Somerset Landscape Character Assessment

The European Landscape Convention (ELC) came into force in the UK in March 2007. It establishes the need to recognise landscape in law; to develop landscape policies dedicated to the protection, management and planning of landscapes; and to establish procedures for the participation of the general public and other stakeholders in the creation and implementation of landscape policies. The ELC definition of ‘landscape’ recognises that all landscapes matter, be they ordinary, degraded, or outstanding:

“Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors.”

The ELC puts emphasis on the whole landscape and all its values. It is forward looking in its approach, recognising the dynamic and changing character of landscape. Specific measures promoted by the ELC of direct relevance to this study include:

• The identification and assessment of landscape character; and
• Improved consideration of landscape in existing and sectoral and spatial policy and regulation.

This Landscape Character Assessment will continue to make a key contribution to the implementation of the ELC in the Somerset Local Plan area. It helps to reaffirm the importance of all landscapes, coordinate existing work and guide future work to protect, manage and plan the landscape.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published in December 2024, states in paragraph 187 that:

“Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by:

1. protecting and enhancing valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils (in a manner commensurate with their statutory status or identified quality in the development plan);
2. recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland;
3. maintaining the character of the undeveloped coast, while improving public access to it where appropriate”

Current Local Plan documents comprise the adopted local plans for the former district councils, including the Mendip Local Plan Parts I and II (2006 to 2029), Sedgemoor Local Plan (2011 to 2032), Taunton Deane (2011 to 2028) and West Somerset (to 2032) Local Plans and South Somerset Local Plan (2006 to 2028). Landscape policy within the current Local Plans generally seeks to protect areas which form part of, or the setting to, nationally designated landscapes, or form part of a high-quality setting to towns and villages. Policy also seeks to appropriately manage potential impacts on the landscape, particularly remote rural areas or undeveloped coastlines, with reference to the previous landscape character assessments.