Somerset Landscape Character Assessment

The following guidelines apply to the whole of Somerset and recommend how the landscape can be managed to ensure future change respects the local character. They should be read in conjunction with the specific guidelines relating to the key sensitivities and valued features of each Landscape Character Type (LCT).

• Actively manage and where necessary restore the hedgerow, tree, and woodland framework, and discourage the replacement of hedgerows by fencing that erodes landscape character and habitat connectivity. Plant climate-resilient and disease-resilient trees (particularly resistant to ash dieback) to replace or provide succession where trees have died. Enhancement of the landscape framework should be considered on balance with where the landscape has a sense of openness, retaining key views within, across and outward from relevant LCTs.
• An increase in tree planting is required to contribute towards Somerset’s goals for woodland creation. Consider the ‘right tree, right place’ approach as advocated in the Somerset Tree Strategy 2023-2033, particularly when seeking to improve habitat connectivity, and in reducing flood risk (as the ability of trees to mitigate flood risk relies heavily on their location, and the species of the tree that is planted).
• Species-appropriate and spatially appropriate planting will increase resilience to climate change and assist with carbon sequestration. This will change the vegetation pattern and textures found in some parts of Somerset.
• Engage the community in woodland management, creation and restoration to build generational sustainability of the landscape through understanding of woodland processes and changing climatic conditions.
• Retain, manage, and enhance the mosaic of habitat across the LCTs in line with the Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), ensuring no net loss of biodiversity or notable species. Seek to achieve bigger, better and more connected areas of habitat as identified within the LNRS opportunity mapping.
• Plan for changes to agricultural policy, including the impacts of agri-environment policies such as the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) and the impact this may have on land use and landscape character. Landscape Recovery Schemes (part of ELMs) should seek to respect the character and fabric of a given landscape type alongside delivering landscape scale projects promoting environmental, climate, and local nature recovery benefits.
• To reduce reliance upon irrigation for areas of arable production, increase water retention, rainwater harvesting and natural water storage by installing storage and flow control features. This will change the character of views experienced in some parts of the rural landscape within Somerset.
• Improve soil structure and health through Local Nature Partnerships and an increased uptake of the Sustainable Farming Incentives. By implementing regenerative farming practices and improving soil health, soil erosion and nutrient leaching into watercourses shall be reduced. This will result in a visible improvement in the condition of fields on erodible soils.
• Support initiatives that support pollinator habitats. This includes integrating wildflower margins, cover crops, and reduced pesticide use into arable fields, which may change the pattern and texture of vegetation and land cover within some parts of Somerset.
• To retain and enhance the character of wetlands and intertidal habitats, implement strategic sediment and phosphate management plans, considering measures across the catchment as a whole. This may change the landscape pattern and character of views within some parts of Somerset.
• Ensure that the natural beauty, special qualities and key characteristics of Exmoor National Park (including the International Dark Sky Reserve), the Mendip Hills National Landscape (LCTs 1-3), the Quantock Hills National Landscape (LCTs 13-16, 18, 19 and 21), Cranborne Chase National Landscape (LCT 7) and the Blackdown Hills National Landscape (LCT 23 and 24) are conserved and enhanced, with reference to their current Management Plans and other guidance documents. Protect the rural setting and foreground of views towards the escarpment slopes, footslopes and combes associated with these national landscapes.
• Seek to prevent further erosion of footpaths or decline in the quality of the recreational experience of the landscape by engaging stakeholders, including local communities, landowners, and conservation organisations, in creating long-term plans that balance landscape preservation with economic and recreational development.

• Consider cumulative impacts, sensitive siting and design of renewable energy developments and associated electricity infrastructure.
• Consider the careful siting, design, or screening of large-scale agricultural buildings and infrastructure. Effective landscape mitigation for these structures can alter the vegetation pattern and texture visible in views across the rural landscape.
• Ensure that any new vertical elements respect and integrate with the scale of the receiving landscape and are sited and designed to minimise the visual impact on views across the landscape and sensitive skyline features.
• Ensure that new development respects and integrates with the historic pattern of the host landscape or settlement pattern, reinforces/enhances local distinctiveness and the traditional character of the area, through the use of appropriate building materials (such as locally sourced stone of the appropriate colour and texture).
• Support the objectives set out in Conservation Area Appraisals in terms of protecting the landscape setting of Conservation Areas, views towards key landmark features, and reflecting the use of traditional building materials as appropriate.
• Ensure expansion of settlement or residential development outside of settlement boundaries includes locally-appropriate landscape mitigation that reflects the characteristic landscape features and the field/vegetation pattern of the surrounding area to screen and filter views of new buildings.
• Ensure new development (including extensions to settlement edges and areas outside settlement boundaries) carefully addresses issues such as layout, massing, colour and texture to ensure high quality views are maintained from key vantage points.
• Maintain the intrinsic character and features of rural lanes, including the repair, retention, and protection of traditional stone walls and hedgerows.
• Protect and manage areas of recreational use, particularly around settlements, improving connections, infrastructure and signage, and identify opportunities for green infrastructure. Footpath maintenance and creation will support increasing visitor numbers, allowing people to enjoy the landscape.
• Ensure new development provides appropriate mitigation for nutrient neutrality, which may include constructed wetlands, changes in land management or retrofitting Sustainable Urban Drainage systems.
• Where relevant, ensure that new development or change does not adversely impact on the setting to nationally protected landscapes, and conversely that change within them does not impact on prominent skylines that form the setting to the wider landscape.
• Ensure that the tranquillity and dark skies of the rural areas is maintained, and where appropriate enhanced by controlling light pollution, screening visually intrusive elements, repairing and maintaining the landscape structure and removing fly tipping.