen understanding about what is important and valued about a landscape and the reasons why. This understanding can, in turn, help ensure that future management respects valued characteristics, elements and features of a landscape.
The Consultation Report and questionnaire is available to view and download on the Bedfordshire County Council website. The questionnaire can also be filled in online on the County Council Website.
Hard copies are also available to view at:
- South Bedfordshire District Council Offices;
- Leighton Linslade Town Council;
- Dunstable Town Council.
Consultation commences Sunday 1 April 2007 and ends on Thursday 31 May 2007. Please ensure responses reach us no later than Thursday 31 May 2007.
If you wish to discuss this matter further please contact the Development Plans Team, on 0845 849 6168.
