Somerset Landscape Character Assessment

The Landscape Character Assessment provides a robust evidence base to underpin the review of the Local Plan and to assist in the local planning process. It is intended to both inform work on policy development and development management, guiding development that is sympathetic to local character and the qualities of the landscape. It can help inform locational policies for strategic development as well as appropriate design and mitigation, providing baseline evidence for more detailed Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). It can also provide a framework for more detailed landscape studies and sensitivity assessments (and has informed the Somerset Landscape Sensitivity Assessment – Residential and Commercial Development). Whilst the Landscape Character Assessment has been prepared for use in the planning context, it will also be of relevance to other policy areas such as land management, climate change, biodiversity and tourism. The Landscape Character Assessment can be used to consider landscape character when considering any type of change. This includes opportunities for conserving and enhancing existing character as well as opportunities to create new character.

The Landscape Character Assessment is primarily intended as a study of the rural landscapes of Somerset. However, the influence of urban edges on the character of the adjoining rural areas is also considered. In addition, the principal characteristics, and features of urban areas within Somerset are also included for completeness.

Landscape character is defined as:

“a distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse” (Natural England, 2014)

Landscape character assessment is the process of identifying and describing such variations in character across a landscape. It seeks to identify and explain the unique combination of features and attributes (characteristics) that make different landscapes distinctive. The landscape is the result of the interaction between people and place which gives an area a local identity. The ‘landscape wheel’ below illustrates how the different natural, cultural, and perceptual attributes of a landscape combine to produce character. The process of Landscape Character Assessment is described in “An Approach to Landscape Character Assessment” (Natural England, October 2014).

Understanding the character of place and evaluating an area’s defining characteristics is a key component in managing growth sustainably and ensuring that the inherent character and qualities of the landscape of the Somerset Local Plan area can continue to be appreciated. Understanding of character can be used to ensure that any change or development does not undermine whatever is valued or characteristic in a particular landscape and help guide positive change that conserves, enhances, restores, or creates local character.

Landscape Value

Landscape value is defined as “The relative value or importance attached to different landscapes by society on account of their landscape qualities” (Landscape Institute 2021) and takes into account a range of factors including natural heritage; cultural heritage; landscape condition; associations; distinctiveness; recreational opportunities; perceptual (scenic) attributes; perceptual (wildness and tranquillity) attributes; and functional attributes.

The term ‘valued landscape’ can apply to both designated and non-designated landscapes. The current adopted Development Plan for Somerset comprises the adopted Local Plans for the former district councils, any ‘made’ neighbourhood plans, the Somerset Minerals Plan 2030 and the Somerset Waste Core Strategy 2028. The Local Plans for Mendip District and Taunton Deane Borough identify specific areas of landscape importance as ‘Special Landscape Features’. Whilst this Landscape Character Assessment takes cognisance of the previously identified Special Landscape Features, for consistency across the whole of the Somerset Local Plan area, Special Landscape Features are not specifically identified. However, key sensitivities and qualities are drawn out in this Landscape Character Assessment.